After the extreme temperatures of winter, summer generally comes as a relief for our skin and hair. Increased humidity and warmer weather means less extreme dehydration and breakage, however, it’s not without its challenges.
Increased exposure to the sun’s UV rays, sea water and chlorinated swimming pool water poses its own problems, such as a dry scalp, colour fade and lack of shine. But all is not lost – with a few simple steps in your hair care regime you can enjoy healthy, moisturised and shiny hair all summer long.
Here’s how to treat and manage some of the most common hair care concerns experienced during summer:
Dry or flaky scalp
When caring for your hair, it’s easy to forget about your scalp, but the truth is that your hair is 100% influenced by the health of your scalp. Much like the skin anywhere else on the body, the skin on the scalp may become dry and flaky, especially if you rinse your hair with hot water or if your scalp is exposed to the sun. To remove build-up on the scalp, stimulate healthy growth, deep cleanse the roots and get rid of dry patches, we recommend using a gentle scalp scrub once a week. Wet your hair to ensure your roots are damp, then gently massage the scrub into the scalp at the roots, in circular motions. Rinse the product out before shampooing.
We recommend Umberto Giannini Grow Scrub Scalp Scrub (R180.00), which is infused with a caffeine-gro complex to encourage growth, as well as sea salt granules, seaweed, Irish moss and algae for their detoxifying, moisturising and exfoliating properties.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. If you have dark hair or wear dark clothing, dandruff may be very noticeable, as it is characterized by white flakes (which may be present in the hair or fall onto one’s shoulders). While it’s not dangerous or contagious, it is often considered embarrassing, and may be accompanied by itching, redness and discomfort. The key lies in using a dandruff-dedicated shampoo that contains active ingredients that slow down the growth of the yeast that causes infection, while reducing itching, irritation and flaking.
Try: Selsun® Blue Triple Action Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (R89.99), which is formulated to treat dandruff and control recurrence with selenium sulphide to control flaking and itching. The brand also recently launched two conditioners formulated especially for dandruff-prone hair: Selsun® Apple Cider Anti-Dandruff Triple Action Conditioner (R89.95) and Selsun® Ultra Moisturizing Triple Action Conditioner (R89.95).
The Kérastase Symbiose range redefines the anti-dandruff game, going more profound at the scalp surface cellular level. Kérastase discovered that surface cell renewal speed is twice as fast on a scalp with dandruff than without. Dead cells build up and become visible. Powered by bio-affinity science and using the best skincare actives from Kérastase, Symbiose not only acts to eliminate dandruff instantly, it regulates the speed of scalp surface cellular renewal to eliminate it over the long term, with up to seven weeks between washes to maintain the effect. Kérastase Bain Crème Antipelliculaire Antidandruff Shampoo (R550.00) is powered by a unique synergy of three actives that work in affinity with the scalp, anti-dandruff efficacy is reinvented at cellular level to prevent dandruff from reappearing and replenishing fibre moisture for ultimate hair health.
Follow with Kérastase Fondant Apaisant Essentiel Hydrating Conditioner (R550.00), this natural feel hydrating conditioner soothes the scalp, strengthens hair, and provides moisture with a lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh hair down. For extra stubborn dandruff, you can also consider Kérastase Serum Nuit Antipelliculaire Anti-dandruff Night Serum (R1380.00). Easy to use and a great way to recharge overnight, this highly concentrated night serum is formulated with salicylic acid, a powerful active ingredient to help eliminate the symptoms of dandruff.
Dehydration
There are several factors that could lead to dry or dehydrated hair during summer. From exposure to UV rays to dehydration due to salty sea water or chlorinated swimming pools, you may find you need to up your hair’s moisture levels during these warmer months. One of our favourite tricks is to wet your hair thoroughly with clean water before going for a swim. If hair is saturated upon exposure to sea water / chlorinated water, it will absorb less salt and chlorine and thus have a lower risk of drying out. It’s also a good idea to switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner during summer.
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra [Hyaluronic] Moisture Boosting Shampoo (R90.00) and Moisture Locking Conditioner (R90.00) is inspired by skincare and contains hyaluronic acid, the ingredient known to help replenish and lock in moisture. The formulas plump the fibre for hair that looks full, bouncy, shiny and feels weightlessly hydrated. For an added moisture boost, you can spritz the Moisture Plump Serum (R115.00) as a leave-in treatment after washing/ conditioning or for a moisture boost to dry hair.
For a leave-in treatment with a difference, try INOAR Absolut Daymoist Leave-In Mist (R460.00). This multi-functional mist was designed for hair in need of repair, nutrition and moisture. It conditions and restores, detangles, prevents split ends, and gives softness and shine. like never before! It is the perfect finishing spray to complete your Daymoist routine.
Hair colour fade
If you colour your hair, it’s likely that you’ve noticed colour fade happens a lot quicker in summer than in winter. The combination of UV rays, salt water and chlorine can turn brunette hair mousy, blonde hair yellow (or if you spend a lot of time in chlorinated pools, green!) and red hair pink. While colour protect products go a long way to help preserve hair colour, you can also protect your hair colour by wearing a headscarf or hat during peak hours, or by wearing a swimming cap when you swim.
INOAR Absolut Speed Blond Leave-In Mist (R460.00) is specially formulated for blonde, bleached and grey hair, and is designed to lock in and protect hair colour to prolong its colour. This lightweight mist provides extra hydration, whilst also preventing frizz and offering heat protection, leaving the hair nourished, shiny and with a beautiful natural blonde or grey tone.
No Fade Fresh Color Depositing Shampoos (R499.95) and Conditioners (R499.95) are a great summer option. These semi-permanent, plant-based colour depositing products refresh colour that has faded, repairs the damaging effects of bleach, colours and re-tones hair. There are six shades to choose from: Purple Bordeaux, Hot Pink, Blue Blast, Natural Brown, Natural Blonde, and Icy Platinum Silver.
Lack of shine
Just like skin, your hair can become dull and lacklustre from time to time. Dry hair is more likely to appear dull, so if you’re able to replenish lost moisture, you should see an increase in shine. A simple trick you can also try is to rinse your hair with cold water after conditioning. Cold water makes the cuticle lie flat and reflect more light, making hair appear shinier.
If you still need an added boost of shine, try label.m Fashion Edition Healthy Hair Mist (R455.00). This weightless beautifying mist helps restore hair’s smoothness, softness and shine. With a creamy coconut fragrance, it’s packed with conditioning and hydrating ingredients including aloe vera to lock in moisture. It also contains vitamins E and C to help protect against free-radical damage.
Got any summer hair care tips of your own? Share them in the comment section below.
