Summer Hair Protection
Although it may not be apparent in England, summer is upon us. At Philip Kingsley Clinic, London, we suppose we can count our lucky strands, as summer can be a perilous time for both the hair and scalp. However, if you happen to live in a sunnier climate, or are planning a holiday abroad, you should be aware of the potential damage, and how to prevent it.
While we may seem summer scrooges, it’s quite the contrary. Summer is perhaps the most enjoyable season! Sitting in the sun can be very relaxing, promoting a feeling of wellbeing and reducing stress. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin D. Just follow the tips below to help ensure that both you and your hair keep a sunny disposition throughout the summer months.
Many people forget their scalp is in fact ‘skin’ and can burn just as easily as the skin on their body. It’s also therefore prone to the same irritation and peeling, and more importantly, to cell changes and skin cancer. To help protect your scalp from UV rays, use a protective hair cream containing SPF over your hair and on your parting.- While the sun may streak your hair into a lovely highlighted and sporty shade, don’t let the ‘natural’ factor fool you. Although the sun’s rays are ‘natural’, they’re actually just as damaging to your hair as bleach and can burn it, dry it out and cause changes to your hairs protein structure. This makes your hair more vulnerable to breakage and split ends. Salt and chlorinated water can also do this, as well as cause discolouration, so always use a Swimcap Cream when sitting in the sun or engaging in water activities to keep your hair hydrated and protected.
- Be extra gentle when brushing your hair in summer. You already have the sun, sea, chlorinated water, wind and heat to contend with, and you don’t want to add split-ends to the list. Detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb, starting and your ends and gradually working up to your roots. If your hair is especially knotty from a day at the beach, you may want to try a de-tangling, conditioning spray. However, if you use a protective mask when out and about, tangles shouldn’t be an issue.
- The summer sun and heat can really parch your hair. Use a weekly pre-shampoo conditioning treatment to restore moisture, elasticity, bounce and shine to your tresses. Pay particular attention to your ends as these are older and have probably been weathered by previous summers.
- You perspire more in the summer due to increased heat, and perhaps outdoor sports. Remember to drink enough water, as your scalp, just like the skin on the rest of your body, can become dehydrated.
For those you you who live in England, you may want to refer to our winter hair blog on rain and fighting the frizz.
