As the seasons change, so do many of our self care routines; one of which being haircare. With the weather becoming warmer, the heat and humidity may start to wreak havoc on our tresses, so it’s super important that you adapt your routine to suit the time of year and take good care of your hair.
Here, Abbas Kanani, from Chemist Click, talks through the various things you can do to help keep your hair in good condition and your scalp healthy.
1. Avoid using too much heat
Heat is never good for your hair, but it is even worse during the warmer months. Your hair is already dry and hot from the heat and humidity and so adding more heat will damage it even more. Try and leave your hair to dry naturally if you can, or if you have to dry it, use a low heat or even have a cold blow dry. Avoid using other hot hair tools as much as possible.
2. Invest in better shampoo and conditioner
Investing in decent or all-natural hair products makes all the difference, and when spring and summer comes around you may want to opt for a shampoo and conditioner that is aimed at curbing any damage from heat and humidity. Try and go for rehydrating products, products with coconut or jojoba oil should help to keep the locks moisturised and healthy.
3. Try hair vitamins
Supplements are a great way to get those vital nutrients into your body which are needed to keep hair shiny, thick and healthy. Vitamins such as Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin A, B C, D and E are all good for the hair, as well as Iron. Many supplements include these vitamins so you should be able to find something to suit your lifestyle.
4. Take care of your scalp
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and if you neglect your scalp and roots then you may find you have problems down the line with hair thinning or hair loss. Hair loss can be treated using medication such as Finasteride tablets, however you should consult a medical professional before going down this route.
Use gentle hair care products, avoiding products that contain sulfates, alcohols or fragrances as these could cause dry skin and promote flaking. Avoid using hot water on your hair and try to use a brush that does not tug and pull too much as this could cause damage to the scalp.
5. Maintain a healthy diet
What you put into your body will determine what you get out of your body, and so if your diet is not rich with fruit, vegetables, protein and the right meats then you may find that your hair starts to become dry, brittle, lose its shine and could also promote hair thinning or shedding. Spinach, berries, eggs, fatty fish, avocados, nuts and seeds all promote healthy hair, so including them in your diet is advised.
6. Invest in a deep conditioning treatment
There’s no harm in splashing out on a really good deep conditioning hair treatment which you can use once or twice a week on your hair to keep it hydrated and in good condition. Products with ingredients such as keratin, proteins, plant oil and natural oils will all work to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.
7. Stop using hot water on your hair
Hot water is not only bad for your hair, but also your scalp as it can dry the skin out and cause flaking and dandruff, so it’s best to keep the temperature warm as opposed to hot. If you are able to give your hair a splash of cold water at the end of the shower, this will help to lock in shine and keep it nourished from root to tip.
8. Visit your hairdresser regularly
During the spring and summer months the hair tends to grow quicker due to vitamin D from sunlight, so it’s a good idea to visit your salon more regularly to have any split or damaged ends cut off. This will ensure your hair remains looking and feeling healthy and will also promote hair growth.
9. Avoid excessive bleaching
Bleaching is one of the worst things you can do to your hair, especially during the warmer months where humidity is increased and the sun is much stronger. Avoid any form of bleaching if you can, but if you have to colour it, make sure you are using a deep conditioning treatment regularly and using good products to wash and condition the hair. You may also want to opt for hydrating serums and oils to help hydrate the hair when it needs it.
10. Switch up your tools
The brush you use on your hair can sometimes be the difference between healthy hair and damaged hair, if the brush or comb is pulling or tugging on the hair, this can put a huge strain on the hair follicles and promote hair loss, shedding or hair thinning. Always opt for a detangler style brush as these will be able to get through the knots without causing any damage to the scalp or hair.
