How To Protect Your Hair From The Heat In Summer
As the months of June and July are approaching, the scorching sun is hitting our heads. As much as we’d like, it’s impossible to hibernate and be at home all day in the comfort of our lovely air conditioners. But going out in the sun means subjecting yourself to the potential impact on your physical as well as skin health.
Direct sunlight has tons of benefits, but like everything else, too much of anything can spoil and cause potential damage. Now, this damage comes in many forms. This can range from dehydration, and overheating of the body to skin allergies (due to exposure to the sun), as well hair as some degree of damage generally people underestimate the effect of the scorching sun on hair. When your hair is exposed to excessive sunlight without any kind of protection and lack of attention, it can become dry and lack the vital components needed to maintain healthy and shiny hair.
But one may ask what kind of damage can be caused to the hair by heat?
Well, the answer is simple, every time one feels the urge to scratch their head bec ause of itching, consider it a sign of damaged hair and scalp. And it doesn’t just stop here! Heat can damage your hair to a great extent and cause hair concerns such as split ends, dry and frizzy hair, hair fall, dandruff, peeling of the scalp, and in extreme cases- even Discoloration too.
Your hair is much like a nursery of life-saving elements that need to be nurtured. There are several simple steps you can take to ensure that your hair retains its beauty and stays healthy forever. Here are some easy and minor routine changes that are taking steps toward the ultimate, ultimate objective.
1. Rethink the items that occupy your precious shelf space.
Does Your Shampoo Really Taste Good on You? Shampoos contain a lot of chemicals that can do a lot of damage to your hair instead of repairing it in the long run. The most important thing when it comes to hair care is to use a shampoo that meets your needs well and takes into account your allergies. Additionally, due to the excessive chemicals in most shampoos, you will definitely benefit more from natural ingredients and herbal/organic products.
2. Is the water supply you get healthy for your skin and hair?
We all have heard about the problem of hard and soft water but do we really know what they are? Hard water is a type of water that contains lots of natural salts of magnesium and calcium that give it a sticky feeling and leave a roughening effect on the skin and hair. Using hard water creates a thin layer on the skin which prevents moisture from penetrating the hair and hydrating the hair. This makes the hair dull, dry, dehydrated and increases the chances of hair fall. There are different types of water softeners available on the internet and in the market, which can be used and can make amazing changes not only on the hair but also on the skin. Washing your hair with cold water after a bath is a useful tip to keep hair naturally cool and shiny.
3. Oils:
Remember how our mothers used to run after us when we were young to apply oil to our hair, something we disliked because of its sticky texture and oiliness? Turns out, our mom was right. The oils help form a thin protective covering over the hair that keeps them from rubbing against each other (which can cause friction damage). The oil also protects the hair from tangling and nourishes the scalp which helps in maintaining the strength of the roots, hair tone, and hydration of the skin and hair. The best oil in summer is coconut oil, which has the coolness of the ocean; and peppermint oil, more commonly known as menthol, which, quite literally, provides an icy effect.
4. There are other little hacks that can go a long way in keeping your hair safe.
Wearing a dupatta is one of them. Protecting your hair and your scalp against harmful UV rays by using a physical shield like a scarf or an umbrella is definitely a great hack and one of the best ways to protect it. Alternatively, you can also use haircare with SPF which is completely available at the skin and hair-conscious stores. Another way to protect your hair is by deep conditioning it once or twice a week. Conditioning the hair can help close the cuticles and make the scalp less porous. This will help in deep conditioning and retaining moisture in the hair which is essential.
5. Lastly, you should make sure to include many fruits and vegetables of all colors in your diet
so that you get the antioxidants you need to prevent oxidative damage.
While the list is endless, these small, utilitarian hacks can light up your summer and
keep your head high and bright.