It can be difficult to take care of your hair during Malaysian summers, especially when temperatures keep soaring. But don’t worry, your next bad hair day is avoidable, provided you follow some simple summer haircare tips. If Shawn Cutler’s founder and L’Oreal Professionnel Artistic ambassador Shawn Loong is to be believed, not over-washing your hair can prevent your scalp from drying.
He also advises men to get frequent haircuts to ensure their hair and scalp’s health.
After all, men, just like women need to protect their locks from the summer heat and damage to maintain healthy, stylish hair all season long. Whether you’re hitting the beach, sweating it out in the gym, attending outdoor events or simply enjoying the sun, hair care should be an utmost priority.
The key to healthy summer hair lies in proper hydration, UV protection and gentle cleansing. Additionally, the importance of using products tailored to your hair type and scalp condition to combat the effects of heat, humidity, and UV rays cannot be understated, shares Jay Pawar, the creative director of Looks Salon.
While washing your hair constantly might seem like the best solution during the humid months, it is not viable or the best-case scenario. Sanjiv Sharma of Hairmechanixx, India’s First Barber Salon, recommends washing your hair more frequently to remove sweat, dirt and excess oil, “but avoid overwashing to prevent stripping your hair of its natural oils”. Working out and being outdoors can push men to over-cleanse their scalp due to sweating. “Over-cleansing can make your hair brittle and lead to hair fall,” he adds.
Well, this is only one such example where things could go wrong. So, to avoid such goof-ups, we have curated a list of effective summer haircare tips for men to prevent hair fall. Up your grooming game and confidently embrace the summer months with bouncy shiny hair.
Here are some easy tips for men to level up their haircare routine:
Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner
A shampoo that effectively nourishes your hair during colder months may not provide the same results during the summer months. This is because your hair tends to become dry and fragile in the summer. So, it is essential to consider purchasing a hydrating shampoo that incorporates hydrating components, which will help preserve the natural moisture barrier of your scalp and strands while gently cleansing them.
For oily hair, use a clarifying shampoo containing ingredients like tea tree oil or salicylic acid to control excess oil production and prevent clogged pores. Similarly, for dry hair, opt for moisturising shampoos infused with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or argan oil to replenish moisture and prevent dryness and flakiness. Whereas, for normal hair and scalp, choose a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo that cleans effectively without stripping away the scalp’s natural oils, maintaining a healthy balance, recommends Pawar.
Apply a hydrating conditioner to nourish the ends of your hair. It is crucial during the summer months to always include this step in your hair care routine, as the conditioner plays a key role in locking in moisture and preventing frizz and split ends. Let it sit for approximately two to three minutes to ensure your hair fully absorbs the moisture before rinsing.
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Massage your scalp thoroughly
The scalp derives a significant portion of its nourishment from the blood vessels situated beneath it. Occasionally, these blood vessels may experience restricted flow due to stress. To promote a healthier and stronger scalp, one can opt for a soothing hair massage. Many hair salons offer scalp massage services, but if you are unable to find a suitable one, you can perform the massage yourself.
Sharma believes in using lightweight hair oils, such as argan or coconut oil, to protect your hair from environmental damage and add shine without weighing it down. Additionally, opt for lukewarm or cool showers instead of hot ones, as hot water can strip away natural oils from your hair and scalp, leading to dryness and damage.
Use a hair serum
Serum functions as a protective barrier for your hair during summer outings. In addition to safeguarding your hair from the sun, dust and humidity, it also aids in maintaining your hair’s softness, shine and moisture levels all day long.
Apply a small amount of hair serum or oil to the ends of your hair to protect it from dryness and damage, especially if you have longer hair.
Choose your hair styling products carefully
Styling products help to achieve desired hairstyles while providing hold, texture and definition. However, using the wrong products or excessive amounts can lead to build-up and scalp irritation.
For oily hair and scalp: Use lightweight styling products such as mousses or gels that won’t exacerbate oiliness. Avoid heavy creams or waxes that can weigh down the hair and make it look greasy.
For dry hair and scalp: Choose styling products with hydrating ingredients like oils or serums to add moisture and shine to the hair. Avoid alcohol-based products that can further dry out the hair and scalp.
For normal hair and scalp: Experiment with different styling products to find ones that provide the right balance of hold and flexibility without causing any adverse effects on the scalp or hair,” recommends Pawar.
A hair mask is a must
To ensure optimal hair care during the summer, incorporate a hair mask into your routine. Apply a generous amount of the product onto your hair and allow it to sit for a while. This will effectively nourish your roots and strands, safeguarding them against common summer hair issues like hair loss, dryness, coarseness, lacklustre appearance and other concerns.
For the best result, use a hair mask once or twice every week.
Go for a summer chop
The best thing you can do for your hair in summer is to go for a regular trimming. A summer chop is an effective method to maintain the health of your hair during the warm season.
The sun’s heat tends to dry out your hair, particularly at the ends of the strands. Cutting your hair shorter will provide a cool sensation as the outdoor temperatures rise and reduce the need for extensive maintenance.
Protect your scalp
During peak summer, the sun’s radiation can be quite intense, and its UV rays can harm the scalp, just like it affects the rest of the skin. The sunlight slows down the growth of skin cells on the scalp, leading to the development of acne that is both itchy and painful.
This can cause you to continuously scratch your head, resulting in hair breakage from the roots and inflammation of the scalp. To prevent these issues during the summer, it is advisable to protect your head using various headgear options such as hats, caps and bandanas.
By shielding your scalp from the scorching sun, you can keep it cool and protected from dust and pollution outside.
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(Hero and feature image credit: Unsplash/Delfina Pan and Mostafa Meraji)
