Spanish hairdresser Conchi Arias has advised people to wash their hair as often as their scalp requires during summer, even daily if necessary.
Speaking to lifestyle magazine Lecturas, Arias warned that spacing out washes out of fear of drying out hair is one of the most common and damaging mistakes during warm weather.
Summer conditions subject the scalp to higher levels of sweat, sun, pool chlorine, and sea salt, which rapidly accumulate dirt and require regular removal to maintain scalp health.
Summer Hair Exposure and Washing Frequency
Arias explained that hair remains wet for longer periods in summer while facing increased exposure to external environmental agents.
Because sweat production rises in higher temperatures, keeping the scalp clean becomes essential for overall hair hygiene and comfort.
The expert stressed that there is no single washing frequency that applies to everyone equally, meaning individuals should observe their own scalp condition and wash accordingly.
Choosing the Right Shampoo and Protecting Hair Fibers
Selecting an appropriate product is just as critical as finding the right washing frequency, according to Arias.
She recommended choosing a suitable shampoo that cleans delicately without causing aggression to the scalp or stripping natural moisture.
During summer months, products that maintain scalp balance and hydration work particularly well, providing flexibility to the hair fiber to compensate for more frequent washing.
Proper Washing Technique and Scalp Massage
The method of washing hair also plays a decisive role in preventing damage during the summer season.
Guidelines provided by Arias recommend concentrating the washing process directly on the scalp using a gentle massage with the fingertips rather than rubbing the hair strands.
Frictional rubbing on wet hair fibers can cause mechanical damage to the outer hair shaft, whereas focusing on the scalp removes sweat and oil build-up effectively.
Addressing Autumn Hair Shedding and Summer Damage
Addressing broader hair health concerns, hair health expert Natalia Zablocka noted that many people misinterpret autumn hair shedding.
Zablocka explained that while many believe hair loss in September stems from the change of season, the underlying damage and follicle stress actually begin during the summer months.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, salt water, and chlorine during July and August can stress hair follicles, leading to increased shedding several weeks later.
Background on Summer Hair Hygiene and Scalp Biology
The human scalp contains thousands of sebaceous glands that produce sebum, a natural oil that protects the skin and hair shaft. In high heat, sweat mixes with sebum, creating a layer that can trap environmental pollutants, dead skin cells, and microscopic residues from sea salt and swimming pool chlorine.
When sweat and salt residue remain on the scalp for extended periods, they can cause localized irritation around hair follicles. Maintaining proper scalp hygiene through frequent, mild cleansing helps preserve the natural barrier of the skin without disrupting hair moisture balance.
Lecturas is a long-established Spanish lifestyle and health publication. The report by journalist Andrés Barros Mariño was published on August 18, 2026, highlighting expert advice for maintaining scalp hygiene throughout the summer period.
