After those long and grueling six months of winter, there is nothing like the warm days of summer. You can finally get outside in shorts, feel the sun on your skin, and hopefully take some vacation time. Of course, those first few days of summer often remind us of the effects of the sun! We've all been victims of the first nice day sunburn—it's brutal and a stark reminder to pull out the sunscreen to protect our skin.
But what about your scalp and your hair? Do you make sure to apply sunscreen to your scalp and your hair?
In the salon, I make it a point to check my guests' scalps for any irregular marks or new spots that pop up. I've even spotted a few melanoma spots for various guests that needed to be removed. As important as your scalp health is, we can't forget about your hair! Let me tell you, the beating your hair can take over the summer months—from UV exposure, chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and many other factors—is significant. Your hair is about to face a lot over the next few months, and I want to help set you up for success.
So, follow along here for tips on how to protect your hair and scalp from the summer heat.
How Does Summer Affect Your Hair?
Before we jump into the tips, let’s talk about why our hair can be so difficult to manage during those summer months.
If you suffer from dry skin, winter can be tough to get through without developing scaly patches, dryness, and even flaking on your scalp. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, summer can mean an even more oily scalp and greasy locks. Not to mention the potential damage from increased sun exposure to our scalp and hair strands.
When we’re talking about our hair and scalp in the summer, it’s important to keep in mind the following risk factors and ways to protect against them:
UV Exposure: Just like your skin, your hair and scalp can get sunburned. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can lead to dry, brittle hair and a damaged scalp.
Heat and Humidity: These can cause your scalp to sweat more, potentially leading to greasy hair and scalp irritation.
Chlorine and Saltwater: While refreshing, swimming pools and the ocean can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage.
Sweat and Oil: Increased sweat production can make oily hair even more difficult to manage, leading to greasy, limp locks.
Understanding these challenges is the first step in protecting your hair and scalp during the summer months. Now, let’s dive into ten essential tips to help you maintain healthy, beautiful hair all summer long.
Tips for Protecting Your Hair and Scalp
1. Wear a Hat
One of the easiest ways to protect your hair and scalp from the sun is to cover it up. So much of the damage that happens to your hair and skin is from direct exposure to the sun, so I recommend making a hat or scarf a new summer wardrobe staple, especially on days you plan to be in the sun a lot. Just remember you want something that fits comfortably but is still breathable. We don’t want to trap more sweat and excess moisture on our scalps that can cause irritation and buildup.
2. Apply Non-Toxic SPF to Your Scalp
I get it that not everyone is a hat person and some days it just doesn’t work with the outfit. So, on those days you should apply sunscreen to your scalp. Is SPF on your scalp necessary? YES! It helps to protect against sunburn, skin cancer, and sun damage to your hair strands. At Salon True, we prioritize summer haircare and scalp protection by using non-toxic products to ensure your hair stays healthy and safe from harmful chemicals.
3. Rinse Hair After Swimming
This applies to any type of swimming—lakes, ocean, and the pool. You know that crunchy beach wave that we all love? Well, that’s actually what we want to avoid! That is your hair being stripped of all its nutrients and causing it to dry out and become brittle. So, before you head to your lounge chair to get a tan, make a stop at the shower and give your hair a good rinse. Trust me, it will save your hair in the long run.
4. Eat an Enriched Diet
Your hair may be on the outside, but its health starts on the inside. Eating a nutritious diet and providing your body with essential vitamins and minerals is crucial for healthy hair growth. Vitamins A, C, and D all play significant roles in promoting hair growth, so make sure you’re getting enough of these nutrients. To that end, try incorporating more foods that include fatty acids, like fish and nuts, into your diet. These can help strengthen your hair strands and keep them healthy throughout the summer.
...excessive exposure to the sun’s rays is actually one of the most common causes of structural impairment in hair strands.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Just like with the food you eat, the amount of water you drink can radically change your hair's health and appearance. We tend to get more dehydrated in the summer as sweat production increases in the heat. Make sure you’re drinking your daily allowance of water and stay consistent. Your body and hair will thank you.
6. Keep Your Scalp Moisturized
We know that this can seem counterproductive since you are constantly dealing with excess oils in the summer. But keeping your scalp hydrated will help to regulate sebum production. This will also help your scalp heal faster from sun exposure and the drying effects of too much air conditioning. A great way to give your scalp some TLC is to incorporate a scalp and hair detox/moisture day. We recommend adding the Innersense Detox Mask and Hydrating Moisture Mask into your weekly hair care regimen.
7. Scalp Exfoliation
With all the sunscreen and excess sebum that happens in the summer months, it is inevitable to end up with buildup on the scalp. This can cause dry scalp, flakes, and irritation. Adding a weekly scalp scrub can help to significantly reduce the excess buildup on the scalp. We have a fantastic option here!
8. Regulate the Thermostat
While the summer months mean heat and sun exposure, we also tend to spend a lot of time enjoying the relief of indoor air conditioning. Keep in mind that A/C dehumidifies the air around us by swapping the hot air with cool air, sucking out the essential moisture, and substituting it with cool, dry air. The removal of moisture from the air can lead to our hair and skin becoming dry and damaged, which is why those who spend their time in air-conditioned rooms may notice that their skin and scalp feel dry, tight, or itchy, and may notice flakes. Keep the thermostat temperature in mind throughout the summer to ensure you are staying cool without drying out your hair and scalp.
Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also a season when your hair and scalp need extra care. By following these tips, you can protect your hair from the harsh effects of UV rays, chlorine, saltwater, and other summer elements. Remember, healthy hair starts from within, so maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
At Salon True, we use organic and low-toxin hair products to ensure that your hair not only looks great but is also healthy and safe from harmful chemicals. Our expert team is here to help you keep your hair healthy and beautiful all year round. Book your appointment today and let us help you shine this summer!
Ready to give your hair the care it deserves?
Contact us at Salon True to schedule your consultation or treatment.
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