How to Cope with Hair Loss in the Summer Heat

If you have alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, hot weather poses special challenges.

Hair is one of the body’s primary shields against UV radiation from the sun, so hair loss can leave you especially vulnerable to sunburn and other types of skin damage. On top of that, certain alopecia medications may make you more prone to dehydration.

With extreme heat on the rise, there’s more need than ever for survival strategies. Below you’ll find five suggestions to help you cope with scorching weather.

1. Protect Your Scalp With a Hat, Sunscreen, or Sun Umbrella

Sunburn can lead to inflammation that can make hair loss worse, according to Alessandra Haskin, MD, a dermatologist at Weiser Skin MD in New York City with expertise in hair loss among patients of color.

Sunscreen can help prevent this, but you might need to try a few kinds to find what’s best for you, patients say. “People with alopecia can have sensitive skin and skin allergies, so you need to find a sunscreen your skin can tolerate all over your head,” says Alison Mann, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker who lives with alopecia and leads a hair loss support group.

“If you have something that works for your face, that can usually work for your head,” Mann says.

Make sure you use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, per the American Academy of Dermatology.

If sunscreen irritates your skin, you may need to opt for a hat. Some can be stifling, so Dr. Haskin recommends a lightweight UPF-protective model with built-in sun protection and sweat-resistant material. (UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor).

“Or, if you’re really hot, try an umbrella,” she says.

2. Figure Out a Sweat Strategy

Hair on the scalp helps channel sweat away from the face. Without it, sweat irritation can be highly uncomfortable, Mann says.

For people with alopecia universalis, a rare type of autoimmune alopecia that can lead to the loss of all hair on the head and body, the lack of eyebrows and eyelashes means sweat pours straight into the eye.

A sweaty head can be especially problematic for women using topical minoxidil to regrow hair on the scalp because the medication can mix with perspiration and run onto the face, causing unwanted hair growth there, Haskin says.

To minimize sweat, try cooling off with a handheld fan or stepping away from outdoor activities for intermittent air conditioning breaks, Mann suggests. If you’re not comfortable sharing why you need an A/C moment, “Say you’re going to the bathroom,” Mann says.

It can help to have a hand towel or handkerchief on hand to wipe away sweat. If you worry about social stigma, try wearing an activewear mesh bandana or a headscarf under a hat, Mann says.

You can also help prevent sweat irritation and any resultant acne or dandruff by washing your scalp at least once a week. Depending on your hair type, you might try three to four times a week, Haskin says.

“First wash with a dandruff shampoo and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then use a hydrating shampoo,” she adds. Your dermatologist can share recommendations for your particular needs.

3. Ditch the Wig?

Some people with alopecia wear wigs and hairpieces, but when it’s 100 degrees F outside, anything on your head can cause sweating. Should you leave your head bare? The question is fraught.

“People worry about having tan lines from wearing a wig every day, which could be visible without the wig,” Mann says. Some feel self-conscious going out in public even briefly without a wig.

“I encourage you to make decisions based on what gives you the most comfort, not others’ comfort,” Mann says. “Sometimes that’s just knowing, ‘I don’t want people staring at me, so I’m going to wear a wig and do my best.’ Ask yourself, ‘What can I tolerate the most?’”

A lace model can be your lightest option if you opt to wear a wig, Mann says. You could also wear a topper or try filler fibers — powder mixed with tiny fibers that adhere to hair strands, Haskin says. Avoid wigs with a silicone grip, which might be uncomfortable in the heat.

As much as possible, stay away from any wig that causes tension and friction on the front of your scalp, she adds. Make sure you also clean wigs properly based on the type you use.

4. Stay Hydrated, Especially if You’re Taking Certain Hair Loss Meds

With alopecia, “Hydration is super important,” Haskin says. If you use particular hair loss medications, it’s especially important to drink water during extreme heat.

Some of these meds are dehydrating, such as spironolactone, a drug for high blood pressure and heart failure that dermatologists may prescribe “off-label” for female pattern hair loss.

Dermatologists may also prescribe oral minoxidil off-label for hair loss. Light-headedness is a known side effect of this blood pressure drug, and dehydration can increase the risk of fainting.

Consider carrying a reusable water bottle when you’re outside and making a plan for how you will refill it.

5. Talk to Your Dermatologist

Check in with your dermatologist at the start of summer if you’re in treatment for a hair loss condition.

“A preventative approach and anticipating issues is always better,” Haskin says. “People often travel or change up their hairstyle during summer, so it’s good to let your doctor look at the hair follicles.” This gives your doctor a point of reference to tell if your hair loss changes over the summer.

If you have a scarring form of alopecia that your doctor is treating with the antibiotic doxycycline — a medication that can increase sun sensitivity — let your physician know. Haskin often has her patients on this drug temporarily decrease the dosage when traveling to a super hot destination.

Other reasons to see your dermatologist about alopecia include the following, Haskin says:

You have an itch that doesn’t get better with shampooing.
You see an increase in dandruff and flaking.
You notice bumps on your scalp (folliculitis), which could be trapped bacteria.
You notice a drastic change in shedding.