The Season Your Scalp Acts Up — A Routine for Right Now
If your scalp has been feeling unusually sensitive as spring gives way to summer, it's not your imagination.
This is the time of year when scalp conditions shift fast. After months of adapting to dry winter air, your sebaceous glands react to the sudden rise in temperature by ramping up sebum production. The problem is how quickly it happens — breakouts arrive before your scalp has a chance to find its balance.
1. Reset Your Shampooing Frequency
That oily feeling by evening when you washed your hair in the morning — sound familiar? Sebum production is known to increase by around 10% for every 1°C rise in temperature. If you were washing every other day in winter, shampooing at least once a day is now the baseline. The key this season is light and frequent. Rather than trying to get a thorough clean in one shampoo, shampooing consistently with a gentle formula is what keeps your scalp in balance.
2. Keep Your Scalp Cool
When sebum increases, the microorganisms(Malassezia) that naturally live on your scalp become more active. As they break down sebum, they irritate the skin — leading to itchiness and inflammation. Heat drives sebum production even further, so avoid prolonged sun exposure and spending time in hot environments. Avoid wearing thick winter hats that don't allow proper ventilation. After shampooing, rinse with cool water to bring the scalp temperature down, and finish blow-drying on the cool setting so your scalp doesn't heat back up.
3. Go Lighter — on Your Scalp and Hair
Higher humidity creates the perfect environment for sweat, sebum, and moisture to mix on your scalp. Ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive. If you're still using a heavy, moisture-focused winter shampoo or a rich treatment, now is the time to switch. Shampoos containing Zinc Pyrithione, Salicylic Acid, or Tea Tree are well-suited for this season — effective at controlling sebum and keeping bacteria in check. Scale back on conditioners too, or swap to a lighter formula.
Most people adjust their skincare routine with every season change, yet stick to the same scalp routine all year. Your scalp is the foundation of your hair — and an extension of your skin. Checking in on your scalp each season and adjusting your routine accordingly is where healthy hair begins.