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Summer Hair Loss: How to Prevent Hair Damage During Summer

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There’s nothing better than getting out and enjoying the sun in summer. But did you know it can damage your hair? Understanding the factors contributing to sun-damaged hair is key to addressing it. That’s why we’re here to walk you through the common causes of summer hair loss and ways to prevent it, as well as answer frequently asked questions.

Do You Lose More Hair in the Summer?

Yes, it is possible to notice more hair shedding during the summer months. While losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is considered normal according to the NHS, several factors during summer can contribute to increased hair loss:

Sun Exposure

We all know the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can harm the skin, but it can also be detrimental to your hair! Especially if you’re spending more time outdoors during the summer months when UV is higher. In fact, a recent study found prolonged UV exposure can potentially damage hair follicles, interrupting the hair growth cycle and causing thinning or loss.

It can also lead to dryness and scalp irritation, possibly resulting in dull, brittle hair that’s more prone to breakage.

Humidity and Hair Damage

High humidity levels during summer can cause hair cuticles to lift as they attempt to absorb and regulate moisture. This fluctuation can lead to the swelling and shrinking of hair strands, ultimately weakening the hair structure over time. These weakened hair strands become vulnerable to breakage and falling out, especially during brushing and styling when hair is subjected to tugging and friction.

To minimize the impact of humidity on your hair, consider the following tips:

  • Use Anti-Frizz Products: Apply anti-frizz serums or creams to smooth the hair cuticle and create a protective barrier against humidity.
  • Hydrate: Keep your hair well-moisturized with leave-in conditioners or hair masks to maintain its strength and elasticity.
  • Protective Hairstyles: Opt for loose, protective hairstyles to reduce stress on your hair and minimize breakage.
  • Gentle Brushing: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for detangling to avoid excessive tugging and friction on your hair.

Chlorine and Saltwater

Summer calls for trips to the beach and lounging by the poolside, but it’s important to be mindful of the effects of chlorine and saltwater on your hair.

Frequent dips in seawater or chlorinated pools can dehydrate and strip away your hair’s natural oils, leaving it brittle and dry. When hair becomes dry, it is more prone to breakage and falling out.

To mitigate the damage caused by chlorine and saltwater, consider the following tips:

  • Rinse Before and After: Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming to reduce the amount of chlorine or saltwater your hair absorbs. After swimming, rinse thoroughly to remove any residual chemicals or salt.
  • Use a Protective Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner or a protective hair treatment before swimming. This can create a barrier that helps shield your hair from harsh chemicals and salt.
  • Wear a Swim Cap: If you’re a frequent swimmer, wearing a swim cap can protect your hair from prolonged exposure to chlorine and saltwater.
  • Deep Condition: Use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once a week to replenish moisture and restore the health of your hair.
  • Clarifying Shampoo: Occasionally use a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup of chlorine or salt, but follow it with a moisturizing conditioner to prevent dryness.
  • Hydrate: Keep your hair hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using hydrating hair products regularly.

Dehydration

The combination of hot weather, increased outdoor activities, and sweating can cause your body to lose more fluids during summer. Not getting enough H2O can actually parch your hair, making it more prone to breakage. When you’re dehydrated, your hair shafts can become dry and brittle, increasing the risk of hair shedding or loss.

To combat dehydration and protect your hair, consider the following tips:

  • Drink Plenty of Water: Ensure you stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, but adjust based on your activity level and the weather.
  • Hydrating Hair Products: Use moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments to keep your hair hydrated.
  • Balanced Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and foods high in water content to help maintain hydration levels.
  • Avoid Excessive Heat: Limit the use of heat styling tools and reduce direct sun exposure to prevent further dehydration of your hair.
  • Use a Humidifier: If you’re spending a lot of time in air-conditioned environments, use a humidifier to maintain moisture levels in the air and prevent your hair from drying out.

Diet and Nutrition

During the summer, our dietary habits often change, and we may be more inclined to indulge in less healthy food choices—especially when we’re on holiday! While occasional indulgences are perfectly fine, it’s important to be mindful that long-term poor nutrition can have an impact on our hair health.

Vitamins, minerals, and proteins are essential for strong and healthy hair growth. A diet lacking these nutrients can potentially contribute to weakened hair follicles and increased hair shedding over time. To support optimal hair health, consider the following dietary tips:

  1. Incorporate Protein:
    • Hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin. Including protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes can help maintain healthy hair growth.
  2. Eat Fruits and Vegetables:
    • Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair health. For example, leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits provide vitamins A, C, and E, which promote scalp health and hair growth.
  3. Include Healthy Fats:
    • Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, provide essential fatty acids that nourish the scalp and hair.
  4. Stay Hydrated:
    • Drinking plenty of water is crucial for maintaining overall health, including hair health. Proper hydration helps prevent hair dryness and brittleness.
  5. Take Vitamins and Supplements:
    • If you have specific dietary restrictions or deficiencies, consider taking supplements that provide essential nutrients for hair growth, such as biotin, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  6. Limit Processed Foods:
    • Minimize the intake of processed foods and sugary snacks, as they can negatively impact overall health and hair quality.

By maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, you can support strong and healthy hair growth, even during the indulgent summer months.

How to prevent hair loss during summer

Optimal hair health during the summer requires a combination of proper hair care and lifestyle practices. Here are some tips to help minimize the risk of hair loss during the summer months:

Shield Your Hair from the Sun

When spending time outdoors in direct sunlight, it’s essential to cover your hair with a hat or a lightweight scarf. This will provide shade and reduce exposure to harmful UV rays.

If you’ve already noticed signs of sun damage in your hair, such as dryness, thinning, or a lighter color, it’s best to limit your sun exposure as much as possible. To minimize further damage:

  • Seek Shade: Try to stay in shaded areas, especially during the sun’s peak hours (usually between 10 AM and 4 PM).
  • Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure: Limit the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight to prevent additional damage.

Use Hair Care Products That Contain UV Protection

When out in the sun, consider using specially formulated hair care products with UV protection. These products will shield your hair from the damaging effects of the sun, preventing dryness, color fading, and breakage. Additionally, oils and sprays with UV protection can also give your hair a beautifully glossy shine, keeping it looking healthy and vibrant.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water during summer is essential for keeping you hydrated, which is vital for optimal hair growth. Water plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption and transportation throughout the body, including the hair follicles.

Tips for Staying Hydrated:

  • Consistent Hydration: Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day. Increase your intake during periods of high heat or physical activity.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s thirst cues and respond by drinking water regularly.
  • Carry a Water Bottle: Make it a habit to carry a water bottle with you to encourage regular hydration and make it easy to sip on water throughout the day.

Avoid Heat Styling

Hair is prone to becoming dry when exposed to the sun, and using heat styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners can further weaken the hair, contributing to thinning or loss. To protect your hair, it’s important to limit the use of these tools. Instead, embrace heat-free styling techniques and allow your hair to air dry whenever possible.

Tips for Heat-Free Styling:

  • Air Dry: After washing, gently pat your hair dry with a towel and let it air dry naturally.
  • Braiding: Create loose braids or twists to add texture and waves without heat.
  • Use Rollers: Apply foam or Velcro rollers to damp hair to achieve curls or waves.
  • Hair Accessories: Experiment with clips, pins, and headbands to create stylish looks without heat.

Rinse your hair after swimming

After enjoying a dip in chlorinated pools or seawater, it’s crucial to prioritise shampooing and rinsing your hair thoroughly with clean, fresh water as soon as possible. 

This simple step is essential to eliminate any lingering traces of chlorine or saltwater, which can dry your hair, making it more prone to breakage. 

Maintain a Healthy Diet

While you should still enjoy yourself on holiday, it’s important not to neglect your intake of fruits and veggies. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial for preventing hair loss during the summer. These nutritious foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote hair health and growth. Specifically, vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and zinc, are vital for maintaining strong and healthy hair follicles.

Don’t Forget the Protein!

  • Protein provides the building blocks necessary for hair growth, so it’s essential to get enough in your diet.
  • Include foods like nuts, meat, eggs, and beans to ensure you’re meeting your protein needs.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you wash your hair in summer?

Hair Washing in Summer

Generally, washing your hair two to three times a week is sufficient to remove sweat, dirt, and excess oil. However, there are exceptions during the summer:

  1. Swimming: If you’re frequently swimming in chlorinated pools or seawater, you’ll need to wash your hair more often to remove damaging chemicals.
  2. Exercising Outdoors: If your hair gets sweaty from outdoor activities, you may need to wash it more frequently to keep it clean.

It’s crucial to find a balance that keeps your scalp clean and refreshed without stripping away natural oils. Adjust your hair-washing routine based on your activities and hair type to maintain healthy hair throughout the summer.

Does sunburn cause hair loss?

While sunburn itself does not directly cause hair loss, it can contribute to scalp irritation and dryness, which may indirectly affect hair health. Prolonged sun exposure can damage the hair follicles over time, potentially leading to weaker hair strands, thinning, and loss.

That’s why it’s so crucial to protect your scalp from sun exposure by wearing hats or using UV protection products designed for the hair.

Can Sun-Damaged Hair Be Repaired?

The best way to tackle summer hair loss is, of course, by preventing it. Once your hair is sun-damaged, you can’t reverse the damage completely. However, you can take steps to improve your hair’s condition and encourage it to grow back stronger.

Sun-exposed hair is more fragile, so you should treat it delicately:

  1. Use Wide-Toothed Combs: Gently detangle your hair with wide-toothed combs to avoid breakage.
  2. Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Refrain from hairstyles that pull on the scalp, such as tight ponytails or buns, to prevent further damage.
  3. Limit Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun as much as possible and seek shade, especially during peak hours.
  4. Use UV Hair Protection: Apply hair products with UV protection to shield your hair from further sun damage.
  5. Hydrating Treatments: Use deep conditioning treatments and hair masks to restore moisture and improve the overall health of your hair.
  6. Regular Trims: Get regular trims to remove split ends and promote healthier hair growth.

By following these steps, you can help improve your hair’s condition and promote recovery and growth.

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