Indian summers are relentless. The heat lingers, the humidity clings, and your hair quietly bears the brunt of it all. From frizz that refuses to behave to a scalp that feels perpetually greasy, seasonal shifts can disrupt even the most disciplined routines. But according to Audrey D’Souza, National Creative Director, Hair at Lakmē Salon, the key lies in understanding what your hair and scalp are really going through. Read along as she shares some effective summer haircare tips.
Why Does Summer Wreak Havoc on Your Scalp?
“Indian summers, with their mix of heat and humidity, can seriously affect scalp health. Excess sweat and oil can clog pores, which leads to itching, dandruff, and irritation,” says D’Souza, adding, “Humidity causes frizz and loss of shape, while sun exposure leads to dryness, colour fading, and weakened strands.”
D’Souza asserts that most common concerns are an oily scalp with dry ends, dandruff or fungal infections, frizz, and increased hair fall.
Is It Time to Adopt a Scalp-first Approach?
“The idea is simple: healthy scalp equals healthy hair,” she explains. “In summer, the focus should be on keeping the scalp clean by removing sweat and buildup, using lightweight, non-greasy products, and avoiding heavy oils that trap sweat.”
She recommends a balanced routine: “Use a gentle shampoo regularly, exfoliate your scalp once a week, and look for ingredients like salicylic acid to clean pores and tea tree for its antibacterial benefits. Think of your scalp like skin. It needs cleansing and balance.”
How Often Should You Really Wash Your Hair?
“In humid cities like Mumbai, washing your hair two to four times a week is ideal for most people,” she says. “If your scalp is very sweaty or oily, alternate-day washing is perfectly fine, as long as you’re using a mild shampoo.”
D’Souza cautions against extremes: “Overwashing can cause dryness and irritation, while underwashing leads to buildup and dandruff. Balance is key.”
What Actually Causes Frizz in Summer?
“Hair is naturally porous, and in high humidity, it absorbs excess moisture from the air,” she explains. “This causes the hair shaft to swell unevenly, and the outer layer lifts, which leads to a rough, frizzy texture.”
She notes that some hair types are more vulnerable: “Curly and wavy hair are more prone because their structure makes it harder for natural oils to travel evenly. The goal is to use lightweight formulations that smooth the hair without weighing it down.”
Should You Treat Your Hair Like Your Skin In The Sun?
“Yes, we should start treating hair more like skin when it comes to sun protection, but with a slight difference,” she says. “The scalp is living skin and needs proper protection, while hair behaves more like a fabric. It needs to be shielded and repaired. Using physical protection like scarves or hats, along with protective products, can make a big difference.”
Is Hair Fall Worse in Summer?
“Increased hair fall during summer is quite common, but it’s usually temporary,” D’Souza explains. “Higher temperatures increase sweating, and sweat mixes with oil and dirt, creating buildup on the scalp. This can clog follicles and trigger irritation, which leads to temporary shedding.”
She explains that internal factors like hydration and diet also play a role, emphasising that haircare is not just external.
What Are the Biggest Mistakes to Avoid?
“One of the biggest mistakes is not washing your hair after sweating,” she says. “In humid conditions, sweat, oil, and pollution build up quickly, and skipping washes creates an unhealthy scalp.”
Contrary to popular belief, over-oiling the strands can cause further issues. “Heavy oils mixed with sweat can worsen dandruff and scalp problems.” She also points out product misuse: “Using thick, heavy products can weigh the hair down and make it look greasy,” she says.
Sun protection is another factor that’s overlooked. “Most people ignore sun protection. We protect our skin, but forget our hair,” she says. This means, using heat protectant sprays that come with SPF is an option.
The Takeaway
Summer haircare doesn’t need to be complicated. Make sure to cleanse regularly, use lightweight products, and pay attention to the scalp. “Small, consistent changes can go a long way in maintaining healthy, manageable hair through the season,” she signs off.
