Tackling Dry Hair and Itchy Scalp in Summers
Updated: May 20, 2022
This summer heat also calls for mindful summer hair care. The accumulated sweat attracts dust and dirt, which clogs your hair follicles. This weakens your hair roots and it eventually leads to hair fall.
During summers, the increased temperatures cause aggravation in Pitta (Agni) levels in your body. This vitiated Pitta can also disrupt Vata in your body. To control your hair problems during summer, you may need to maintain the harmony of your 3 doshas by including Pitta and Vata pacifying herbs in your hair care regimen.
Ayurvedic preventive medicine is characterized by Ritucharya. Changing one's lifestyle according to the season allows the human mind and body to cope with the difficulties that our surroundings present.
You can include herbs like Neem, Onion, Aloe vera, Coconut oil, Amla to your hair care regime. Avoid aggravating Pitta dosha + Vata dosha. Summer is the season where hair can be freely washed twice a week with good hair oiling prior to the wash. Use of pitta balancing Lepas (masks). These are some of the ayurvedic hair care methods.
Reduce lavana (salty), amla (sour) and katu (pungent or spicy) foods. Some examples of foods to avoid -> pickle, papad, vinegar based salad dressing, high amount of olive oil, tamarind, raw mango, amchur, sour fruits, raw papaya, brine cured vegetables & meat, salt cured dried vegetables like cluster beans, salty dried fish.
Other tips during summers-
Be Gentle with Heat.
Heat from repeated ironing, blow-drying, or even excessively hot shower water can strip the hair of natural oils, dry it out, damage the hair, and overheat the scalp and the hair follicles.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals.
Of course, it is also best to use natural shampoos, conditioners, coloring agents, and styling products so as not to introduce harmful chemicals to the hair or the deeper tissues. Try using natural hair care products.
Don’t Overwash Your Hair.
Overwashing can damage and dry out the hair. If you are used to washing your hair daily, gradually reduce your frequency until you find the rhythm that is right for your hair type.
Brush Your Hair Daily.
Ayurveda recommends brushing the hair daily to stimulate circulation at the roots and to encourage robust health throughout. It is best to brush the hair when it is dry to prevent breakage. Consider brushing the hair in different directions for added benefit.
Cover Them Up.
Always try to cover your hair with a scarf or a cap, it will protect your hair from the dust and dirt, also from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun which can immensely damage your hair and take away its shine. Covering up your hair is the simplest way to protect it from the damage.
Final Verdict:
Hair adds to the beauty and they must be protected at all costs. Follow the above tips and make changes in your diet and haircare to get wonderful results.
Alternatively, try our Neem Hair Mask that is rich in nutrients for your hair. It is in ayurvedic haircare that works wonders on hair fall, dandruff, hair thinning and premature greying. Check out the link below to browse through the reviews!
Have questions for Dr. Damini regarding haircare? Comment below!