True or False: Does Your Hair Grow Faster in the Summer?
Here in Michigan, where we are headquartered, we are always excited to see summer come again. The splendor of summer—sun-kissed days filled with trips to the pool and beach, outdoor barbecues with family and friends, and plenty of time outdoors for new adventures. Ahhhhh!
Speaking about the positives of summer, I’ve often been asked, “Does my hair really grow faster in the summer?”
Well, while your cute pixie cut isn’t going to magically transform into a classic bob in a few months’ time, your hair could grow 10% faster during summer than it would in a cold climate in winter. That is, of course, if you happen to live in a climate where the change of seasons means wildly varying temps.
The hot weather alone doesn’t stimulate hair growth—the increased blood circulation stimulates hair growth. How? We tend to be more physically active in the warmer months. The heightened activity causes our bodies to produce more hormones and work harder to keep us cool.
The National Institute of Health conducted a “Seasonal Changes in Human Hair Growth” study in 1991 which helps support this idea. Although there hasn’t been a lot of research done on this subject and this study was done decades ago, the data is still pretty clear—warmer weather affects our bodies and positively impacts hair growth.
Did you know that all body hair (including your eyebrows) has a three-phase growth cycle? While eyebrow hair, scalp hair and eyelashes may all grow at different rates, they all still follow the same three-phase cycle (anagen, catagen and telogen) referenced in the NIH study. The anagen phase is the active growth phase, when the hair follicles divide rapidly. The catagen phase is a short transitional phase that signals the end of the anagen phase. And the telegen phase is the resting phase. All body hair, including scalp hair, goes through the three-phase growth cycle but not all follicles go through the same stage at the same time. So, some hair follicles are always in the active growth phase, while some are in the resting phase. The hair of all mammals follows this growth cycle, but we humans are unique in that our hair doesn’t shed during hot weather and grow thicker during cold weather. In fact, in terms of hair growth at least, it appears that the opposite is true.
Just remember, a wholesome diet packed with nutritious foods rich in biotin, vitamin C, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals such as zinc and iron are necessary for a healthy body (and for healthy hair) all year long. But the NIH study shows us that what we have always suspected is probably true: Our hair does grow faster in the summer. So if you are trying to grow out a bad haircut or looking for lusher brows by using EES, summer is the time!
Keep reading my blogs to learn more about the latest trends in haircare, beneficial health and wellness tips, eyebrow-related news and much more!
Always remember: Be informed. Be encouraged. Be empowered. But, most of all . . .Be yourself.
About the Author
Renata Marie Vestevich is the president and founder of EES – Essential Eyebrow Solution®. She is also the owner and director of Advanced Hair Solutions in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Her career covers more than 30 years in the cosmetology and hair replacement industry. To read Renata’s full bio, click here.