During summer, the combination of heat, humidity, and strong ultraviolet rays can place considerable stress on the scalp.

Many men may feel that they experience more hair loss during this season.

This article explains whether increased summer hair loss is a real phenomenon, explores the potential causes, clarifies how it differs from AGA (androgenetic alopecia), and shares practical tips to help prevent seasonal hair loss.

Does Hair Loss in Men Increase During Summer?

While hair loss in men is typically linked to aging, genetics, and male hormones, seasonal changes can also affect the amount of hair shed.

In summer especially, various contributing factors overlap, making it easier for hair loss to occur.

If you find that you’re losing more hair than usual during a shower or when waking up, it may be worth considering whether seasonal influences are involved.

Causes of Increased Hair Loss in Men During Summer

Why does hair loss tend to increase more in summer compared to other seasons? Several possible causes can be considered.

Damage from Ultraviolet Rays

The scalp is one of the most sun-exposed parts of the body. Like the skin, it can suffer damage from extended UV exposure.

Summer has the highest levels of ultraviolet rays throughout the year. Men, particularly those with short hair, tend to have more exposed scalp, making them more susceptible to sun damage.

UV rays can lead to dryness and inflammation of the scalp, weakening the hair follicles.

As a result, hair may become thinner and fall out more easily.

Deterioration of Scalp Conditions Due to Heat and Humidity

Japanese summers are known for being hot and humid, creating a harsh environment for the scalp.

When temperatures rise, sebum production increases and people tend to sweat more.

If proper scalp care is neglected, sebum and dirt can clog the pores, leading to inflammation and itching.

Wearing a hat for long periods while sweating can trap heat and moisture, encouraging bacterial growth. This may cause dandruff, unpleasant odors, and eventually lead to hair loss.

As scalp conditions worsen, the hair growth cycle may become disrupted, making it more difficult for healthy hair to grow. This can create a negative cycle of continued hair loss.

Nutrient Deficiency from Summer Fatigue

In summer, appetite tends to decrease, often leading to an imbalanced diet.

If you mainly consume cold or sugary foods, you may lack essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals—key components for healthy hair growth.

In addition, if your digestive system is weakened by summer fatigue, your body’s ability to absorb nutrients declines.

This can reduce the supply of nourishment to your hair, contributing to increased shedding and making your hair thinner and less resilient.

Dryness and Poor Circulation Caused by Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is essential in summer to prevent heatstroke, but prolonged use can dry out the air.

This dryness also affects the scalp, disrupting the balance of sebum and making it prone to itching and dandruff, which can lead to hair loss.

Overexposure to cold air may also cause the body to become chilled, leading to poor blood circulation.

When blood flow to the scalp is reduced, oxygen and nutrients can’t be delivered effectively, interfering with healthy hair growth.

Effects of Pools and Seawater

On hot summer days, people often go swimming in pools or at the beach. However, both can damage your scalp and hair.

Pools contain chlorine to disinfect the water, but it can be harsh on the scalp and strip away essential oils, causing dryness.

Seawater also contains high levels of salt and impurities. If not rinsed off properly, these substances can remain on the scalp and cause irritation or inflammation.

Additionally, since pools and beaches are usually outdoors, prolonged UV exposure can worsen these effects and increase the likelihood of hair loss.

How to Prevent Summer Hair Loss in Men

What steps can be taken to prevent hair loss during the summer season?

Here are five practical tips to help protect your scalp and reduce seasonal shedding.

UV Protection

If you spend a lot of time outdoors or work outside, UV protection for your scalp is essential.

Men with short or thinning hair are especially vulnerable to sun damage, so wearing a breathable hat, using a sun umbrella, or applying scalp-specific sunscreen spray can be effective.

However, no UV protection is perfect. To minimize damage, it’s important to wash your scalp thoroughly after returning home and use a moisturizing scalp lotion to prevent dryness and irritation.

Improving Scalp Conditions

During hot and humid summer months, sweat and sebum production increase, making the scalp more prone to issues.

If left untreated, clogged pores can lead to inflammation and hair loss, so maintaining scalp cleanliness is crucial.

Choose a shampoo that is not too harsh, and wash using the pads of your fingers, gently massaging the scalp instead of scratching it with your nails.

After shampooing, dry your hair promptly with a hairdryer to prevent moisture buildup, which can harm the scalp.

A Well-Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is essential for healthy hair.

Hair is primarily made of protein, but other nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc also play key roles in supporting hair follicle metabolism and promoting circulation.

Include lean meats, fish, soy products, eggs, and green and yellow vegetables in your meals.

Avoid overeating or extreme dieting, as both can negatively impact your hair.

Also, while it’s tempting to eat only cold foods in the summer, doing so can weaken digestion. Including warm foods helps improve nutrient absorption and supports overall hair health.

Staying Hydrated

Frequent hydration is important not only for preventing heatstroke and maintaining metabolism, but also for supporting healthy hair.

Try to drink water regularly before you feel thirsty, aiming for at least 2 liters per day.

Cold drinks like iced coffee or beer may be refreshing, but both caffeine and alcohol have diuretic effects.

Drinking too much of them can actually dehydrate the body and have the opposite effect on scalp health.

Getting Quality Sleep

Growth hormones that promote hair growth are secreted during sleep.

If you don’t get enough rest or maintain irregular sleep patterns, your hormone balance may be disrupted, leading to increased hair loss.

Summer nights can be hot and uncomfortable, so use air conditioning or a fan to keep your room cool and ensure quality sleep.

Also, avoid using smartphones or drinking alcohol right before bed, as these can lower sleep quality and interfere with hair recovery.

Shampoos Recommended for Preventing Summer Hair Loss in Men

Shampoo is the foundation of hair care, and keeping the scalp clean plays a key role in preventing hair loss.

However, with so many products available at drugstores, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

Here are some shampoos especially recommended for dealing with summer-related hair loss.

NILE Rich Foaming Scalp Shampoo (NILE)

NILE’s Rich Foaming Scalp Shampoo contains five types of amino acid-based cleansing agents.

Its fine, dense foam helps wash away dirt and sebum from the scalp, while being gentle and low-irritation due to the use of mild amino acid surfactants.

It also includes a fresh, fruity La France (pear) fragrance that provides a refreshing feeling after washing.

U-MA Premium Shampoo (U-MA)

U-MA Premium Shampoo is made with plant-derived amino acid cleansers and high-quality horse oil.

It was developed under the supervision of AGA specialists and certified hair professionals.

The formula is free from alcohol, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances, minimizing scalp irritation while still offering strong cleansing power.

CHAP UP Scalp Shampoo (CHAP UP)

CHAP UP Scalp Shampoo is designed to provide excellent cleansing while also repairing damaged hair and moisturizing the scalp.

As men age, sebum production often increases, leading to unpleasant scalp odors.

CHAP UP includes ten plant-derived ingredients such as rosemary, lavender, sage leaf, and hawthorn extract to cleanse gently while leaving the scalp well-moisturized and protected.

SUNSTAR Tonic Shampoo COOL BURST (SUNSTAR)

SUNSTAR Tonic Shampoo COOL BURST is a popular medicated shampoo designed for men.

It contains cleansing ingredients that target sweat-induced stickiness and odor.

With strong menthol and a citrusy fragrance, it refreshes both the scalp and mood.

Some may worry that men’s shampoos are too harsh, but this one is mildly acidic and silicone-free, providing a gentle cleanse.

h&s For Men Volume-Up Medicated Shampoo (h&s)

This shampoo from the well-known h&s brand is designed specifically for men.

Its strong cleansing ingredients remove excess sebum, and it helps maintain moisture balance in the scalp to reduce dandruff and itching while supporting hair growth.

It’s especially recommended for those concerned about scalp itchiness, flakes, odor, or thinning hair.

The Difference Between Seasonal Hair Loss and AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Some men who experience hair loss may feel uncertain whether it’s simply seasonal or a sign of AGA (androgenetic alopecia).

Distinguishing between the two isn’t always easy, and proper diagnosis often requires a medical consultation.

However, there are some general differences that may help tell them apart:

Category	Seasonal Hair Loss	AGA (Androgenetic Alopecia)
Area of Hair Loss	Diffuse across the entire scalp	Concentrated in the frontal or crown area
Timing	Common during seasonal transitions (spring/fall)	Progresses regardless of season
Duration	Resolves within a few weeks to 1–2 months	Continues over a long period and worsens if untreated
Type of Hair Lost	Often thick, healthy strands	Typically thin, short hairs with irregular roots
Genetic Influence	Not strongly related to genetics	Strongly influenced by heredity
Scalp Appearance	No major changes	Thinning scalp and more visible follicles

If You’re Concerned About Hair Loss, Consult Men’s Pride Clinic

If you’re starting to worry about hair loss, visiting a medical institution for proper testing and treatment may help slow its progression.

However, hair thinning can be a sensitive issue for many men. Some may not want others to know they’re receiving treatment, or they may feel uncomfortable speaking face-to-face with doctors or nurses.

Additionally, busy work schedules can make it difficult to find time to visit a clinic.

If these concerns sound familiar, consider reaching out to Men’s Pride Clinic.

In addition to regular in-person consultations, the clinic also offers remote medical services over the phone, allowing you to receive treatment discreetly without worrying about others watching.

Whether you’re dealing with gradual thinning due to age or have recently noticed increased shedding during the summer and aren’t sure if it’s seasonal or something more, specialists at the clinic can provide a professional evaluation.

Conclusion

During summer, excessive sweating and increased sebum production, combined with scalp damage from ultraviolet rays, can all contribute to hair loss.

Seasonal hair loss is typically a temporary condition that resolves within a few months.

However, it can be difficult to distinguish seasonal hair loss from AGA.

What may seem like temporary shedding due to the season could actually be the early stages of AGA, and delaying treatment might worsen the condition.

If you’ve noticed increased hair loss during the summer and feel concerned, it’s best to consult a medical professional as soon as possible to receive proper testing and care.