As spring shifts into early summer, many of us are noticing changes in our hair behavior. Is it suddenly feeling brittle and straw-like, or perhaps too soft and limp? Understanding the difference between protein overload and moisture deficiency can transform your hair care routine this season. Let’s dive into these common hair concerns affecting many women as temperatures rise in May 2025.
The science behind protein-moisture balance
Your hair is primarily made of protein (keratin), but it also requires adequate moisture to remain flexible and healthy. When this delicate balance gets disrupted, problems arise. As temperatures fluctuate during seasonal transitions, your hair may require different levels of protein and moisture than during colder months.
Dr. Lisa Reynolds, a trichologist at Harmony Hair Institute, explains: “Think of protein and moisture as the yin and yang of hair health. Too much of either creates imbalance, especially during seasonal transitions when our hair adapts to changing humidity levels.”
Recognizing protein overload: When strength becomes weakness
Protein overload occurs when you’ve used too many protein-rich treatments without balancing them with hydration. This is particularly common after winter when many women have relied heavily on strengthening products.
Signs you’re experiencing protein overload include:
- Hair feels rough, brittle, and straw-like
- Noticeable lack of elasticity—strands snap rather than stretch
- Increased frizz and difficulty styling
- Dull appearance despite regular conditioning
If these symptoms sound familiar, you might need to adjust your spring hair routine to incorporate more moisture-focused products.
Identifying moisture deficiency: The thirsty hair syndrome
On the flip side, moisture deficiency occurs when your hair lacks proper hydration but still contains adequate protein. This condition often appears during late spring as we spend more time outdoors and expose our hair to sun and wind.
Watch for these tell-tale signs:
- Dry, frizzy hair that feels lightweight
- Split ends and increased breakage
- Hair absorbs products quickly but still feels dry
- Lackluster curls or waves with poor definition
The strand test: Your at-home diagnostic tool
To determine whether you’re dealing with protein overload or moisture deficiency, try this simple strand test: Pluck a clean, wet hair and gently pull it from both ends.
If it breaks immediately with little stretch, you likely have protein overload. If it stretches significantly before breaking, you probably have moisture overload or deficiency. Healthy hair should stretch slightly and then return to its original length.
Summer-ready solutions for protein overload
If you’re dealing with protein overload, consider these fixes as we head into summer:
Hair stylist James Chen recommends: “Take a protein break for 2-3 weeks and focus on deep conditioning treatments with ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin. Think of it as giving your hair a protein ‘detox’ to restore balance.”
Many women have found success by changing their haircut to work with their hair’s current texture while rebalancing its protein content.
Quenching moisture-deficient locks
For moisture deficiency, focus on hydrating your hair without adding more protein. Look for products with humectants like honey and glycerin that attract moisture from the air—perfect for the increasing humidity of late spring.
Consider a layered cut technique to help distribute your hair’s natural oils more effectively down the hair shaft.
Maintaining balance through summer transitions
As we move from spring into summer, your hair needs will continue to evolve. Consider low-maintenance air-dry styles that minimize heat damage while you work to restore your hair’s balance.
For those with mixed curl patterns struggling with protein-moisture balance, a spring shag cut can work wonders while you rebuild your hair’s health.
Is your hair sending you signals?
Understanding your hair’s protein-moisture balance isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about hair health. By recognizing these signs early and adjusting your routine accordingly, you can enter summer with resilient, balanced hair that behaves exactly as you want it to, regardless of what the weather brings.