Summer activities can cause substantial hair damage. Simple techniques can keep your locks healthy all summer.
It's common to protect our), but we rarely do the same for our hair. In the warmer months, chlorine in swimming pools and UV radiation affect our hair. We must understand the hazards and take precautions to protect our hair. This summer season, try these tips given by our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sujaya S N for healthy, silky, lustrous hair.
How does sunlight affect hair?
A board-certified dermatologist and director of skin laser and cosmetics at Surgiderma hospital , Dr. Sujays S N, MD, FRGUHS, believes UV radiation can harm hair like skin. She adds lighter, blond, or gray hair is more sensitive than darker hair. The reason? Dr. Moustafa puts it down to melanin deficiency. UV radiation free radicals damage keratin, an important hair protein, but this pigment protects it. UV damage breaks down hair proteins and affects its color, says Dr. Sujaya. "This manifests as dry, brittle, frizzy hair which lacks luster," adds.
Pool swimming is another summer hair-stressor. Many add chlorine to sanitize water, however this chemical is bad for locks. Chlorine destroys hair lipids, which protect the hair shaft, during backstroke. Dr. Sujaya says this makes us more prone to damage and split ends. Chlorine breaks hair protein chemical connections, causing further breaking.
Additionally, if you had blond hair and your mom cautioned you against swimming, she was right. According to Dr. Sujaya, chlorine and copper in water permeate into hair, turning it green.
Dermatologists advise
Before swimming, oil or condition your hair. This shields your hair from chlorine.
Protecting locks
Although you may not be able to cover up all your hair outdoors, you can strengthen and maintain your hair with a few steps.
Protection from the sun Cover your hair with a wide-brimmed hat in the sun, says Dr. Sujaya. Try to avoid peak sun exposure between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Many leave-in conditioners, sprays, powders, and others contain SPF. Shade provides solar protection.
Salon visit timing. If you often have your hair professionally tinted blond or highlighted, you're bleaching it. To maximize hair color and protect it from the sun, Dr.Sujaya advises against coloring before a beach vacation. "When you dye your hair blond, you make it more susceptible to UV damage and damage from chlorine," she said. Going darker doesn't increase risk.
Think about pool swim caps. Doctor Sujaya recommends a swim cap to protect your hair if you swim laps or splash around in a pool. In case it's too uncomfortable, she suggests applying oil or a leave-in conditioner before entering the pool. "This creates a physical barrier between your hair and the harmful chlorine," explains her.
Swimmers should rinse and wash their hair. Rinse your hair after swimming before hanging up the pool towel. Wash your hair with swimmers' shampoo. Removes chlorine from hair. Deep conditioners help restore moisture.
To protect your beautiful hair this summer, add another step to your routine.