As children, we have associated summer with the words vacation and vacation. As adults, it haunts us with the horrors of sun damaged skin, slow-disappearing patchy tan lines, and heat-inflicted hair. There is so much to say about the damage UVA and UVB rays do to our skin – we take this moment to remind you, once again, to apply sunscreen daily. But we are shining the spotlight on the damaging effects of the sun and heat on our hair.
With issues like sweaty and oily scalp, loose strands, dull strands, and brittle hair affected by heat, the sun can be just as merciless on our hair as it is on our skin. With that in mind, here are some ways you can ensure healthy hair this summer.
How to have healthy hair for all types this summer:
If you have an oily scalp
An oily scalp is a common concern that gets worse during the summer months. If you find yourself washing your hair often or daily to get rid of your oily scalp and limp hair, stop right away and follow this:
1. Shampoo less
If you wash your hair frequently to remove the oil, you are wrong. When you shampoo your scalp, it removes the scalp of its natural oil – sebum – sending your sebaceous glands overworking and producing excess. Fight the urge to wash your hair daily or often by limiting the days you wash it. Let your hair adjust to its new routine and you will see results in a few months. Use a dry shampoo between washes – this will soak up the excess oil without stripping your scalp of sebum.
Try the Ouai Dry Shampoo Foam which gives your hair the volume and shine that just showered without leaving a powdery residue.
2. Use a mild shampoo
Replace your aggressive shampoo with a mild shampoo, preferably a silicone-free, sulfate-free, and oil-free formula. Using one that removes natural oils from your scalp will only make it more oily – a viscous hair cycle you don’t want to get caught in.
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Matcha + Kale Replenishing Superfood Shampoo looks as good on your #shelfie as it does on your hair. Rich in nutrients with a dose of matcha and apple, it replenishes dull, parched strands with a boost of vitamins and does not strip hair of moisture.
3. Condition the ends of your hair
Are you avoiding conditioner altogether? You may think the right thing to do is cut back on moisturizers, but skipping the conditioner is detrimental. The solution is to balance the moisture on your head. Avoid heavy conditioners, instead apply a light conditioner to the tips of your strands. Rinse it thoroughly afterwards.
Complete your shampoo with Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Kale + Apple Replenishing Superfood Conditioner for best results.
4. Use a clarifying shampoo
Introduce a clarifying shampoo into your routine – it will deeply cleanse your scalp to gently remove excess oil and product buildup for a clean, healthy scalp. Limit your use to twice a month – take the product on your fingertips and massage it into your scalp.
Give Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo a chance – the deep cleansing formula removes daily buildup and restores your hair.
5. Avoid styling products
Keep heavy styling pomades and shine enhancing products at bay – these can make your scalp oily. If you’re using a leave-in serum, apply it to the tips of your strands to prevent an oily scalp and product build-up.
Also Read: Amazing Yoga Asanas That Will Help With Hair Growth Faster
6. Eat fruits and vegetables
Your diet impacts the health of your hair, so avoid fatty foods and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
7. Prepare a DIY hair mask
With just two basic ingredients, mix a spoonful of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and pour it over your hair. Keep it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly. Apple cider vinegar will help balance your scalp’s pH levels and leave it clean and greasy-free.
If you suffer from sun damaged hair
If you step out in the cruel sun every day or go on a summer break that involves beach days, then don’t overlook the havoc heat can wreak on your strands. Here’s how to avoid sun damage.
1. Restrict hair treatments
Colored and treated hair is more vulnerable to sun damage – keep hair treatments to a minimum in the summer.
2. Try a DIY hot oil treatment
Restore your hair’s natural moisture with a hot oil treatment at home. Mix three vitamin E capsules with half a cup of olive oil. Warm the mixture and massage your hair and scalp. Let it sit for 15 minutes before washing it off.
3. Use a restorative hair mask
The heat from the sun damages the cuticles and keratin in our hair. To reverse the damage, use a high protein hair mask or mask that will revitalize and strengthen your strands. Here are some DIY masks you can make at home:
A. Egg and yogurt mask
This proven hair mask has the power of high protein eggs and high probiotic yogurt. Whip two spoons of yogurt with one egg and apply it on your hair. Keep it on for 30 minutes before washing it off with cold water.
B. Baking Soda Yogurt Mask
Baking soda is renowned for its oil-absorbing powers and its alkaline level can balance your scalp’s pH levels. Yogurt, on the other hand, has a cooling effect on your hair. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with ½ cup of plain yogurt and coat your hair in it for 30 minutes before showering.
C. Honey Banana Mask
Easily available at home, this combination will nourish your locks. The minerals and vitamins in bananas combined with the antioxidant-rich honey will keep your scalp and hair in check. Mix the banana and honey in a 4: 1 ratio and apply the paste to your hair. Rinse it off after 20 minutes.
If you prefer a store-bought treatment, try the Wow Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask – it will hydrate your hair, restore natural pH balance and reduce fat.
4. Incorporate easy styling hacks
No better time than summer to pull out your caps and wide-brimmed hats. These will protect your hair from the direct sun and make a cool summer statement. If you are experimental, you can use Gucci style scarves to cover your head.
5. Get sun protection for your hair
Just like sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage, there are products that protect your hair from sun damage. Use them as a preventative measure.
Spray Aveda Sun Care Hair Protector Veil before going out – a lightweight, water-resistant UV defense mist that will form an invisible screen to protect your hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours.
