Follow These Tips To Protect Your Hair in Summers

Here’re some summer hair care tips, recommended by experts & perfect for all your hair woes this summer.

Here are some tried and tested summer hair care tips to protect your hair this season.

(Photo: iStockphoto)

It’s summer - the time for lemonade, vacations and no school! Its also the time for frizz, oily scalp, sun damage and split ends. You take care of your hair meticulously throughout the year only to see it fall flat during summers.

These summer problems can be tricky to solve as well. You try to tackle the oily scalp by shampooing frequently, but excess washing rips the strands of its moisture. It can feel like a Catch 22 situation.

So why exactly does hair get so deviant during summer?

The blazing sun dries out all the moisture from hair, making it dry. The excess dryness can trigger dandruff too. Too much sun exposure can also open up the cuticles and make it rough. There are additional problems if you use the pool frequently.

Now that we know the different ways your hair can get damaged, it’s time to take action!

Here are some tried and tested summer hair care tips, recommended by experts and perfect for all your hair woes this season.

Cover Your Hair

Use a wide brimmed hat or a scarf when outdoors.(Photo: iStockphoto)

Use a wide brimmed hat or a scarf, or at least carry an umbrella when outdoors. This also does the additional job of protecting your facial skin from sun damage.

Choose a hat that doesn't let sunlight penetrate through it and a scarf that is made of a breathable fabric. It's best to avoid materials that can cause static when in contact with hair.

Use Dry Shampoo

You can tackle a greasy scalp with dry shampoo.(Photo: iStockphoto)

Shampooing too much removes natural oils from the hair and scalp and causes more damage. However, you can tackle a greasy scalp with dry shampoo instead.

You can make your own DIY dry shampoo right at home. Mix together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and apply on the scalp with a clean, dry brush.

Apply Smoothing Serum

It’s a good idea to use a DIY hair serum. (Photo: iStockphoto)

The best way to keep those frizzy bits in line is to use a smoothening serum on hair strands. Since we don't want to add to the chemical burden on our hair, it's a good idea to use a DIY hair serum.

Mix together a tablespoon each of jojoba oil and olive oil, and add 6-10 drops of peppermint oil. Pour the mix into a glass bottle with a dropper and store in a cool, dark place.

Avoid Tight Hair Styles

Tight pony tails can break hair that is already dry & damaged due to the summer heat. (Photo: iStockphoto)

Tight pony tails or buns can break hair that is already dry and damaged due to the summer heat. Since letting down your hair can be uncomfortable when it's hot, it's best to try other hairstyles like a loose braid or low bun.

Another option is to get a short hair cut that's easy to maintain.

Trim Your Hair

Trimming reduces excessive damage on your hair.(Photo: iStockphoto)

Sun damage can cause split ends which can give hair a very unruly look. A hair trim is the obvious solution, though hair experts recommend getting a trim just before summer starts, and keeping it that way till summer ends.

This reduces excessive damage on your hair and saves you a lot of maintenance trouble.

Stay Hydrated

Adequate water also prevents drying of the scalp and a subsequent dandruff problem.(Photo: iStockphoto)

Water is not just important for the body, but for hair as well, and especially so during summer. Water helps in cell growth and transportation of minerals, and good hydration ensures that hair stays hydrated and healthy.

Adequate water also prevents drying of the scalp and a subsequent dandruff problem.

Eat Healthy

Consume a healthy diet!(Photo: iStockphoto)  

We tend to eat less during summer, which may lead to a deficiency of valuable nutrients that are needed for healthy hair.

Eat foods rich in omega 3, biotin, protein, zinc, iron and Vitamins A & C. Such foods include eggs, spinach, nuts, seeds, avocado, citrus fruits and carrots.

Avoid Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments aren’t exactly a healthy option for hair.(Photo: iStockphoto/Altered by FIT)

Chemical treatments aren't exactly a healthy option for hair, but they can be particularly harmful during summer.

They can further dry out your hair and cause further damage. If you absolutely have to do any treatment, get it done before summer starts.

Stay Clear of Chlorine

Use a swimming cap in the pool.(Photo: iStockphoto)  

Swimming pools see a lot of action during summer and are a good way to get some exercise while staying cool. However, chlorine is extremely damaging to hair, and if it has been treated, it can be disastrous!

Use a swimming cap in the pool or if you can’t find one, saturate hair strands with fresh water before entering the pool so the chlorine water can’t get to it.

Be sure to wash it off upon exiting the pool.

Use a Conditioner

Use a conditioner after shampoo.(Photo: iStockphoto)

Shampooing hair can open up the cuticles and make it dry and unmanageable. A conditioner can tame this problem, but opt for a natural conditioner to avoid product buildup.

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent option that is quick, economical and light.

Another way to keep your hair shiny and healthy in summer is to give it some intense nourishment with hair masks.

Check out these easy DIY hair masks for all your summer hair woes.

Egg Yogurt Hair Mask for Frizzy Hair

What you need:

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp thick yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Few drops of peppermint oil (optional)

(Photo: FIT)

The protein-rich egg and yogurt add nourishment and strength, while the olive oil protects the hair from humidity.

Avocado Honey Hair Mask for Rough Hair

What you need:

• 1 medium ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp honey
• Few drops of lavender oil (optional)

(Photo: FIT)

The healthy fats and antioxidants in avocado moisturize and nourish the hair, while the honey ensures it stays soft and manageable.

Strawberry Mayonnaise Hair Mask for Sun-damaged Hair

What you need:

• 8 ripe strawberries
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (not the eggless variety)

(Photo: FIT)

Strawberries are rich in ellagic acid, which prevents hair loss and the mayonnaise helps to repair damage.

With a little forethought, we can avoid the harsh summer sun from affecting our hair and damaging it.

Along with prevention, some extra nourishment in the form of these DIY hair masks and a proper diet along with sufficient water intake ensures that your hair stays healthy and pretty all summer long.

(Pratibha Pal spent her childhood in idyllic places only fauji kids would have heard of. She grew up reading a variety of books that let her imagination wander and still hopes to come across the Magic Faraway Tree. When she's not rooting for eco-living or whipping up some DIY recipes to share with her readers, Pratibha is creating magic with social media. You can view her blog at www.pratsmusings.com or reach to her on Twitter at @myepica.)

(For more life hacks, follow FIT.)