Ayurvedic hair care isn’t just about using specific products on your hair, but more of a holistic approach. Hair health depends as much on what you put in your body as you put on your head, so do your best to create a balanced lifestyle, use good nutrition, and eat according to your dosha. Don’t know your dosha? Try our quiz.

Why is summer different than the rest of the year?

We tend to be outside more in the summer than the rest of the year. Combine that with the amount of bright sun we are exposed to in summer, and you have dry and brittle hair caused by the sun’s UV rays penetrating and damaging hair cuticles. If you live in a highly humid environment, your hair is probably weighed down, looking lifeless and limp. Increased sweat and dust in the summer worsen conditions you may already have, like hair loss, frizz, split ends, and dandruff. Extremely hot weather can also cause scalp dryness and sunburn, severely damaging hair roots.

Summer hair care tips

  • Cover your head: Try to cover your head with a hat or scarf whenever you go out. It protects your scalp from UV rays while helping to retain scalp moisture. It can also prevent wind damage.
  • Take care before and after swimming: Don’t wash your hair before going in the water, as shampoos can remove protective oils in your hair. Without them, your hair is more likely to suffer damage from chemicals and salt in pools and at beaches. Instead, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner before putting on your cap, then wash your hair very well after swimming.
  • Trim split ends: This is more about how your hair looks than its true health, but during the summer we tend to have more split ends than the rest of the year. Removing them helps bring back a healthy look to your hair.
  • Apply UV protection to your hair: If you don’t use a hat or scarf, use a leave-in conditioner with SPF. This is especially helpful if you work outdoors or are otherwise outside a lot.
  • Hydrate your hair: Drink water and other fluids to keep your hair healthy. If you don’t drink enough water, everything else you do for your hair will be in vain. Avoid heat styling, if possible.
  • Massage hair oil into your scalp before shampooing: Short on time? Apply oil before bed, then wash your hair the next day. Using oil helps keep your hair smooth and silky, and can boost hair growth while reducing frizz. Coconut milk is also a great option.
  • Eat a balanced diet: Meals based on your dosha type provide essential vitamins and minerals, improving or maintaining your hair health. Foods that help maintain healthy hair in summer include green leafy vegetables, cucumber, cabbage, cauliflower, almonds, walnuts, apricots, and coconut. Avoid eating processed or fast food.
  • Use herbal or Ayurvedic products: Chemicals can harm your hair, keeping it unhealthy. Natural ingredients such as amla, aloe vera, almond, and neem naturally clean and condition your hair.

Choose hair care products containing Ayurvedic ingredients such as:

  • Aloe Vera, also called “Indian gooseberry,” is one of the best ingredients you can find in hair products. It helps condition and soften hair, just as it does for skin. Regular application to your hair helps lock in moisture while maintaining your hair’s natural shine and vitality.
  • Almond oil helps strengthen your hair. It also nourishes and hydrates your scalp and hair follicles, promotes hair growth, and helps prevent hair loss. Apply almond oil regularly to prevent your scalp from getting dry and itchy.
  • Amla helps improve blood circulation to your scalp, resulting in hair growth and stronger hair follicles.
  • Neem has antifungal and antibacterial properties that treat dandruff and moisturize itchy and flaky scalps resulting from excessive sweating.

No matter what products you put on your head, remember to drink water (at room temperature, not cold) to keep your body – including your hair – hydrated. Your hair and skin will look better, and you will not be as prone to swollen ankles and other issues related to dehydration.

Try some of our best-selling summer hair products:

 

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Resources

Hari, Kalyani. Reviewed by Dr. Zeel Gandhi. “Summer Hair Care Tips According to Ayurveda.” Vedix. 3/8/22. Accessed 4/26/23. https://vedix.com/blogs/articles/summer-hair-care

Vora, Dhwani. “Ayurvedic Hair Care Tips For Healthy Hair in Summer.” Coco Soul. 10/20/22. Accessed 4/26/23. https://mycocosoul.com/blogs/ayurvedic-hair-care/ayurvedic-summer-hair-care-tips