Midwest Hair SOS: Tackling Scalp and Hair Changes from Spring to Summer

Spring to summer is a welcome transition in the Midwest—sunny days, breezy evenings, and finally swapping coats for dresses and sandals. But just as your wardrobe changes, your hair and scalp also respond (sometimes dramatically!) to these shifting seasons. Let’s dive into some common changes your hair might experience during this transition, and more importantly, how to manage them like a pro. 🌷☀️

What’s Happening to My Hair?

As humidity rises from spring into summer, your hair might suddenly feel like it has a mind of its own. The once predictable, smooth hair you enjoyed in cooler months can suddenly transform into a frizzy, unruly mess due to increased moisture in the air. This change can make styling feel like an uphill battle, especially if you're fighting against natural texture or waves. Sweat, heat, and outdoor activities lead to extra oil production, leaving your scalp feeling greasy and weighed down, or even triggering itchiness and irritation.

Additionally, more frequent sun exposure can lead to UV damage, causing your hair color—particularly if color-treated—to fade, turn brassy, or lose its vibrancy. Those leisurely afternoons spent swimming in chlorinated pools, while refreshing, can strip hair of essential moisture and natural oils, leading to brittleness and breakage. Even seasonal allergies prevalent during spring and summer months can affect scalp health, causing inflammation, sensitivity, or dandruff flare-ups that weren’t there before.

Scalp Struggles You Didn’t Expect

Alongside hair struggles, your scalp might be dealing with its own set of challenges. Higher temperatures disrupt your scalp’s natural microbiome, sometimes resulting in conditions like scalp acne or increased dandruff. Heat-induced sweat can mix with products like sunscreen or styling creams, potentially clogging follicles and leading to irritation or even hair thinning. Frequent washing, though often necessary in the hotter months, can inadvertently strip your hair of vital moisture, leaving both hair and scalp dehydrated and prone to irritation.

If you're noticing increased tangles, breakage, or dullness, it’s likely your hair is sending you a signal that it’s craving some extra TLC. Sun exposure weakens hair fibers, causing split ends and loss of shine, making hair appear lackluster. It’s clear—your hair care routine needs a seasonal update just as much as your wardrobe does!

Your Summer Hair Rescue Guide 101 🛟

Ready to reclaim gorgeous, healthy hair and a balanced scalp? Here are three simple and practical steps to manage seasonal hair challenges right at home:

1. 🌿 Weekly DetoxOnce a week, use a gentle clarifying shampoo (like R+Co Lost Treasure Shampoo) to deeply cleanse and remove buildup caused by sweat, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants. Follow this detox with a nourishing mask (like R+Co BLEU De Luxe Reparative Masque) to restore hydration and leave your hair feeling refreshed.

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2. 💦 Hydration BoostCombat humidity-induced frizz and dryness by adding a leave-in conditioner or lightweight moisturizing oil to your hair care routine. This creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and keeps frizz at bay, resulting in smoother, shinier hair all season long.

3. ☀️ Sun Protection is a MustJust as you protect your skin, shield your hair from UV rays by using products with UV protection or simply wearing a hat during prolonged sun exposure. Not only does this prevent dryness and color fading, but it also keeps your hair healthier and stronger from root to tip.