Have you ever caught yourself scratching your head with more vigor than usual on those swelteringly hot days? I certainly have. One steaming hot day while doing outdoors yoga, I felt my scalp slightly itchy. It felt both oily yet dry at the same time. It felt flakey which is slightly embarrassing. That is when I started wondering, am I doing something wrong with my hair care routine?
If you have also struggled with the dual feeling of a dry as well as greasy scalp, especially during the hot summer months, then you certainly are not alone. Hot weather coupled with sun exposure can cause damage to hair along with the scalp. This, in particular is more noticeable during the summer compared to the cooler months.
Through much trial and error, I eventually discovered a few simple and effective ways to ensure my scalp is healthy and comfortable, even during the hottest days of the year. In this article, I will share my go-to methods, including products and lifestyle choices that truly made a difference. Let’s dive in!
Why Your Scalp Suffers in the Heat
Your Scalp and Hair Struggles in the Summer
It all started when I realized that no matter how often I washed my hair, my scalp always felt simultaneously greasy and dry. It turns out it’s not just me. During oppressive summer heat, our scalp overproduces sebum as a response to sweating more. When combined with dirt, pollution, and product buildup, well, that’s a recipe for disaster.
Here’s the science:
- Excessive Sebum Production: Sebaceous glands get stimulated to make oil-filled strands of hair which many people desire due to hot weather.
- Sweat and Bacteria: Hair can trap sweat under it leading to bacterial growth which causes dandruff and other forms of irritation.
- Sun Damage: Exposed skin can be scorched causing dryness and flakiness or sunburn of the scalp.
After coming to this realization, I knew I had to adjust my routine. Here’s what was helpful!
My Three-Step Process for a Healthy Scalp in the Summer
Step 1: Smart Cleansing and Care
Washing my hair every day was an attempt to manage oily hair but, unfortunately, that only worsened things. Over-washing creates a vicious cycle of increased oil production. I came up with a solution: using mint or tea tree oil shampoos without sulfates to wash my hair only two to three times a week.
Why this works:
- Mint and Tea Tree Oil: Their cooling and soothing properties help reduce inflammation and calm irritation.
- Sulfate-Free: Preserves the natural oils of the scalp.
Pro tip: Always rinse hair with lukewarm water. This is a way to ensure that your scalp remains moisturized.
Step 2: A Different Approach to Deep Conditioning
My new strategy was avoiding thick conditioner and instead using leave in aloe vera and glycerin sprays. This not only helped my hair to lock in moisture, but also helped in preventing UV damage.
What to identify:
- Aloe Vera: Does not add weight while providing hydration.
- Glycerin: Provides protection from dehydration.
- SPF: Essential during summer months and for summer hair care.
Step 3: Caring For The Scalp In Between Washes
This one was no exception for me. I assumed the scalp did not need attention outside of the shower. However, adding a weekly relaxing scalp mask made a noticeable improvement. My mix is easy to make:
- 2 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp peppermint oil
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Put on scalp and wait for 15 minutes before rinsing. It is very soothing, especially after sun exposure.
How To Pick Summer Hair Products While Keeping The Scalp Healthy
The journey was finding the right products. I initially gravitated towards anything labeled “cooling” or “hydrating.” However, some made it worse. Here’s what I learned:
- During summer, avoid heavy oils like castor or coconut due to their pore-clogging capabilities.
- Hydrating serums containing glycerin or hyaluronic acid work best.
- Products containing sulfates and alcohol are a big no, especially for scalp hygiene.
Let me show you comparison chart with some ingredients:
| Ingredient | Purpose | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Mint , Tea tree | Cooling, Antibacterial | Oily or itchy scalp |
| Aloe Vera | Hydrating | Soothing and sensitive scalp |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Moisture retention | All scalp types |
| Coconut Oil | Heavy moisture | Dry ends only |
Relating Nutrition: Feed Your Scalp Some Nutrients
For Nourishment , the intake was just as significant as the topical application. Lack of these could lead to dehydration—which can drastically impact scalp health.
Here are five foods that I have started to include in my diet:
- Avocados: Rich in Vitamin E, they aid in hydrating the scalp.
- Fatty Fish (Like Salmon): Omega-3s assist with dryness and inflammation.
- Pumpkin Seeds: They’re a good source of zinc which aids in skin health.
- Greek Yogurt: The protein and probiotics in it are good for hair strongitness.
- Berries: They are full of antioxidants that are vital for collagen production.
My Go-To Scalp Treatments For Instant Relief
Post-gym and beach days, I started looking for quick solutions. These three treatments always worked.
- Cooling Gel Mask: Aloe Vera and Peppermint oil literally worked as a coolant for my scalp.
- DIY Green Tea Rinse: Balanced oil production while not dehydrating the strands.
- pH Balancing Apple Cider Vinegar Spray: Cut through product build-up while balancing pH.
Would you ever try these? If you’re planning your next scalp rescue, save this list!
Final Thoughts
While caring for my scalp during summer, it wasn’t about washing my hair frequently or using strange products. It was understanding how to harmonize everything, inside and outside. All it took was starting to care for my scalp the same way I care for my skin, and everything changed.
Try these tips if you have struggled with scalp issues over the summer. Sometimes a change in diet or using a different shampoo can yield great results.
What is your secret for summer scalps? You can share your answers in the comments below. Don’t forget to save this post on your hair care board for future reference!
