The sun is shining, the waves are calling, and you’re finally on vacation but then you notice something unsettling: your hair feels weaker, drier, and perhaps even begins to shed more than usual. It’s a common concern during summer, especially when travel, sun exposure, and changes in diet collide.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore how to take care of your hair during vacation, why hair loss often increases in summer, and what nutrients, vitamins, and natural remedies you can use to keep your hair healthy, strong, and shiny all season long.
How to Take Care of Your Hair While on Vacation
Whether you’re swimming in the sea or lounging by the pool, your hair needs protection just as much as your skin. Summer conditions like UV rays, saltwater, wind, and air conditioning can strip moisture and weaken your strands.
Vacation hair care tips:
- Start with a trim before your trip to eliminate split ends.
- Rinse with clean water before and after swimming to minimize chlorine and salt absorption.
- Use a leave-in conditioner or UV-protective spray daily, especially before sun exposure.
- Avoid over-washing shampooing too often strips natural oils. Every 2–3 days is usually enough.
- Air dry instead of blow-drying. Your hair is already exposed to enough heat from the sun.
- Wrap hair in a scarf or wear a wide-brimmed hat to minimize direct sunlight on your scalp and strands.
- Use a deep conditioning mask once or twice a week to replenish moisture.
Travel-sized hydrating products, silk scrunchies, and a wide-tooth comb should be in every vacation haircare kit.
Why Does Hair Fall Out More in Summer?
It’s not your imagination, seasonal hair shedding is real, and summer is one of the most common times people experience it.
Main reasons for summer hair loss:
- Sun exposure: UV rays can damage the scalp and hair follicles, leading to weaker strands.
- Sweat and oil buildup: Excessive sweating clogs pores and irritates the scalp.
- Saltwater and chlorine: Dry out hair shafts, making breakage more likely.
- Dehydration: Affects nutrient delivery to hair roots.
- Dietary changes: Skipping meals or not getting enough protein and iron while traveling impacts hair health.
- Stress: Even positive stress (like travel) can contribute to telogen effluvium, a temporary increase in shedding.
Shedding 50–100 hairs a day is normal, but if you notice sudden or excessive loss during summer, it may be time to look at both internal and external factors.
What Foods Help Prevent Hair Loss in Summer?
Your diet directly affects your hair’s strength, shine, and growth rate. During hot weather, it’s common to eat lighter meals, but neglecting key nutrients can accelerate seasonal shedding.
Top hair-supporting foods to include in your summer diet:
- Eggs: Packed with protein and biotin
- Spinach: Rich in iron and folate
- Avocados: Contain healthy fats and vitamin E
- Salmon: A great source of omega-3s and vitamin D
- Sweet potatoes: Full of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A
- Nuts and seeds: Provide zinc, selenium, and B vitamins
- Greek yogurt: High in protein and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
- Berries: Antioxidants help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress
Tip: Eat hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber alongside protein-rich meals to support overall scalp health.
Which Vitamins Support Hair Health the Most?
Certain vitamins and minerals play a vital role in maintaining healthy hair. Deficiencies especially during seasonal changes can lead to thinning, dryness, or excess shedding.
Key vitamins and nutrients for summer hair care:
- Biotin (Vitamin B7) – Promotes keratin production and overall hair strength.
- Vitamin D – Regulates hair follicle cycling; low levels are linked to alopecia.
- Iron – Supports oxygen delivery to hair roots; crucial for women with heavy periods or restrictive diets.
- Zinc – Helps with tissue repair and oil gland function on the scalp.
- Vitamin E – Improves blood circulation in the scalp and reduces oxidative stress.
- Vitamin A – Aids in sebum production but should not be taken in excess.
- Collagen + Vitamin C – Collagen supports scalp structure, while Vitamin C aids its absorption and fights free radicals.
Supplements may help, but food should always be your primary source. Consult your doctor before beginning any supplement routine.
Does Seasonal Change Cause Hair Loss?
Yes, seasonal hair loss is a well-documented phenomenon, especially during the spring and summer months.
This process, known as seasonal telogen effluvium, occurs when more hair follicles than usual enter the resting (telogen) phase. Several theories suggest it’s an evolutionary adaptation, but in practical terms, you may shed more hair for 6–8 weeks during these transitions.
Contributing factors during season changes:
- Hormonal fluctuations due to light exposure
- Changes in temperature and humidity
- Stress associated with travel or lifestyle changes
- Weakened immune function post-illness (e.g., summer flu or gut infections)
The good news? This shedding is usually temporary. With proper nutrition, hydration, and scalp care, your hair will return to its normal growth cycle within a few months.
What Are Natural Remedies for Summer Hair Loss?
If you’re looking for gentle, chemical-free options to support your hair this summer, here are proven natural remedies that can soothe your scalp and strengthen your strands.
- Aloe vera gel: Calms sun-exposed scalp and hydrates dry hair.
- Coconut oil massage: Nourishes the scalp, seals split ends, and promotes shine.
- Onion juice: Stimulates hair follicles and has antimicrobial properties.
- Green tea rinse: Rich in antioxidants that may reduce hair shedding.
- Rosemary oil: Improves circulation and stimulates growth when massaged into the scalp.
- Fenugreek seeds: Soaked overnight, blended into a paste, and applied to the scalp for 30 minutes to reduce dandruff and thinning.
Always do a patch test before trying any new remedy and limit treatments to 1–2 times a week.
Simple Daily Habits to Reduce Summer Hair Shedding
- Drink at least 2.5–3 liters of water daily
- Wear a hat or scarf during peak sun hours
- Use mild shampoos with natural ingredients
- Avoid brushing wet hair use a wide-tooth comb instead
- Let your hair air-dry and reduce heat styling
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
- Avoid crash diets or skipping meals
Remember, consistent care is more effective than sporadic intensive treatments.
Erdem Hospital Provides Expert Hair Loss Solutions for Seasonal and Chronic Conditions
At Erdem Hospital in Istanbul, our dermatology and trichology teams offer advanced diagnostics and personalized treatments for hair loss whether it’s seasonal or linked to deeper health concerns. With over 37 years of medical experience, we provide:
- Scalp analysis and trichoscopic imaging
- Tailored vitamin and mineral therapy
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments
- Mesotherapy for hair follicles
- Stress management and nutritional counseling
Our international patients trust us for holistic, science-based approaches to hair wellness especially during vulnerable periods like seasonal transitions and post-travel recovery.