6 Hair Care Tips to Prevent Summer Hair Loss from Ziering Hair Loss Specialists

We always make sure to protect our skin for the fun summer days, but what about our hair? Your hair can take a real beating from the sun, chlorine, and saltwater during the hot summer months with more people complaining about increased hair loss. 

At Ziering Medical, we want to help you keep your hair strong and healthy all season long, so we asked our hair loss specialists for some hair care tips to protect your hair from summer hair loss. 

Is Summer Hair Loss Real?

During the summer, many people notice increased hair shedding, often referred to as seasonal shedding rather than true hair loss, where follicles stop producing hair altogether. 

A 2018 study explored the relationship between hair loss and seasonality using Google Trends data. They found that people search for “hair loss” more frequently in summer and autumn compared to spring. This aligns with previous studies that showed more hair shedding in summer. 

While the exact reason for seasonal hair loss is still unknown, Ziering surgeons point to three main reasons why this might happen: 

• Hair Growth Cycle. Hair naturally cycles through phases of growth, transition, and resting. Research suggests that more hair follicles may enter the resting phase (telogen) during summer. This leads to increased shedding in the fall when these resting hairs are shed.

• Increased Sun Exposure. Exposure to sunlight and hot weather can dry out the hair, making it brittle and more prone to breakage. This breakage can mimic the appearance of hair loss.

• Changes in Routine. Summer activities like swimming in pools with chlorine or in saltwater at the beach can strip hair of its natural oils. This leaves hair dry, fragile, and more susceptible to shedding.

6 Ways to Prevent Summer Hair Loss 

Summer is linked to increased complaints about hair loss. But don’t worry—there are steps you can take to protect and preserve your hair. Here are six effective ways to prevent summer hair loss approved by Ziering physicians: 

1. Use a leave-in conditioning treatment with UV filters.

The sun’s UV rays can harm your hair just like they do your skin. They can break down hair proteins, causing weakened strands, color fading, dryness, and even hair fall. A very effective way to prevent this is by applying a leave-in conditioner with UV filters. 

These products create a protective barrier that shields your hair from the sun’s damaging effects. Ziering physicians recommend products with UV-protective ingredients like ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate or benzophenone. 

2. Wear sun hats. 

One of the easiest and most stylish ways to protect your hair from UV damage and minimize shedding is by wearing a sun hat. A wide-brimmed hat shields your hair from direct sunlight, reducing the risk of protein breakdown and breakage. Choose hats made from breathable materials like straw or cotton to stay cool and protected.

3. Reduce heat styling. 

Summer is a great time to put away the flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. Excessive heat styling can dry out and damage your hair, making it more susceptible to breakage and shedding. Try heatless styles like braids, buns, or twists. 

If you must use heat, keep it on the lowest setting and move the tool continuously to avoid concentrating heat on one spot. This helps maintain moisture and prevent hair thinning caused by breakage.

4. Wet your hair before and after swimming. 

Before you take a plunge into a chlorinated pool or the ocean, it’s a good idea to wet your hair with fresh water first. This way, your hair absorbs clean water and is less likely to soak up chlorine or saltwater, which can dry it out and strip away its natural oils. 

After your swim, make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water as soon as you can. This helps wash away any chlorine or salt that may have built up. Follow up with a gentle shampoo that’s sulfate-free and a moisturizing conditioner to restore moisture and keep your hair strands strong. 

5. Use swim caps.

If you’re a frequent swimmer, Ziering physicians recommend that you consider wearing a swim cap. Swim caps provide a physical barrier that protects your hair from prolonged exposure to chlorine or saltwater. They’re especially useful for those with colored or chemically treated hair, which can be more susceptible to damage and loss. 

6. Consider nonsurgical hair restoration treatments. 

If you want to manage your ongoing hair loss this summer without any downtime, our hair loss specialists recommend considering nonsurgical treatments. Ziering Medical offers a wide range of non-surgical treatments to help you manage or even stop pattern hair loss. Here are some of them: 

A. Prescription Hair Loss Treatments

Options like finasteride (ZPro), oral minoxidil, and dutasteride address the root causes of hair loss. These treatments are FDA-approved and clinically proven. They not only halt hair loss but can also promote regrowth over time, typically within 3-4 months of consistent use. A consultation with a Ziering hair restoration specialist is required to determine your suitability.

B. Z-Factors

Z-Factors is a topical treatment enriched with growth factors and cytokines that support hair health. Unlike PRP therapy, Z-Factors doesn’t involve blood draws or injections so it’s a more convenient option. It helps slow hair follicle miniaturization, increases hair thickness, and improves scalp health with no downtime required.

C. Laser Therapy In-Clinic and At-Home Options

Laser therapy at Ziering Medical comes in both clinic visits and at-home options like the Z CAP. It uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to improve scalp blood flow, reduce inflammation, and encourage cell activity, all helping in creating the ideal conditions for hair growth.

Regular use of laser therapy has been shown to help in managing ongoing hair loss and even encouraging new hair growth. Ziering experts might suggest pairing laser therapy with oral medications or Z-Factors for a well-rounded strategy against summer hair loss.

Need Help Beating Hair Loss?

Are you ready to beat hair loss and work with one of the best hair loss specialists in the world? Dr. Craig Ziering and his team of hair transplant surgeons are among the very best in the field of hair restoration and their results speak for themselves. 

Take control of your hair loss today and join the 10,000+ patients who have put their trust in Ziering Medical. Call us to book a consultation. We serve patients all over the greater Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as well as the greater Southern California area from Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to Newport Beach and San Diego.

Watch Miss Fame’s Journey to Hair Restoration with Dr. Craig Ziering 

At Ziering Medical, every patient transformation is a story of renewed confidence. Watch model, makeup artist, and performer Miss Fame’s journey to hair restoration and achieving the perfect hairline performed by Dr. Ziering.