With all the attention skincare receives, hair care is often neglected during summers. It is equally, if not more, important. Our hair is made up of a protein called keratin. When exposed to high temperatures for long durations, this protein gets cooked up.
This in turn leads to hair breakage, hair fall, dry and frizzy hair. To add to it, the heat makes us sweat more, making our scalp sticky and infection-prone.
Take a few steps to protect your hair and keep it looking shiny and healthy all summer.
- Cover your hair with a hat or a scarf whenever you go out. This will protect the scalp and hair from the harmful ultraviolet [UV] rays of the sun. If a hat or scarf is not available, simply apply sunscreen to your hair and scalp [Yes, you read that right]. This is equally effective.
- If you have long hair, braid it or wear it in a bun to prevent all your hair from getting exposed to sunlight. Tying it up also prevents hair from getting dry and frizzy.
- Do not subject your hair or scalp to additional external heat by using hair dryers or curlers. In case you have to use these treatments, condition your hair before you do so.
- Wash your hair daily with cool water. Never use hot water, as it can damage your hair to a great extent.
- Avoid using alcohol or other such strong chemicals to clean or condition your hair. It will result in dry and unhealthy hair that lacks lustre and strength. Use natural products as much as possible.
- Use a mild, good-quality conditioner after every wash and even whenever you wet your hair.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated at all times. Dehydration of the body results in unhealthy hair, which leads to hair fall and breakage.
- Apply jojoba oil to your hair in case it becomes too dry and frizzy. Massage the oil onto your hair and scalp, wrap it with a cloth or plastic and leave it on overnight. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and cool water in the morning.
- Avoid swimming in pools with too much chlorine. Chlorine dries hair, severely damaging it. If you have to swim, dampen your hair before entering the pool. This reduces the absorption of chlorine into the hair. Also, as soon as you step out of the pool, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to rinse off any chlorine residues on your hair and scalp.
A sachet of advice
Regularly shampooing your hair with a good quality shampoo helps avoid infections and other hair problems. It’s not about how many times you shampoo, but about which shampoo you use. If your shampoo contains sodium laureth sulphate [SLS], it robs your hair and scalp of its natural moisture and oil.
Instead, buy shampoos that contain sulphate-free ingredients. These are completely organic and clean your hair and scalp effectively without stealing the essential moisture. These shampoos can be used daily as they are mild and non-irritating.
Last but not the least; shampooing is never complete if you fail to condition your hair. Use a mild conditioner at least 2 – 3 times a week, especially in summer.