Constant exposure to dry, hot summer air is akin to being under a blow-dryer all day -- as a consequence, your hair tends to become dry, dehydrated and brittle due to cuticle damage. The cuticle is the outermost layer of each hair strand; it is of a waxy texture and is made up of scale-like structures. Dryness or rough handling disturbs the alignment of these scales, lifting them up off the hair shaft, thus making the texture of hair rough and exposing the delicate inner hair shaft to environment damage. Too many hours in the sun can alter hair colour too. Excess sweating predisposes you to various scalp infections. Here are some simple tips to avoid such problems and maintain healthy, glossy hair through the heat:
~ Eat a protein-rich diet -- it helps in hair growth as well as repair. Take plenty of sprouts, chana, whole grams, egg white, low fat cheese, white meat etc.
~ For healthy hair take foods rich in biotin like nuts and whole grains. This miracle vitamin nourishes both hair and nails. Ask your dermatologist for a supplement to remedy unhealthy hair and brittle nails. Pure biotin plant sources are available as 'Essvit' tabs. In combination with hair nourishing aminoacids, biotin is available as X-tra glo, VB-7 Forte, Novophane etc.
~ Wash your hair frequently. Contrary to popular belief, you will not lose more hair if you wash it daily. Keeping hair clean minimises chances of hair infections like boils and fungi. Painful boils on the scalp in summer are not caused by heat, eating too many mangoes or spicy food. They are due to bacterial infections that stem from improper hygiene, dirty combs or fingernail trauma. Use Betadine shampoo daily if this occurs and consult a dermatologist for an antibiotic.Always dry your hair completely before tying it up.
~ A conditioner is a must in dry, hot weather as it forms a protective coating over hair shafts, preventing loss of moisture and cuticle damage. Use either a rinse-out or a leave-in conditioner as per your convenience.
~ Avoid build-up of products on your scalp. Minimise your usage of hair spray, styling mousse or hair oil. Use only light, water-based hair gels to style your hair.
~ Protect your hair from direct sun exposure. Use an umbrella, a cap or a scarf around your head when outdoors. Always wear a swimming cap in the pool as the combination of chlorine and ultra-violet sun rays can be very damaging for hair.
~ Dry dandruff can worsen in summer. Use a ketoconazole shampoo (like Nizral or KZ), preferably under a dermatologist's guidance. Always apply medicated shampoo on clean, oil-free hair. If needed, wash your hair first with a routine shampoo to cleanse oil and grease, then apply medicated shampoo, leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse and condition.
~ Use a nourishing hair pack once a week. Henna packs are cooling but cannot be used on coloured/ highlighted hair and the orange tint they leave is unacceptable to some. Try aloe gel diluted with cucumber juice instead; apply and leave in for 20 minutes, then wash out. Dry, damaged hair cuticles respond well to a protein pack made with egg white and olive oil in equal quantities. Leave in for 20 minutes, then wash out very thoroughly, using shampoo twice or thrice. Never use very hot water to wash out an egg pack, as it makes the egg coagulate and more difficult to get out.
~ If you're planning a hair treatment like colouring, perming or straightening, summer is actually a good time to get it done -- once the monsoons start, the high humidity causes hair to frizz and not respond well to the treatment. Remember to go to a professional and follow the post-care instructions carefully to avoid hair damage or loss.
Dr Parul S Kolhe is an MBBS, DDV and DNB in dermatology.
Photograph: Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty images