Good hair days are a rare sight when you are struggling with a greasy scalp or dried tresses in summer. With the unforgivable heat and humidity, it can be challenging to maintain healthy hair in these hotter months. This is why you need to switch to a summer hair care and do it correctly, like how you would do for your skin. For starters, the right hair-washing technique can help prevent your hair from becoming weak and damaged. And, there are more such dos and don'ts for summer hair care, which we will discuss in this article. Additionally, we’ll also answer questions like how to wash your hair the right way, when to wash your hair and more, along with some product recommendations that can help you keep your tresses healthy and luscious this season.
Dos
Use The Right Products
We cannot emphasise enough how using the right hair care products can make or break your entire hair game. Hence, it’s crucial to consider your hair type and concerns while picking your hair care products. For instance, if you have a dry scalp and fine hair, you need a protein-rich moisturising shampoo that nourishes the strands and provides hydration. For an oily scalp, it would be best to use a clarifying shampoo, at least once a week to remove oil and dirt build-up from your scalp. Similarly, curly hair will need adequate moisture and products that can make the curls bouncy and voluminous. So, look for sulphate-free, hydrating shampoos and conditioners for the best care. While shopping for hair care products, read the label carefully to make sure that it is formulated for your needs. Lastly, to protect the hair from warm winds and heat, add hair serums to your hair care routine and use them after every hair wash to retain moisture.
Say Yes To Conditioners & Hydrating Masks
The humidity and heat from the sun can make your scalp parched and your hair dry. In such situations, shampooing alone will not be enough. While a gentle shampoo will prevent stripping your scalp’s natural oils, you also need to condition your hair adequately. So, use a hair conditioner every time you shampoo. You can look for humectants and emollients like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, etc., to deeply nourish your hair. Additionally, apply hydrating masks at least once a week to nourish your hair strands and maintain their moisture level. Pro tip: Be extra gentle on your wet hair as it is weaker at the roots and more susceptible to hair fall. Once it's partially dry, start combing from the tip to slowly remove tangles and knots.
Take Extra Care While Taking A Dip In Water
If summer for you means taking a dip in the swimming pool, make sure your hair is ready for it too. While chlorine keeps the pool hygienic, it can suck the natural oil from your scalp, make your hair dry and damaged, and lead to breakage, split ends and frizz. Similarly, water from the sea can lead to the accumulation of salt crystals in your hair, which often makes hair strands brittle and frizzy. Therefore, take a shower before you step into the water and condition your hair with a light oil, leave-in-conditioner or swim spray. Similarly, post-swimming, use a shampoo to wash off all the chlorine and follow up with a hydrating conditioner. Moreover, it is best to use a shower cap or swimming cap to reduce the adverse effects of such water on your hair.
Opt For Pre-Shower Oil Treatments
Hair oils are easily one of the best ways to keep your hair nourished in the harsh summer heat. However, in humid weather, try to leave the oil in your hair for only 1-2 hours as it can lead to scalp buildup and increase the chances of dandruff and hair fall. Gently massage warm coconut or almond oil into your roots and hair. Avoid thicker oils like castor as they can clog your hair follicles in humidity.
Don’ts
Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Often
While washing your hair is necessary for summer, overwashing can make your scalp drier and strip off its natural oil and moisture, making it more prone to breakage and hair loss. Wondering when to wash your hair? The answer will be no more than twice or thrice a week. On days when you need to zap in the excess oil from your scalp, dry shampoo can come to your rescue. Pro tip: rinse your hair with lukewarm water to prevent dehydration of your hair.
Do Not Blow Dry Your Hair
Don’t reach out for a blow dryer after every hair wash in summer. Excess use of hair dryers or blow dryers can draw out moisture from the cuticles and make them rough and frizzy. Instead, let it dry naturally. If you still need to use a blow dryer, keep it at a low temperature and avoid holding it too close to your scalp and hair.
- Cover your hair with a hat or headscarf to protect your hair from the heat and direct sunlight.
- Use a hair mist in intervals to refresh your scalp when you spend time outdoors or feel your scalp is getting parched.
- Hair sunscreens can protect your hair against sun damage and harmful UV rays. Alternatively, you can also use hair serums or leave-in conditioners to protect your gorgeous locks.
- Trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and rough edges to maintain their health in summer.
- While top knots and buns can keep your hair away from your skin and give respite against humidity and sweat, constant friction and pulling of strands can weaken your hair and put stress on the roots. Look for loose hairstyles like loose ponies and buns and avoid tying your hair too tight.
- Avoid washing hair every day in summer, despite the greasy or oily scalp. Instead, you can air dry your hair until all the sweat has dried out from your scalp.
While you get ready to dive into the summer fun, make sure your hair is ready for the roaring temperatures with these hair washing tips.
Should I Oil My Hair In Summers?
Yes, your hair can get dehydrated in summer due to heat and humidity. Oiling the hair helps hydrate it and nourish the roots. However, you must opt for hair oils that are lighter in consistency to avoid clogging your hair follicles.
Which Shampoo Is The Best For Summers?
These are some of the best shampoos that you can use in summer:
Sesa+ Ayurvedic Strong Roots Shampoo + Conditioner
Himalaya damage repair protein shampoo
Head shoulders cool menthol anti dandruff shampoo
Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo
How Can I Protect My Natural Hair In Summer?
Here are some ways to protect your hair from the harsh sun rays in summers.
- Apply hair serums and hair sunscreens on your hair before stepping out.
- Use a hydrating mask once a week to nourish your hair from within.
- Do a pre-wash treatment with hair oils to retain their moisture.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair while washing as it can strip off the natural oils.
- Lastly, air dry your hair and do not wash your hair more than twice or thrice a week in summer.
