From split ends to heat damage: Dermatologist reveals why a low-heat hair routine makes sense for summer 2026

Rising heat doesn’t do any good to our hair. Here’s how you can ensure a low-heat hair routine this summer.

The rising heat isn’t kind to you or your hair. Sun exposure, humidity, sweat, and environmental stress may leave it dry, frizzy, and difficult to manage. With frequent styling, hair goes through far more than it should, affecting not just how it looks, but how it feels and responds to styling.

Tips to maintain low-heat hair routine in summer. (Pexel)

There is a shift towards reducing unnecessary heat and adopting more intentional styling practices. That means reducing unnecessary heat and adopting smarter styling routines, especially in summer, when hair is exposed to stress from all sides.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, aesthetic dermatologist and founder of ISAAC Luxe and Sacharissa, Dyson beauty scientist, shared tips on how to maintain a low-heat hair routine in the summer.

Why high heat isn’t always high style?

Dr Geetika highlighted that heat styling tools reshape hair by altering its internal structure, but frequent exposure can weaken keratin, the protein responsible for strength and elasticity. Over time, this leads to moisture loss, rough texture, and increased fragility.

1. Surface damage can also appear as lifted cuticles, making hair look dull, frizzy, and prone to tangling. Since damage develops gradually, hair may still appear styled in the short term, masking a loss of overall resilience

2. In summer, this is further amplified by humidity, which can make styles harder to maintain, often leading to frequent touch-ups and increased overall heat exposure.

Heat strips natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle (Pexel)

Dr Geetika said, “During summer, prolonged exposure to UV radiation and heat can gradually impact the hair’s protein structure and natural pigment, leading to dryness, dullness, and reduced strength. At the same time, increased heat and sweat can affect the scalp, potentially causing buildup and irritation if not managed properly. Together, these factors make it important to adopt gentler, lower-heat styling practices during warmer months.”

She further highlights how heat styling interacts with summer conditions:

• Moisture loss: Heat strips natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle
• Protein damage: High temperatures weaken keratin, increasing breakage
• Scalp stress: Excess heat can lead to dryness and irritation
• Hair thinning: Sweat combined with heat may weaken follicles over time

Excess heat can lead to dryness and irritation (Pexel)

Why does less or no heat work better?

The best hair routines work smarter, not harder. Styling with less or no heat isn’t about sacrificing your favourite looks; it’s about protecting hair so it stays strong, shiny, and manageable.

Sacharissa shares a few tips that may help support healthier and low-heat hair styling this summer:

• Hair is more vulnerable when wet and typically requires higher heat. Allowing it to partially dry can improve efficiency and help reduce damage.
• Consistent, controlled heat can shape hair effectively without sudden temperature spikes.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.