The days are getting longer, spring has definitely sprung and summer is just around the corner. Summer is all about sun, beach and happiness – but your hair doesn’t feel quite so excited.
Humidity, heat and dry wind can make your hair frizzy, weathered and dehydrated. Plus it is feeling dull, dry and lifeless after the cold winter months.
Now is a good time to your hair for some special attention, to make sure its ready for the inevitable onslaught of saltwater and UV rays.
But fear not! In this magazine, we’ll be exploring exactly how the summer impacts our hair, as well as some tips and tricks for protecting your precious follicles against the harsh summer elements.
Why Does Summer Hair Care Matter?
The summer months are truly blissful with their warm weather. Moreover, hair damage is also high in the summer months. The hot weather of summer makes your hair dry, brittle and vulnerable to breakage, which is why your hair fall increases a bit in summer.
The summer heat dehydrates your body, making your scalp dry and itchy. When you repeatedly scratch your scalp so hard, it can damage hair follicles or slows down hair growth which eventually makes your hair weak and thin.
Hot weather also aggravates dandruff. Higher temperatures create an ideal environment for dandruff-causing germs (Malassezia globossa) to thrive. If you neglect it, dandruff makes your scalp itchy, irritated and eventually, temporary hair loss occurs.
Both men and women may be affected by hair loss due to the summer’s high temperatures. Extreme scalp perspiration can be brought on by high temperatures. The scalp may become moist due to sweating, providing the perfect setting for the growth of germs and fungi.
Summer and Hair Loss
During the summer, prolonged sun exposure exposes dehydration. Overexposure to UV rays can weaken the hair shaft, damage the hair follicles, and cause hair loss or thinning.
Hot weather can increase perspiration and cause the body to lose more fluids, which could result in follicles may weaken and shed more hair or experience a temporary slow down in hair development.
Also heat and humidity can cause the sebaceous glands on the scalp to create more oily scalp, which may aggravate problems like folliculitis, plugged hair follicles or cause scalp inflammation. These elements may affect your hair’s health and cause hair loss.
Summer and dandruff
Summer, in contrast to winter, brings its own set of problems for dandruff sufferers. Increased humidity during the summer months may trigger the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. Excessive sebum production, combined with sweat, produces an excellent breeding environment for Malassezia, a yeast commonly associated with dandruff. As a result, some people may suffer an increase in dandruff throughout the summer season.
During summer, because of the intense heat, we tend to wash our hair more. Our hair may experience sensitivity to the various chemicals in these products thus causing dandruff.
Some common hair problems in summer
Hair fall in summer is very common along with many other hair problems. The scorching heat of the sun can be unbearable for your hair follicles and scalp, which can further lead to hair loss. The summer heat and humidity make your hair dry, frizzy, and damaged. Let’s check some of the most common hair problems everyone faces during summer, reasons for hair fall in summer, and how they affect our hair.
Greasy scalp
A greasy scalp is one of the most common problems we all face. This leads to many other scalp problems like itchiness and dandruff. This also makes your hair look oily and flat. This is caused by various factors like agitated sebaceous glands, changes in hormones, and poor hair hygiene. The greasy scalp is also caused because of the summer sweat that is produced on our scalp. Dandruff can also lead to an oily scalp.
Hair fall
Hair fall in summer is another hair problem that summer brings along. Our scalp is directly revealed to the sun’s rays which drain off moisture from the scalp. Thus hair filaments get dull, and dry which leads to more brittle hair and prone to hair fall.
Hair fall in summer is mainly because of the damages, caused by the unbearable heat of sun, chlorine water, exposure to sun rays, etc. Again, the effects of hormones in summer can also lead to hair loss. This is why hair fall in summer is common in each and every one.
Dry and irritated scalp
A dry and irritated scalp causes itchiness and dryness in your scalp. This can also lead to dandruff- prone hair. It causes discomfort and flaking. Also, check here for home remedies for dry hair.
A dry and irritated scalp can be caused because of various factors like harsh hair products, dry air, and some scalp conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Too much exposure to sun rays marsh the scalp with cumulation of dust and dirt.
Frizzy hair
Frizzy hair is a very well-known hair issue in summer. This hair issue leads to rough and dry hair. Hair gets frizzed too often. This makes your hair tough to handle. Frizzy hair can be caused by damage from the heat of styling tools, dryness and humidity. Hair also gets frizzy because of the lack of moisture in it. Using a rough towel for drying and over-brushing can also lead to frizzy hair.
Hair colour fading
In summer, hair color fading is another problem that is very irritating. These hair issues can make your hair dull and look lifeless. Faded hair color is very common and can be caused by hair exposure to UV rays and scorching sun rays. One can face this problem due to chlorine water in swimming pools and frequent washing. Using harsh hair products can also lead to faded hair color.
Solutions for Summer Hair Care
Indian summers can be extremely damaging to both skin and hair. Your hair may become rough, frizzy, and challenging to manage due to the extreme heat, humidity, perspiration, and pollution. Fortunately, you can maintain strong, healthy hair throughout the season with the correct hair care practices and a few easy routine tweaks. Here are a few useful and efficient Indian summer hair care tips:
Oil Your Hair Regularly
Your hair is nourished from root to tip with a good champi made with warm coconut, almond, or sesame oils. Oiling fortifies hair follicles, keeps them from drying out, and lessens breakage brought on by UV rays and strong winds. Oil your hair once or twice a week for optimal results, and leave it on for at least half an hour before washing.
Wash Your Hair Often (But Sensibly)
In Indian summers, sweating is inevitable and causes greasy, itchy scalps. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair two to three times a week to maintain a clean and healthy scalp. Steer clear of overwashing since it removes natural oils and makes you feel even drier.
Always Use a Conditioner
A hydrating mask or a light conditioner can help seal moisture and minimise frizz. In the summer, conditioning becomes crucial because the heat causes your hair to lose moisture more quickly. For manageable, smooth hair, pay attention to the lengths and ends.
Accept Leave-In Serums
Leave-in conditioners and anti-frizz serums serve as a barrier against moisture. Even on very hot days, they keep your hair looking polished and help control flyaways.
Always Apply a Conditioner
To reduce frizz and seal moisture, use a light conditioner or a hydrating mask. Because the heat makes your hair lose moisture more quickly in the summer, conditioning becomes essential. Consider the lengths and ends of your hair if you want it to be smooth and manageable.
Take Leave-In Serums
Leave-in conditioners and anti-frizz serums serve as a barrier against moisture. They help control flyaways and keep your hair looking polished, even on extremely hot days.7. Hydrate Well and Eat Hair-Friendly Foods
Your diet plays a huge role in hair health. Drink enough water and include fruits like watermelon, oranges, grapes, and vegetables with high water content. Also add protein-rich foods such as dals, paneer, eggs, nuts, and seeds to support hair growth.
Prevent Damage from Chlorine
Although swimming is a popular summertime activity, chlorine water can cause dry, brittle hair. Use a leave-in conditioner, wet your hair with clean water before swimming, and rinse it right away after you get out of the pool to protect it.
Select Soft Hair Accessories
Steer clear of rubber bands that are too tight to break. To ease the strain on your hair roots, try loose hairstyles, satin bands, or soft scrunchies.
Conclusion
Summertime offers sunshine, adventure, and happiness, but it also presents hair challenges. Hair loss, frizz, dryness, and dandruff can be brought on by extreme heat, humidity, perspiration, and UV radiation. Knowing how the Indian summer affects your hair enables you to take early preventative measures and preserve its inherent strength and shine.
You can maintain your hair’s health and beauty throughout the summer with the proper hair care regimen, which includes frequent oiling, mild cleansing, hydration, sun protection, and astute styling decisions. Your hair will remain healthy, vibrant, and prepared for every summertime moment with just a little maintenance.
