Practical tips to keep your scalp healthy and hydrated this summer

If you spend a lot of time, energy, or money maintaining your hair but neglect your scalp, you’re only getting half the job done. The scalp is responsible for healthy hair growth, and it requires proper TLC—just like the skin on the rest of your body.

When your scalp is healthy, you’ll enjoy shinier, healthier hair and better hair growth. During summer, however, you may run into a few challenges. Exposure to the sun, sea or chlorine and excessive sweating may all contribute to an oily, dehydrated or unhappy scalp.    

So many of our hair concerns originate at the scalp, so we’ve put together some simple guidelines to help you enjoy healthier hair and scalp this summer.

Oily scalp

Our scalps naturally produce sebum, which is essential for a moisturised scalp and hair. However, sometimes, the scalp produces too much sebum, resulting in a build-up, which in turn leads to greasy hair.

Excess sebum may clog the pores on your scalp and trap dead skin cells, leading to itchiness and discomfort.

What can be done?

Rinse your hair with cool water after washing – this seals the cuticle;
Apply conditioner to the lengths of your hair only and never to your roots;
Wash your hairbrush and tools regularly;
Try to increase the time between washes by using a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil

Try:

Skin Republic Salicylic Acid 2% + Urea 5% Scalp Serum (R150.00)

This pre-wash treatment contains salicylic acid, which helps reduce oiliness and flakiness. It exfoliates and cleanses to remove oil build-up and dead skin cells. Added urea helps moisturise and soothe an itchy or uncomfortable scalp.

Dry scalp

The scalp becomes dry when it loses too much water or moisture, which may lead to itching or flaking. Dry scalps have various causes, including the weather, hair care products, or skin conditions like dermatitis.

If you have a dry scalp, you will likely experience dryness on the rest of your body, too.

What can be done?

Rinse your hair with lukewarm water, as hot water may increase dryness and irritation;
Wash your hair less frequently and switch to a gentle shampoo;
Increase your daily water intake;
Increase the moisture content in the air at home with a humidifier

Try:

Jozi Curls Treat Hair & Scalp Oil (R74.99)

Great for dry hair and a dry scalp, this paraben-free oil can be applied directly to the hair and scalp for a moisture boost. Regular use helps keep your hair soft and shiny, leaving the scalp feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Sensitive scalp

Sensitive scalps are about as common as sensitive skin, and they can be just as uncomfortable. They may experience itching, redness, burning, or tingling and may be caused by anything from the weather to stress or haircare products.

If skin sores or a rash accompany scalp sensitivity or if the sensitivity is prolonged, it’s best to visit a medical practitioner to rule out any underlying health conditions or to receive professional treatment.

What can be done?

Protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat when going outside;
Try to limit heat styling, and if you blow-dry your hair, don’t hold the nozzle close to your scalp;
Avoid hair care products containing harsh ingredients or potentially irritating essential oils;
Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp

Try:

Inoar Sensitine Hair Cleansing Cream (R730.00)

This all-in-one cream-based scalp treatment, shampoo and conditioner has an innovative formula comprising a blend of cleansing agents to gently cleanse and moisturise while eliminating discomfort caused by chemical processes and external agents. It contains shea butter to nourish and moisturise while helping to relieve conditions like cradle cap and dandruff. On a dry scalp, it provides much-needed moisturisation and prevents flaking; on an oily scalp, it helps reduce excess sebum production.

All-round scalp health

Just because you don’t have any pressing scalp concerns, it doesn’t mean you can neglect scalp care. By ensuring your scalp gets enough nutrients and moisture, you’ll improve your hair growth as well as the condition of your hair.

But hair care products are not the only way to keep your scalp healthy. You also need to protect your scalp from the sun’s harmful UV rays, avoid burning it with hot water in the shower and gently pat your hair dry instead of vigorously towel drying it.

Try:

Moroccanoil Scalp Care Collection

This range was developed to address the different needs of the scalp: from relieving discomfort to promoting an optimal scalp environment for hair growth, the Scalp Care Collection can be used to treat concerns as well as a preventative. It contains a unique botanical therapy blend of fumaria and swertia japonica extracts, bioactive antioxidants, and Moroccanoil’s signature Argan Oil.

The range consists of:

Purifying Scrub – Formulated with argan shell powder to gently exfoliate, it reduces visible flakes, oils, and build-up, revealing a softer and smoother-looking scalp while refreshing the hair for a more lightweight, airy feel.

Revitalizing Scalp Tonic – Fast-absorbing and lightweight, this daily leave-in treatment helps to support thicker and fuller hair over time. This weightless spray helps to strengthen strands so they are less prone to falling out while balancing and hydrating the scalp to promote an optimal environment for hair growth.

Scalp Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner – The Moroccanoil Scalp Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner helps provide daily relief for the scalp, leaving the hair feeling soft and the scalp balanced, calmed, and refreshed. These formulas impart optimal nourishment and moisture to the hair while hydrating the scalp and helping to reduce visible flakes, oiliness, and the appearance of redness.

Scalp Massage Brush – This versatile brush gently yet effectively exfoliates, massages the scalp, and detangles hair.

Dry Scalp Treatment – This pre-shampoo treatment soothes dry, flaky, or itchy scalps. It is formulated with argan oil to nourish and salicylic acid to exfoliate, and it is packaged in recyclable glass.

Oily Scalp Treatment – A pre-shampoo treatment to help purify and rebalance oily scalps. Formulated with a biotin peptide complex to help promote scalp stimulation and packaged in recyclable glass.

With so many areas of focus, it’s sometimes easy to forget about your scalp. But trust us – putting in that little extra effort will go a long way in achieving healthier and shinier hair.