Seasonal Grooming Tips: Summer vs. Winter Care for Men
Your grooming needs change just like the weather. What works for your hair, beard, and skin in July won’t always cut it come January. At Salt City Barbershop, we see it every year, guys come in wondering why their scalp feels dry, or their beard’s itchy, or their skin looks dull. Most of the time, it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing things differently depending on the season.
Let’s break it down. Here’s how Utah’s changing climate affects your grooming game, and how to adapt your routine for both summer heat and winter chill.
Summer Grooming: Stay Cool, Stay Clean
When temperatures rise, so does oil production. Your scalp sweats more. Your skin gets greasy. Your beard traps heat and can feel heavy. Without the right care, it’s a recipe for breakouts, buildup, and bad hair days.
1. Use a Gentle, Hydrating Shampoo
It’s tempting to wash your hair more often in the summer, but frequent washing can strip natural oils, making your scalp flaky and irritated. That’s why we recommend switching to a hydrating shampoo, such as the ones we carry from Paul Mitchell or STMNT, which are designed to cleanse without overdrying.
Look for shampoos with tea tree oil, which naturally helps remove buildup and adds a cooling, refreshing feel after a sweaty day.
2. Lighten Up Your Beard Routine
Your beard doesn’t need heavy butters and waxes in summer. Go for lightweight beard oils (we like STMNT or BROSH) to keep the skin underneath healthy and prevent itching without making your face feel greasy.
Use a boar bristle brush to distribute oil evenly and exfoliate the skin underneath. It also helps your beard look neater, especially if you’re growing it out.
3. Keep It Trimmed and Tidy
Long hair and unkempt beards can feel suffocating in the heat. Schedule regular trims at Salt City to keep your look fresh and breathable. Summer is a great time to try a skin fade, taper, or a short beard fade for a cleaner feel.
Winter Grooming: Hydrate and Protect
Winter in Utah brings dry air, cold winds, and indoor heating, all of which suck the moisture out of your hair and skin. That’s when many men start noticing flakes, beard dandruff, and brittle hair. But it’s preventable with a few key swaps.
1. Switch to Moisture-Rich Products
This is the time to use thicker shampoos and conditioners with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil. We stock Paul Mitchell’s Moisture line, which helps soften coarse hair and soothe the scalp.
Also, don’t skip conditioner. It adds back moisture and keeps your hair manageable, especially if you wear hats regularly (which can cause static and frizz).
2. Double Down on Beard Balm
In cold weather, beard balm is your best friend. It locks in hydration and provides a layer of protection against harsh winds. Unlike oils, balms offer more hold and help keep flyaways in check when your beard gets dry.
At Salt City, we recommend BROSH Beard Balm for medium-to-long beards and STMNT Beard Oil for shorter beards that need softness without extra weight.
3. Care for Your Skin, Too
Cold air is brutal on your face. After your shave or beard trim, use a light moisturizer or post-shave balm with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. Avoid alcohol-based aftershaves; they’ll dry you out even more.
Hot tip: Ask your Salt City barber about steam towel treatments during your service. It helps open pores, softens the beard, and feels amazing when it’s cold outside.
Trust the Barbers Who Know Utah’s Climate
At Salt City Barbershop, we live and work in the same conditions you do. We understand how local weather affects your grooming routine, and we stock products that actually work, no fluff, no gimmicks.
Whether you're dealing with dry winter flakes or summer sweat and shine, our barbers can guide you toward a seasonal routine that keeps you looking sharp and feeling comfortable. From hot towel straight razor shaves to skin fades and beard detailing, we’re here to help you look your best year-round.
Book Your Next Visit Today
Your grooming routine deserves to evolve with the season. Drop by Salt City Barbershop in Midvale and let our team set you up with the right products and advice to match the weather and your style.
Schedule your next cut or beard trim now, and ask us how to build your own seasonal grooming kit.