Summer is a season of fun in the sun, but it can also wreak havoc on your hair. The intense heat, humidity, and UV rays can cause damage, dehydration, and even hair loss.
As a dermatologist, I have seen many patients struggle with summer hair issues, which is why I have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you take care of your hair this season.
Table of Contents
In this post, we’ll cover ten summer hair care tips to keep your hair healthy and looking its best during the warmer months including:
- The science of hair: Understanding your hair structure and needs
- Common summer hair problems: Heat damage, dehydration, frizz, and more
- Essential summer hair care tips: Protecting, hydrating, and styling your hair
- DIY hair care recipes: Natural remedies for common hair issues
- Hair care products: Choosing the right products for your hair type and concerns
- Professional hair care treatments: When to seek help from a dermatologist or hairstylist
So, let’s dive in and learn how to keep your hair healthy and hydrated this summer!
The Science of Hair
To understand how to take care of your hair, it’s important to know a little about its structure and needs. Your hair is made up of three layers: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. The cuticle is the outermost layer, which protects the inner layers from damage and dehydration.
The cortex is the middle layer, which gives your hair its color, strength, and texture. The medulla is the innermost layer, which is responsible for the flexibility and elasticity of your hair.
Your hair also has natural oils, called sebum, which help to keep it hydrated and healthy. However, excessive heat, humidity, and sun exposure can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry, dull, and prone to breakage. That’s why it’s important to take extra care of your hair during the summer months.
Common Summer Hair Problems
Summer hair problems are common, but they can be prevented or treated with the right care. Here are some of the most common summer hair issues and their causes:
- Heat damage: Exposure to heat from the sun, styling tools, and hot showers can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
- Dehydration: Lack of hydration can cause your hair to become dry, frizzy, and prone to split ends.
- Frizz: Humidity can cause your hair to become frizzy and unmanageable, especially if you have curly or wavy hair.
- Scalp issues: Sunburn, dandruff, and sweat buildup can cause scalp irritation and inflammation, which can affect the health of your hair.
Recommended Reading for Your Healthy Hair : Hair Care Myths
Essential Summer Hair Care Tips
Now that you know the common summer hair problems, let’s explore some essential tips for taking care of your hair this season.
Protect your hair from the sun
Wearing a hat or scarf can help to shield your hair from the harmful UV rays of the sun. You can also use hair care products that contain SPF, such as a hair sunscreen spray or a leave-in conditioner with UV protection.
Hydrate your hair
Keeping your hair hydrated is key to preventing damage and breakage. You can use a deep conditioning treatment once a week, or a leave-in conditioner daily, to help restore moisture to your hair.
Use a conditioner
The heat and humidity of summer can be tough on your hair, so it’s important to use a conditioner to help keep it moisturized and nourished.
Style wisely
Avoid using heat styling tools during the summer, as they can cause further damage to your hair. Instead, opt for natural hairstyles such as braids, buns, and ponytails, which can protect your hair and keep it off your neck. If you do need to use heat styling tools, make sure to use a heat protectant spray and set the temperature to the lowest setting possible.
Rinse your hair with cool water
After spending time in the sun, rinse your hair with cool water to help restore its natural oils and prevent dehydration.
Avoid using hot water
Hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Instead, opt for lukewarm water when washing your hair in the summer.
Avoid over-washing
Over-washing your hair can strip it of its natural oils and cause further dehydration. Try to limit your hair washing to every other day, or use a dry shampoo to refresh your hair between washes.
Use natural remedies
There are many natural ingredients that can help to nourish and hydrate your hair. For example, aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and honey can be used as hair masks to restore moisture to your hair.
Eat a healthy diet
A balanced diet that includes protein, vitamins, and minerals can help to promote hair growth and strength. Foods such as eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and salmon are all great sources of hair-healthy nutrients.
Avoid heat styling
If possible, try to avoid heat styling your hair during the summer. If you do need to use heat tools, use a heat protectant spray to help minimize damage.
Avoid tight hairstyles
Tight hairstyles, such as ponytails and buns, can cause tension on your hair and lead to breakage. Opt for looser styles that allow your hair to breathe.
Use a wide-tooth comb
A wide-tooth comb is gentler on your hair and can help prevent tangles and breakage.
Avoid using too many hair products
Overuse of hair products can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy. Use a light touch when applying products to your hair.
Avoid chlorine
If you’re going to be swimming in chlorinated water, wet your hair before you get in the pool to help prevent it from soaking up too much chlorine. You can also use a swim cap or a leave-in conditioner to help protect your hair.
Trim your hair regularly
Regular trims can help keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends, which are more prone to happening in the summer due to the heat and humidity.
Hair Care Products
Choosing the right hair care products is important for maintaining healthy hair. Here are some products that can help to protect and nourish your hair during the summer:
- Shampoo and conditioner: Choose a shampoo and conditioner that are formulated for your hair type and concerns. Look for products that contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter.
- Leave-in conditioner: A leave-in conditioner can help to keep your hair hydrated throughout the day. Look for a product that contains UV protection and is lightweight enough to use on a daily basis.
- Hair oil: A hair oil can help to seal in moisture and protect your hair from heat damage. Look for an oil that is non-greasy and can be used on wet or dry hair.
- Heat protectant spray: If you do need to use heat styling tools, a heat protectant spray can help to minimize damage. Look for a spray that contains ingredients such as argan oil or keratin to help protect your hair.
Professional Hair Care Treatments
If you are experiencing severe hair issues, it’s important to seek help from a dermatologist or hairstylist. Here are some professional hair care treatments that can help to restore the health of your hair:
- Hair masks: A dermatologist can recommend a hair mask that is customized for your hair type and concerns. These masks can help to hydrate, nourish, and repair your hair.
- Laser hair therapy: Laser hair therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level laser light to stimulate hair growth and improve the health of your scalp.
- Hair transplant: If you are experiencing hair loss, a hair transplant may be a viable option. This procedure involves transferring hair follicles from one area of your scalp to another to promote hair growth.
Summer can be a challenging time for your hair, but with the right care, you can keep it healthy and hydrated. Remember to protect your hair from the sun, hydrate it regularly, and avoid heat styling as much as possible.
By following these essential summer hair care tips, you can keep your hair looking and feeling its best all season long. If you are experiencing any severe hair issues, be sure to consult a dermatologist or hairstylist for professional help.
“”Dr. Nidhi Paliwal, MBBS, MD( Dermatology), specializes in problems of skin, hair & various cosmetic issues. Her strong traits include passion to help and emotional endurance, she understands how deep dermatologic and cosmetic concerns can affect an individual and is always ready to work with the patients to bring out the best results. Doctor Nidhi Paliwal has presented many papers and posters at various national conferences and has also won awards for best paper presentation.”