Hair Care tips for Ann Arbor, Michigan

Jeera Sinsuat
Haircare and hair growth
4 min readJun 5, 2024

The charm of Ann Arbor lies in the richness of its culture and its diverse population. Climate in this city is not extreme, however we all know that climate and weather change can also affect hair health. Hair care needs to be tailored to these seasonal changes and this article is here to help you navigate your routines so you can keep living your best life with healthy, happy, glowing hair. For more hair care and beauty tips head over here to see more.

Known for being home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor combines the small town feel with the convenience of being in a bigger city. The youthful and energetic spirit can be attributed to the fact that the city is very walkable, with a vibrant downtown area, sprawling with cute shops and cafes, offering a lively atmosphere for social gatherings and novel activities. But the charm of Ann Arbor goes beyond the city center. Nature enthusiasts can also find lots of outdoor activities, such as cycling, hiking, and camping with just a few hours of driving from the city. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through downtown to the Nichols Arboretum, or a scenic hike through the Huron River, Ann Arbor offers all sorts of activities for various interests. There is a strong emphasis on health and wellness amongst residents of the city, with the vast options fitness centers, yoga studios, and even farmers markets that offer the freshest produce. It is named by Entrepreneur.com as the number 1 city in the US with the best quality of life for these very reasons.

Seasonal Hair Care Strategies For Ann Arbor

Here’s how to adjust your hair care routine based on the seasonal changes in Ann Arbor:

Spring (40s F to low 60s F)

As winter snow begins to thaw, and spring showers start to arrive, frizziness due to the humidity may become a concern. The solution to this is using a gentle, sulfate free, and hydrating shampoo to clean the scalp from debris build up. A conditioner that contains humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid can help tame frizz and keep your hair shiny and smooth.

Burton Memorial Tower | Source: https://websites.umich.edu/

Summer (70s F to low 80s F)

Summer in Ann Arbor is characterized by warm and humid weather with significant sunshine. Summers are fun and exciting in Ann Arbor, but the intense summer heat can be damaging to the skin and scalp (which is also considered skin). People with lighter hair are more prone to sun damage, but sun damage can affect anyone regardless of melanin presence. To combat and prevent sun damage, use clarifying shampoo to help remove product buildup as well as sweat and excess oil that weighs down hair in hot weather. Look out for ingredients such as bentonite clay and apple cider, which help with the build up, but use these products sparingly. Use a lightweight conditioner that contains lightweight emollients such as dimethicone. For color treated hair, UV protectants such as avobenzone and oxybenzone are your best friends. After laying out in the sun, or taking a dip in the pool or the beach, hair may become dry and dull. To bring it back to life, opt for a deep conditioner that contains rich emollients such as shea butter and coconut oil.

Source: https://www.annarbor.org/plan/itinerary-ideas/summer-fun/

Fall (60s to low 40s F)

Temperatures begin to drop from September to November. Temperatures are more comfortable with decreased humidity. Dryness and static can also be an issue during this month as the air cools down. The solution to this is switching to a richer shampoo and conditioner, as summer’s lightweight formulas may no longer be enough. Using a hair oil and massaging it gently into your scalp at least once a week can help restore vibrance to your hair. A humidifier at home can also help you balance out the dryness indoors that can lead to hair static.

Border-to-Border Trail at Dexter-Huron Metropark | Photo Courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor

Winter (30s F)

Ann Arbor experiences cold and dry winters with potential for snow and occasional gusty winds. Just like any season, hair dryness can be a potential issue. Dryness can lead to damage and eventually hair breakage. Nobody wants that! To combat this concern, opt for a gentle, sulfate free shampoo and a rich moisturizing conditioner. A satin or silk pillowcase can help reduce frizz and prevent breakage (bonus: they’re great for the skin too!)

Source: https://www.annarbor.org/plan/itinerary-ideas/winter-getaway/

Understanding the impact of the seasonal changes and weather in Ann Arbor is important to keep your hair healthy. Adapt your hair care routine based on these tips and key ingredients, so you can enjoy the vibrant city life while maintaining beautiful hair all year round!

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