African summers never disappoint when it comes to high temperatures. But this summer looks set to be a degree or two hotter than usual.
Most of the changes you make to accommodate the weather will feel automatic, and you might not need to put much thought into them. When it’s cold, you immediately swap your shorts for sweats or reach for coffee instead of iced tea. There are some things that might take a thought or two but still feel like the right thing to do. When the sun is scorching, your instinct to reach for a higher SPF might give you a strong nudge, as will the instinct to apply a few extra products when you get ready for brunch with the girls.
In reality, not many of us will go as far as changing our hair rituals to accommodate the weather. Under normal circumstances, your hair might be more forgiving. However, with a heatwave in the works, the damage could have a lasting effect. The heat, humidity, and sweat that come with extreme summer conditions won’t just affect your skin; they can also change how your hair behaves, from the roots to the ends.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help curb the expected midday frizz or an extra-oily scalp. When it’s as hot as the weather service anticipates, your hair will need all the help you can give it.
So, what’s actually happening?
Well, the simple answer is heat. Warmer, more humid air can cause the outer layer of each hair strand to swell and lift. At the same time, higher temperatures and sweating can contribute to a scalp that feels oilier. Next, your hair can become limp and greasy, making a complete 180 from the fresh, bouncy look you had when you walked out of the house that morning.
So, is there anything you can do about it? Yes – there are a few simple changes worth making.
1. Should you wash your hair more or less?
We start here because how often to wash your hair is one of the most contested beauty questions of all time. But hot weather doesn’t necessarily mean washing your hair more.
Over-washing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, although how often you need to wash depends on your hair type, scalp, and lifestyle. Rather than automatically increasing the frequency, pay attention to how your hair and scalp respond to the heat. If you need to freshen up between washes, a quick rinse may help, while dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil.
2. Go easy or switch up your products
Just as you might have foundation shades or fragrances that only work in winter, you can create a summer product list for your hair. This doesn’t mean a complete overhaul; sometimes it’s as simple as switching out a heavier oil for a lighter cream or choosing a lighter styling product.
Depending on your hair type, heavy butters and oils may leave your hair feeling weighed down in hot weather. Consider lighter leave-in conditioners, water-based gel-creams, and hair mists with UV protection.
3. Protect, protect, protect
Speaking of SPF, this is an important one to consider. We often remember to protect our skin while forgetting that our hair and scalp are also exposed to the sun.
UV exposure can contribute to dryness and can affect colour-treated hair over time, while pool or sea water can add to the stress placed on your strands. Give your hair some extra protection where you can. A protective hairstyle, such as a loose braid or bun, can also help keep your hair contained and reduce exposure.
4. Rethink that hairstyle
This season is the perfect time to let your straightener, curling iron, and hair dryer rest, if you can help it. Where possible, let your hair air-dry or use heatless styling methods.
Reducing the amount of direct heat your hair is exposed to can help minimise additional damage, particularly when your hair is already dealing with sun, sweat, and humidity.
5. Embrace your summer style
Adapting your hair-care ritual for the heat is about recognising that your usual routine may need to change and realising that the real hair hack is being intentional about what your hair needs – not necessarily adding more steps or more products.
You may have no control over the temperature, but you do have some control over how you care for your hair. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can make it through summer feeling good about your hair, whatever the weather brings.
