How do you make the most of your summer break? You probably enjoy the great outdoors – perhaps lazing away at the beach with your favorite cold drink in hand. But, did you know that your hair can suffer in the summer? The sun and heat can damage it, causing it to become dry, brittle, and more susceptible to breakage. If you’re already struggling with hair loss, summertime can make things worse and may compel you to visit a Sydney hair loss clinic.
We understand the importance of keeping your hair healthy and strong. To that end, here are some of our top tips for preventing hair loss in the summer:
1. Stay Hydrated.
The hot season means one thing for us: significant sweating. If you live in Sydney, you are probably familiar with this fact – the scorching heat and high humidity levels make it hard to keep cool, no matter what you do.
As you sweat, your body loses fluids and electrolytes. This can lead to dehydration, which in turn weakens the hair follicles and causes them to fall out more easily. To avert this, drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and scalp hydrated- two to three liters a day will suffice.
2. Watch Your Diet
Your hair is made up of protein, so include plenty of protein-rich foods in your diet. Among the options you can consider include meat, fish, eggs, and beans. Also, ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals – fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of these nutrients.
And if you’re thinking of supplementing your diet, talk to your healthcare provider first. Why? Because unsupervised supplementation could be detrimental to your hair.
3. Deep Conditioning
Summer can be tough on your hair, so giving it some TLC – extra love – with a deep conditioning treatment is essential. Look for a product that contains natural ingredients such as olive oil or coconut oil, which helps to hydrate and nourish your strands.
Deep conditioning also promotes hair growth by stimulating the scalp. Here’s an example of a simple hair mask you can make at home:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 egg
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working down to the tips.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.
4. Trim Your Hair Regularly
While you may not want to lose any length, trimming your hair every six to eight weeks will eliminate split ends and help keep it healthy. Damage to the ends of your hair can make it look dull and lifeless. Hence, if you notice your ends splitting, make an appointment with your stylist ASAP.
5. Avoid Hot Tools
We know – it’s hard to give up your straightener during the summer months. But, if you want to keep your hair healthy, it’s best to avoid using hot tools as much as possible. The heat can damage your hair, making it more prone to breakage. If you must use a hot tool, use a heat protectant spray beforehand.
6. Mind Your Scalp!
One of the best ways to prevent summertime hair loss is to wear your hair in a protective style. This refers to styles that keep the ends of your hair tucked away, such as braids, buns, or twists. Protective styles help keep your hair hydrated and free from damage. They also give your scalp a break from the everyday styling process.
While at it, when you’re spending time outdoors, protect your scalp as it’s susceptible to sun damage as the rest of your skin. Wear a hat or scarf when you know you’ll be in the sun for extended periods to guard against harmful UV rays. And, if you’re going to be swimming, apply waterproof sunscreen to your scalp to prevent sunburn.
7. Visit a Hair Loss Clinic
If all else fails or if you’re struggling with hair loss, seek professional help. A hair loss clinic can provide an array of treatment options to help improve the health of your hair and prevent further hair loss. Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, an expert can recommend some of the following solutions:
- Hair transplantation.
- Medication
- Laser therapy
- Lifestyle remedies
Do whatever you can to protect your hair and prevent it from falling in summer. If need be, consult a specialist if you have any questions or concerns, and follow a healthy hair care routine to keep your hair looking great throughout the season.
