Spring Hair Care: How to Protect and Strengthen Hair This Season

woman in white shirt holding purple flowers

As the clocks spring forward and the first blossoms appear, our instinct is to hit the refresh button. We’re swapping heavy wool coats for breezy linens, digging out the strappy sandals, and embracing the glow of longer days. But while your body gets a seasonal promotion, is your hair still stuck in winter hibernation?

woman in white shirt holding purple flowers
Spring hair care advice from Dr Mohamed for Belle About Town (Photo alieebrahimi)

After months of battling biting winds, dehydrating central heating, and the heavy styling products required to keep “winter frizz” at bay, many of us are noticing the aftermath: increased shedding, a certain flatness, or a lack of that signature Belle gloss.

The good news? Spring is the ultimate moment for a follicular reset. We spoke with Dr Mohamed, renowned Hair Restoration Surgeon and Medical Director at City Clinics, to get the definitive, science-backed guide to transitioning your tresses into the new season.

Why Spring Can Be Tough on Tresses

It’s not just in your head, seasonal shifts truly influence hair behaviour. Research shows that our follicles move through growth and rest phases in response to changing daylight and environmental cues.

“Spring often feels like a transition phase for hair,” explains Dr Mohamed. “Changes in texture or shedding can begin at the follicle level before they become visible to the naked eye.” Add to that the uptick in UV exposure and fluctuating humidity, and your hair’s “exposome”, the internal and external factors affecting it, starts to shift.

1. Start at the Source: The Scalp

Healthy hair is an inside job, starting right at the root. Winter often leaves the scalp congested or tight. To restore balance, Dr Mohamed recommends:

  • A Gentle Detox: Use a clarifying shampoo once or twice weekly to whisk away product buildup.
  • The Power of Touch: Incorporate a light scalp massage. Early studies suggest this boosts circulation and support follicle activity.
  • Balance is Beauty: Avoid over-cleansing, which can strip the scalp’s natural barrier and cause irritation.

2. SPF Isn’t Just for Skin

We wouldn’t dream of hitting a terrace lunch without SPF, yet we often leave our hair defenceless. UV radiation can degrade keratin—the protein your hair is made of—leading to brittleness.

  • The Belle Tip: Spritz on a UV-protective treatment before heading out, or opt for a chic wide-brimmed hat on particularly bright days.

3. Combat the Humidity Hike

Spring weather is notoriously fickle—cool mornings followed by humid afternoons. This causes the hair cuticle to swell and lift, leading to the dreaded frizz.

  • The Fix: Swap heavy winter creams for lightweight conditioning masks and smoothing serums. A tiny drop of hair oil on the mid-lengths can seal the cuticle without weighing down your spring bounce.

4. The Beauty of Biochemistry

“Hair health is biochemical,” says Dr. Mohamed. Clinical evidence links deficiencies in iron and protein to thinning. To “future-proof” your mane, focus on a diet rich in lean proteins, leafy greens, and Omega-3s.

So, rather than playing catch-up with damaged hair in the summer, now is the time to strengthen and protect. As Dr Mohamed puts it: “A seasonal mindset encourages prevention rather than correction.”

  • Emily Cleary

    After almost a decade chasing ambulances, and celebrities, for Fleet Street's finest, Emily has taken it down a gear and settled for a (slightly!) slower pace of life in the suburbs. With a love of cheese and fine wine, Emily is more likely to be found chasing her toddlers round Kew Gardens than sipping champagne at a showbiz launch nowadays, or grabbing an hour out of her hectic freelancer's life to chill out in a spa while hubby holds the babies. If only!
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