Small changes to your warm-weather routine that make a big impact on scalp and hair wellness.
Already stocked up on UV sprays and beach hats? Summer hair care doesn’t end at sun protection. In fact, some of the most effective ways to keep your scalp balanced and your hair flourishing in the heat have come from small, thoughtful habits. Here are seven often-overlooked tips that help your hair and scalp stay healthy all season long.
Sounds easy, but hydrating the body effectively means caring for the scalp and hair in summer. Dehydration causes dryness and itching in the scalp and leads to split ends. Proper hydration maintains the moisture levels in the scalp and encourages healthy sebum production to protect hair through natural means. Doing a physically strenuous activity? Pop an extra glass of water.
Sun exposure, saltwater, and pool chlorine can speed up split ends and breakage. Even if you’re growing your hair out, a light trim every 4 to 6 weeks can prevent damage from traveling up the shaft and keep your hairstyle looking crisp.
Lightweight skincare is the standard fare for summer; therefore, you may want to offset your heavy butters or thick oils, which are classic culprits for clogging up pores and trapping sweat on the scalp. Go for lighter leave-ins and gel-based stylers that won’t weigh hair down or cause buildup, especially close to the roots and around the hairline.
Though the urge to wash the hair each day in hot weather is strong, excessive washing can throw off your scalp’s balance. Try co-washes in between shampooing, using sulfate-free cleansers, or add gentle rinses like apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil into your summer hair care routine.
Scalp massages aren’t just a winter wellness trend. A few minutes of gentle pressure each day – using your fingertips or a silicone massager – can increase blood flow to hair follicles and help reduce sweat-related congestion.
On hot summer nights, sweat combined with cotton pillowcases can create the perfect storm for frizz and scalp irritation. Your hair may start to suffer from friction and moisture loss. Silk or satin pillowcases are great at keeping your hair smooth. If you’re into protective styles, a silk scarf or bonnet keeps your roots and edges protected through the night.
True, hot showers feel relaxing. But they can dry out your scalp and strip away natural oils. Try rinsing with lukewarm or cold water so that your cuticle lies flat. This keeps hair shinier and your scalp calmer in hot, humid weather.
Ask any stylist and they will tell you that healthy hair starts at the scalp. And it’s not always about buying more products. A few subtle changes to your daily routine can go a long way in keeping your scalp healthy and your hair looking its best, root to tip.
Heading out to a beach or pool? Read more about beach day sun protection products and pool hair care.
Featured image via @freepik.
