The summer season has arrived! The days are longer, the sun is very strong and the heat is rising. It is a fun time for mangoes, holidays, beach trips and cool drinks. But while we enjoy summer, our hair does not enjoy this weather. The hot sun, sweat, chip-chip humidity and dust can damage our hair. It can make the hair look dry, rough, sticky and without shine. That is why learning how to take care of hair in summer is very important. If we do not protect our hair, it can become weak and fall more.
We are sharing 10 simple and useful hair care tips that you can follow easily at home. These tips are a mix of Indian traditional hair care (like oiling and natural remedies) and modern methods (like choosing the right shampoo and using heat protection). These tips will help your hair stay soft, strong, shiny and healthy even in hot summer weather. Let us start and see how to take care of hair in summer in the easiest way
Why Summer Affects Hair Health
In summer, our scalp gets oily due to sweat, but the hair becomes dry because of the hot sun and dry winds. This can lead to hair fall, dandruff, frizz and damage. Chlorine water in swimming pools and strong UV rays also harm the hair more. That’s why it is important to know how to take care of hair in summer with a proper routine that includes both outside care, like oiling and washing and inside care, like eating healthy food and drinking enough water.
1. Always Cover Your Hair When Going Outside
Whenever you go out, whether it’s to the market, office, college, or even on a trip, make it a habit to cover your hair with a scarf, hat, or dupatta. It may look simple, but it really helps in protecting your hair during summer.
Why this helps:
- It blocks the hot sun and UV rays, which can damage your hair.
- It prevents your hair from becoming dry and also protects coloured hair from fading.
- It reduces frizz, which is caused by hot air and wind.
Easy tip:
Always keep a soft cotton scarf in your handbag. If you’re travelling, especially on a two-wheeler, just wrap it around your head. It looks stylish and also keeps your hair safe from dust and heat.
2. Use a Gentle, Sulphate-Free Shampoo
In summer, sweat, oil and dust can build up quickly on your scalp, making you feel the need to shampoo your hair more often. But using a shampoo with harsh chemicals can strip away your hair’s natural oils, making it even drier and more damaged.
Why this helps:
- A gentle, sulphate-free shampoo helps maintain your hair’s natural moisture balance.
- It also reduces scalp irritation and itchiness, which are common problems during the hot summer months.
Tip:
Look for shampoos with natural ingredients like aloe vera, reetha, shikakai, or tea tree oil. These ingredients are known to be gentle on the scalp and help maintain healthy hair without causing dryness.
3. Never Skip Conditioner
Conditioner is like your hair’s best friend, especially in the summer. It helps lock in moisture and protects your hair from the sun, humidity, heat and pollution, all of which can make your hair look dry and frizzy.
Why this helps:
- Conditioner helps smooth your hair and keeps frizz under control.
- It adds shine and softness to hair that has been exposed to the sun and heat.
Pro Tip:
If you have oily hair, choose a light conditioner that won’t weigh your hair down. For dry, curly, or coloured hair, go for a creamier conditioner that can provide extra moisture. For an extra dose of care, you can even leave a little conditioner on your hair ends before going outside. This will help keep your hair soft and protected.
4. Avoid Heat Styling Tools
During summer, your hair is already exposed to natural heat from the sun, so adding heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons can make your hair even drier. Overuse of these tools can cause hair breakage and make it weak.
Why does this help:
- Avoiding heat tools reduces damage caused by excessive heat.
- It helps your hair retain its natural texture and bounciness, making it look healthy and full of life.
Example:
Instead of straightening or curling your hair, try traditional summer hairstyles like braids, buns, or loose ponytails. These styles are quick, comfortable and help protect your hair from sweat and friction.
5. Oil Your Hair Weekly
Even though it’s summer, oiling your hair once a week is still important. But remember, the key is to use light, non-greasy oils and wash them off after a few hours to avoid making your hair feel heavy or greasy.
Why this helps:
- Oiling nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair roots, making your hair healthier.
- It helps prevent hair fall and adds a natural shine to your hair.
Best oils for summer:
- Coconut oil: Known for its hydrating and cooling effects.
- Almond oil: Rich in Vitamin E to nourish and protect your hair.
- Amla oil: Great for improving scalp health and boosting hair growth.
How to use:
Apply oil to your scalp and hair once a week, preferably at night. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight, and wash it off with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo the next morning. This simple habit is a key step in mastering how to take care of hair in summer for soft, shiny, and manageable locks.
6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Right
No matter how many hair care products you use, the health of your hair starts from the inside. Hydration and good nutrition are very important for strong, shiny hair.
Why this helps:
- Drinking water keeps your scalp moisturized and prevents it from getting dry.
- Nutrients like zinc, iron, omega-3 and biotin are important for healthy hair growth and maintaining hair strength.
Summer Diet Suggestions:
- Drink 8–10 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated.
- Eat seasonal fruits like watermelon, mango and cucumber. These are full of water and vitamins that are good for your hair.
- Add sprouts, nuts, coconut water and leafy greens to your daily meals. These foods help nourish your hair from the inside.
Remember, healthy hair starts from what you eat and drink. A balanced summer diet will improve your hair’s texture, strength and overall health.
7. Trim Regularly
One important tip on how to take care of hair in summer is to get regular trims. The heat and dryness of summer can cause split ends and brittle hair. Regular trimming helps remove these damaged parts, keeping your hair healthier and more manageable.
Why this helps:
- Trimming your hair keeps it looking neat, reduces tangling, and makes it easier to manage.
- It promotes healthier growth by removing split ends and preventing further damage.
How often to trim:
Aim to trim your hair every 6–8 weeks. Even just cutting off an inch from the ends can make a big difference in the overall appearance and health of your hair, especially during the summer.
8. Deep Condition Weekly
Once a week, treat your hair to a spa-like experience with a deep conditioning mask. This helps restore moisture that your hair loses because of the sun, heat and pollution.
Why this helps:
- A deep conditioning mask helps reverse the damage caused by the sun and pollution.
- It restores elasticity and softness to your hair, making it feel smooth and healthy.
DIY Hair Mask Example:
You can make your hair mask with ingredients you probably already have at home. Mix 2 tablespoons of curd, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes. After that, rinse your hair with cool water. This natural mask is perfect for taming dry and frizzy hair caused by the summer heat.
9. Avoid Hot Water Showers
Washing your hair with hot water can remove the natural oils from your scalp. This makes your hair dry, rough and more damaged, especially during summer when the heat is already harsh on your hair.
Why this helps:
- Using lukewarm or cool water helps your hair keep its natural moisture.
- It also seals the hair cuticles, which makes your hair look smooth and shiny.
Easy Tip:
At the end of your hair wash, always rinse with cold water. This small step helps to reduce frizz and adds a nice natural shine to your hair. It’s a very simple and effective trick for healthy summer hair.
10. Protect Hair Before Swimming
Before going to a swimming pool or beach, it is very important to take care of your hair. Pool water has chlorine and sea water has salt—both can make your hair very dry, rough and even change its natural colour.
Why this helps:
- These steps help to protect your hair from the harsh chemicals in the water.
- It makes sure your hair does not get badly damaged and also becomes easier to comb later.
How to protect your hair:
- First, rinse your hair with clean water before entering the pool or sea. Wet hair will absorb less chlorine or salt.
- Apply a little coconut oil or conditioner to your hair. This gives a protective coating and keeps your hair soft.
- If possible, wear a swimming cap to cover your hair completely.
- After swimming, rinse your hair again with clean water to remove chlorine or salt immediately.
Conclusion:
Now that you know how to take care of hair in summer, it’s time to put these tips into action. Simple steps like covering your hair, using a mild sulphate-free shampoo, oiling, and applying conditioner regularly can make a huge difference. Consistency is key to ensuring your hair stays strong and healthy. With proper care and a few home remedies, summer doesn’t have to damage your hair.
Remember, hair care isn’t just about what you apply externally; it also depends on staying hydrated and eating healthy. Protect your hair from the inside out, and avoid too much heat exposure. Just like your skin, your hair needs proper care and attention. For more helpful tips on how to take care of hair in summer, check out Sikara Clinics, and give your hair the love it deserves this season.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why does my hair become dry and frizzy in summer?
In summer, the hot sun, dry winds and sweat remove the natural oils from your hair. This makes your hair dry, frizzy and rough. Proper oiling, conditioning and covering your hair can help prevent this.
2. How often should I wash my hair during summer?
You can wash your hair 2–3 times a week in summer to remove sweat, dirt and oil. Use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo to avoid dryness and keep your scalp clean.
3. Can I oil my hair in summer or will it make it greasy?
Yes, you can oil your hair once a week in summer. Just use a light oil like coconut or almond oil and wash it off after a few hours. It will nourish your scalp without making your hair greasy.
4. What should I eat for healthy hair in summer?
Eat fresh fruits like watermelon, cucumber and mango. Also include leafy greens, nuts, sproutsand drink 8–10 glasses of water daily. A good diet helps keep your hair healthy from inside.
5. How can I protect my hair while swimming in a pool or beach?
Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a little coconut oil or conditioner. If possible, wear a swimming cap. After swimming, wash your hair with clean water to remove chlorine or salt.
