5 Summer Hair Myths Your Stylist Wishes You'd Stop Believing
Summer Is Full of Hair Advice… But Not All of It Is True
Summer is the season of beach days, patios, vacations—and a lot of questionable hair advice.
Scroll through social media for a few minutes and you'll hear everything from "the sun is good for your hair" to "just add more oil" and "air drying is always healthier."
At Hair Creations, our stylists hear these myths all the time. While many of them sound convincing, they can actually leave your hair feeling drier, heavier, or more difficult to manage.
Let's separate fact from fiction so your hair can stay healthy, shiny, and vibrant all summer long.
Myth #1: The Sun Naturally Lightens Your Hair, So It's Good for It
Yes, the sun can lighten your hair—but that doesn't mean it's healthy.
UV rays break down the pigments in your hair, which is why blondes often become brassier, brunettes develop unwanted warmth, and reds lose their vibrancy more quickly.
At the same time, prolonged sun exposure can dry out the hair, making it more prone to breakage and split ends.
If you're spending lots of time outdoors, protecting your hair is just as important as protecting your skin.
Read our guide to protecting your hair colour in summer.
Myth #2: The More Hair Oil You Use, the Healthier Your Hair
This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions we see during the summer.
While hair oils can add shine and help smooth frizz, more isn't always better.
Heavy oils can:
Weigh fine hair down
Cause product buildup
Make hair feel greasy faster
Require more frequent washing
During warmer months, we often recommend lightweight hydration instead.
Some of our favourites include Aveda Nutriplenish™ Leave-In Conditioner and Aveda Botanical Repair™ Strengthening Leave-In Treatment, which help support healthy hair without making it feel heavy.
Myth #3: Air Drying Is Always Better Than Heat Styling
This one surprises a lot of people.
Air drying can absolutely be a healthy option—but it's not automatically the best choice for every hair type.
Hair that stays wet for long periods can become more fragile, and some people end up brushing or manipulating it more while it dries, leading to unnecessary breakage.
Likewise, using a quality hot tool with proper heat protection can sometimes be gentler than people expect.
Myth #4: Purple Shampoo Fixes Everything
Purple shampoo is fantastic for neutralizing unwanted yellow tones—but it isn't a cure-all.
It won't:
Repair damage
Add moisture
Restore faded colour
Replace regular hair care
In fact, overusing purple shampoo can sometimes leave hair feeling dry or dull.
If your blonde isn't looking its best, you may actually need a gloss, toner, or colour refresh instead.
Learn the difference between a gloss, toner, and full colour refresh.
Myth #5: Your Hair Doesn't Need Sunscreen
Most of us wouldn't spend an afternoon at the beach without protecting our skin.
But hair is exposed to the exact same UV rays.
Sun exposure can contribute to:
Colour fading
Dryness
Rough texture
Increased breakage
Using products like Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil or wearing a hat during long periods outdoors can help preserve both your colour and the health of your hair.
What Your Hair Actually Needs This Summer
Instead of chasing every new trend, focus on the basics:
Lightweight hydration
UV protection
Regular trims
Gentle cleansing
Healthy scalp care
A routine that fits your lifestyle
Healthy hair isn't about having the most complicated routine—it's about being consistent with the right one.
Our Summer Hair Philosophy
At Hair Creations in Lincoln, Ontario, we believe healthy hair should feel effortless.
That means adjusting your routine as the seasons change, choosing products that support your hair instead of weighing it down, and focusing on long-term hair health rather than quick fixes.
Whether you're spending the summer at the cottage, by the pool, or enjoying weekends in Niagara wine country, your hair should be able to keep up.
And if you're ever unsure what your hair needs, we're always happy to help you create a routine that's personalized to your hair goals.
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