To get you through the holiday season we've put together a list of positive and negative impacts summer can bring to your hair plus helpful tips on how to protect your hair.
Follow our advice and you can help minimise the negative effects of summer to maintain healthy, vibrant hair.
POSITIVE IMPACTS FOR SUMMER HAIR.
- Sunlight and Vitamin D:
- Exposure to sunlight during summer allows your body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for overall health, including hair health. When there isn’t enough Vitamin D in our system, new hair growth can be reduced.
- Increased Blood Circulation:
- Warmer temperatures usually mean the body doesn’t need to work so hard to keep itself warm. This can lead to increased blood circulation flowing to the skin giving the scalp an extra boost of essential nutrients for Keratin production. Keratin, the protein essential for hair growth is increased, and in turn can promote hair growth.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS FOR SUMMER HAIR.
- Dryness and Dehydration:
- Sun exposure and higher temperatures can lead to dehydration, affecting your hair's moisture balance. This can result in dry, brittle hair and an itchy scalp.
- UV Damage:
- UV rays can damage the hair's outer layer, leading to protein loss, colour fading (for coloured hair), and increased susceptibility to breakage.
- Saltwater and Chlorine:
- Summer often involves swimming in pools or the ocean. Chlorine in pool water and salt in seawater can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage.
- Excessive Sweating:
- Hot and humid conditions can lead to increased sweating, which can contribute to a greasy scalp and may require more frequent washing.
- Frizz and Humidity:
- Humidity can cause hair to absorb moisture from the air, leading to frizz and difficulty maintaining certain hairstyles.
TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR HAIR DURING SUMMER.
- Hydration:
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water to counteract the dehydrating effects of the sun and heat.
- Sun Protection:
- Wear hats or scarves to protect your hair and scalp from direct sunlight. You can also apply UV protection sprays to your hair.
- Conditioning:
- Use hydrating and moisturising conditioners to combat dryness. Consider using leave-in conditioners or hair masks for added hydration.
- Limit Heat Styling:
- Reduce the use of heated styling tools, as your hair is already exposed to heat from the sun.
- Pre-swim Protection:
- Wet your hair with clean water before swimming to reduce the absorption of chlorinated or salt water.
- Post-swim Care:
- Rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming to remove salt or chlorine. Use a pre-shampoo weekly for a deep cleanse to remove residue buildup.
- Scalp Care:
- Pay attention to your scalp's health. If you sweat a lot, consider washing your hair more frequently with a gentle shampoo and using specific scalp treatments.
- Trim Regularly:
- Schedule regular trims to prevent split ends, which can worsen with exposure to the sun and heat.
- Stay Cool:
- Avoid excessive heat exposure, be mindful of shade, and consider protective styles that keep your hair off your neck and shoulders.
