Summer has come around again. While I’m always grateful for the warmer weather, it also presents some challenges regarding taking care of our hair. Keeping our hair happy and healthy is super important, so here are some solutions to all the common problems we can experience during summer.
Increased Humidity
Around this time, the rains start back up again and with all the moisture in the air, there is a higher humidity level. Humidity is probably my worst enemy! It can cause hair to completely frizz up, shrink and lose its curl definition. It could also make hair more prone to dryness, as the hair cuticle swells and lets moisture escape more easily. With all the pool parties happening and the extra sweat from the heat, it’s tough to avoid humidity. Luckily, there are plenty of solutions!
Use a light leave-in conditioner or oil to help control frizz and keep curls well defined. These products also keep your hair moisturised to ward off the dryness and keep your hair happy. No need to worry about humidity holding you back.
Excessive Shedding
This time of year, you might notice that more hair is falling out than normal. Seasonal shedding is a very common experience in the summer and you’re not alone in this! Not only are there environmental changes, but our hormones can change too. More sunlight affects our serotonin levels, raises endorphins and even enhances reproductive hormones. All of this combined can cause more hair fall.
To combat this, try to strengthen your hair roots. Your follicles. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and an active lifestyle can encourage stronger hair growth. But if you’re anything like me, that can be tough to keep up! A daily scalp massage can also be beneficial, as it increases blood circulation on your scalp to deliver more nutrients to the hair follicles. If your hair shedding is being made worse by an itchy, flaky scalp, using a dandruff shampoo and an ointment that takes care of dandruff, dry scalp and itching will help.
Dryness
The heat from direct sun exposure and increased humidity tends to dry out our hair. This can be quite damaging for hair and cause brittleness and split ends. The key to hair care in these conditions is to make sure we keep a good moisture balance. Just using water to moisturise your hair won’t work, but a water-based daily spray is perfect for keeping your hair hydrated and happy! You could also use other hydrating products, like a leave-in conditioner or castor oil – depending on what your hair needs.
Scalp Health
We need to keep our scalp healthy, clean and flake-free so it can support healthy hair growth. So how do we do that? Cleanse your scalp weekly with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo or use an apple cider vinegar rinse to clarify buildup. We often find that tight hairstyles can cause tension, so it might be good to avoid those when working on your scalp health.
The summer heat doesnt stop at your hair, and it can dry out your scalp too. It’s good to use scalp treatments with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil, as they help keep that itchiness away. No one wants an itchy or irritated scalp!
General Upkeep
Give a go at some hairstyles that require low manipulation to reduce stress on the hair, like braids, twists and buns. Summer is also the perfect time to be incorporating hats, scarves and headbands into your style. Not only will they look great, but they’ll also keep your hair safe from the elements and shield it from direct sunlight. And as always, remember to always sleep on a satin or silk pillowcases or with satin or silk scarf to keep your hair well protected, even while you’re sleeping! That being said, I am sure there is more. Are there any other hair problems you face in the summer? Let us know, and have a wonderful Summer!
