Expert Recommended Solutions For Seasonal Hair Damage

Summer is on in full swing and believe it or not, the weather can throw a spanner in your hair looking its best. Just as it can damage your skin, the sun can also damage hair and scalp. So, here are experts suggesting solutions to protect your hair from sun, heat, and humidity.

- Aarti Kapur Singh

Dr B L Jangid, Delhi-based dermatologist and Founder, SkinQure, shares, “You may have healthy hair almost all year round, but in summer, your hair will turn limp and lifeless. This is because the sun dries out the strands and the increased humidity makes it fall at. Additionally, the main cause of damage is sweat and dust that lead to an increase in problems like dandruff and split ends. The worst case scenario is hair loss and thinning hair.”

His views are echoed by Dr Apoorva Shah, Trichologist, Richfeel, who says, “Summers can be harsh on your scalp, causing dryness and sunburns. Some people believe that hair protects the scalp, but that is not true. In the end, a dry scalp can damage the hair roots.” According to Gita Ramesh, Jt MD, Kairali Ayurvedic Group, “Summer heat can cause scalp damage mainly due to heat and sweating, which in turn lead to damaged hair.”

Shampoo, condition with care

Daily shampooing is not recommended, but at times, it is unavoidable. A good rinse in cold or lukewarm water will do the trick, but not doing so can harm the hair. According to Gita, “By not washing your hair daily, you allow dirt to settle in which causes dandruff, boils and flitching. This leads to an unhealthy scalp and rough hair with spilt ends.” In case you wash your hair daily, it is better to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.