Does Your Hair Grow Faster in the Summer?
The Seasonal Science Behind Your Strands
It’s come to my attention that people are ACTUALLY reading these blog posts and enjoying them… who knew!? I just want to say I’m so appreciative of you for being here. I also want to thank you for your patience during my absence these last few weeks. I have been building out a new space for my studio while also taking clients full time and let me tell you… if I could clone myself I totally would. I’d get a lot more done that way. Nonetheless, I am here for you and excited about this weeks topic which answers a question I get frequently:
“Does our hair grow at different rates with the change of seasons?”
Have you ever noticed that your hair seems to grow a little faster in the summer and slows to a sluggish crawl come winter? You’re not imagining it.
Now there ARE exceptions to everything that I’m about to outline for you. Everyone has a different genetic makeup, environment, and stress levels. If you feel like your hair is starting to thin or fall out, read this once you’ve finished this post.
Now here’s the truth (rooted in both science and centuries of observation): yes, hair does tend to grow faster in the warmer months. It is subtle and small… but there are certain factors that make this statement true (for most).
The Science of Seasonal Hair Growth
Hair, like the rest of the body, responds to environmental shifts. Seasonal changes affect your hormones, blood circulation, and even your scalp’s oil production—all of which play a role in the pace of hair growth.
In summer:
Increased blood flow: Warm weather dilates blood vessels and improves circulation, which means more oxygen and nutrients reach your hair follicles. That’s like giving your roots a morning espresso.
Higher hormone activity: Sunlight exposure increases vitamin D and can boost melatonin and serotonin levels, all of which are linked to follicle stimulation and hair cycle regulation.
Healthier habits: People often eat lighter, more nutrient-rich foods in the summer and spend more time outdoors. That combo can benefit your hair, too.
In winter:
Restricted blood flow: Cold constricts vessels, and less blood flow to your scalp means less fuel for your follicles.
Dry scalp and breakage: Winter air dries everything out—your skin, your scalp, and yes, the ends of your hair. You might think your hair isn’t growing, but really it’s breaking before you can enjoy the length.
Less sun, less Vitamin D: With shorter, darker days, your body might not produce as much vitamin D, which can slow hair’s natural growth cycle.
What’s Normal, Anyway?
On average, human hair grows about half an inch per month, or roughly six inches per year. But seasonal variation can make that number wiggle a bit—maybe closer to ¾ inch during peak summer, and closer to ⅓ inch during the coldest winter stretch.
Now, that might not sound like much… until you’re waiting to grow out a bad cut or coax your beard into a legendary shape.
What You Can Do Year-Round
If you’re looking to optimize growth no matter the season, here’s a handy toolkit:
Scalp massage: Improves circulation, especially helpful in colder months.
Regular trims: Prevents split ends from breaking and stalling your length.
Proper nourishment: Eat your protein, fats, and greens—your hair’s built on it.
Natural oils: Products like calendula-rich beard oil or a rosemary scalp oil? Pure gold.
Sunshine and movement: Just like the doc tells you—get outside and move a little every day. Your follicles will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Yes, your hair really can change with the seasons. It’s a subtle shift—like the angle of the light through the window or the way jazz sounds different in autumn. So next time you feel like your strands are sprinting in July and dragging in January, remember: it’s all part of the rhythm. Respect it, nourish it, and style accordingly.
This post contains affiliate links to some of my favorite products that I recommend to make your hair journey less confusing. If you’d like to shop my entire storefront on Amazon, check this out. Currently, I’m in the process of developing a game changer to help you even further and create a one stop shop for all of your skin, hair, and scalp needs. If you want the latest and greatest updates on this secret project of mine as well as first dibs on these blog posts, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list by clicking the link below. Talk soon!
XOXO,
Andy Fischer
