Some scalps are more prone to oil production which, when mixed with sweat, is a recipe for disaster. Other women don’t sweat very much at all and find their scalps to be cool as cucumber even after a long hot summer day. Follow this easy guide to find a routine that suits you and enables you to have healthy summer strands all season.
Summer Strands: Maintaining a Healthy Hair Routine
Get to know your hair.
As we mentioned above, certain hair types are more prone to producing and reflecting sweat and oil production than others. Chances are, you are probably already pretty familiar with your own summer strands by now!
Oily Hair
If you find that your scalp gets oily quickly and your strands tend to feel and look greasy as a result, you may have overly active sebaceous glands, which are producing too much sebum. While sebum can give your hair a nice gloss, too much of it can give you that greasy feel. Pair that with a hot and sweaty summer day, and you’re setting yourself up for disaster. While you may be tempted to wash your hair more frequently to get rid of all that oil, you may end up making those glands work even harder to combat the dryness from each wash. Instead, try washing and conditioning with a detoxing system, like Love Beauty and Planet Sulfate-Free Delightful Detox Charcoal & Bergamot Shampoo and Conditioner every 2 to 3 days. This duo will get rid of buildup and you will give your sebaceous glands a chance to regulate themselves by spacing out your washes.
Dry Hair
If you find that your scalp stays pretty sweat and grease-free even during the hottest days, you can probably get away with washing your hair less frequently. If you have coarser and thicker hair, you probably already know the drill. Wash and conditioner your hair 1-2 times a week with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, like TIGI Copyright Custom Care Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. Refresh with dry shampoo on those in-between days when you start to see some grease!
Gauge your level of activity.
Your level of activity and your workout routine will also play pretty big roles in your hair washing routine. If you exercise frequently, you’ll likely have to wash your hair more often. And while some women can go for a run and then simply refresh their roots with dry shampoo, others will need a full wash after each workout. There is no normal for this and either outcome is okay! If your hair feels sweat-free a little while after your run, try running Dove Care Between Washes Go Active Dry Shampoo Wipes through your roots. If your summer strands need a full wash, consider co-washing. This allows you to cleanse your strands without stripping them with daily washing. We love Love Beauty and Planet Purposeful Hydration Shea Butter & Sandalwood Gentle Cleansing Conditioner.
Arm yourself with the right products.
Finally, take stock of your scalp routine. Consider making some changes to prioritize the health of your scalp during sweaty summer months. This is the opportune time to employ some self-care and give your scalp a regular tailor-made spa day. A little bit of Nexxus Clean & Pure Invigorating Detox Scalp Scrub goes a long way and massaging this product into your roots will get rid of any product buildup and greasiness. Make sure to follow up with an ultra-hydrating conditioner to restore any lost moisture! If you’re looking for a quicker (but no less satisfying) fix for your summer strands, try working Love Beauty and Planet Soothe & Nourish Hemp Seed Oil & Nana Leaf Scalp Serum through your roots.
