In the infinite wisdom of the celebrity super stylist Larry King, we don’t tend to give our scalps a second thought. Until we do.
Summer is the season of burnt partings and scalps throwing their proverbial toys out of the pram. While sun, sea and sangria are undeniably good for the soul, our heads are a bit more of a temperate homebody.
“Summer can be particularly challenging for both the scalp and hair due to a combination of environmental exposure and lifestyle changes,” confirms Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Ophelia Veraitch.
Not a sexy topic (even the word ‘scalp’ feels a little jarring), but it is firmly on the beauty agenda as scalp health continues to trend on social media, with Google Trends reporting a +5000% increase in searches for ‘how to improve scalp health’. So why is summer – and holiday season in particular – so hard on our heads?
Why is summer so hard on your scalp?
“During the summer months, increased UV exposure can damage not only the hair shafts but also the scalp itself, which can become more sensitive, irritated, and prone to sunburn, and holidays often amplify this,” explains Dr Ophelia.
While we are constantly peddled promises of the perfect, effortless beachy texture through some divine alchemy of ocean water and coastal breezes, the reality of holiday hair tends to be more frayed and frazzled. It’s the combination of sun, sea, chlorinated water and more frequent washing that ultimately tips our scalps over the edge.
© Mika Knezevic“Many people swim more frequently, exposing their hair and scalp to saltwater and chlorine, both of which strip away natural oils and compromise the hair’s protective barrier,”” says Dr Ophelia.
“On top of this, more frequent washing, often daily, can further dehydrate the scalp and hair, disrupting the scalp’s natural balance and potentially leading to dryness, flaking, or irritation,”
According to Anabel Kingsley, Lead Trichologist & Brand President at Philip Kingsley this is precisely why it’s important to switch up your haircare routine and why including a targeted product that protects your hair and scalp from the sun is paramount.
Can summer cause a flaky scalp?
While winter tends to be the season of snowy shoulders (Anabel notes that many of her clients with psoriasis report their symptoms improve during summer), for some, dandruff can worsen as the thermometer heats up.
“Dandruff, also known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, typically improves during the summer months thanks to increased sunlight, which can help reduce the yeast that contributes to flaking. However, in some individuals, it can actually worsen thanks to a combination of heat, sweating, increased oil production, and more frequent hair washing, all of which can disrupt the scalp’s natural balance and trigger flare ups,” says Dr Ophelia.
It seems excess oil production is the main culprit here. “Studies do show that sebum production can increase in the summer due to increased temperature, which could aggravate seborrhoeic dermatitis,” confirms Anabel.
“Having a flaky, itchy scalp can contribute to hair loss, so it is very important to keep your scalp clean.” In these cases, targeted treatment is key according to our experts. “Using an antifungal shampoo such as Nizoral, which is available over the counter, can be very effective,” says Dr Ophelia. “For best results, leave on the scalp for around 20 minutes before rinsing, allowing the active ingredients time to work. Consistent use, along with gentle hair care and avoiding over-washing, can help restore the scalp’s balance and keep flakes under control.”
How heat and oil can trigger dandruff
“Sweating during the summer months, or when exercising, can cause oils to accumulate on your scalp, which can lead to inflammation and irritation,” says Anabel. “You’re also more likely to experience scalp conditions, such as dandruff, if your scalp is overly oily, as the yeasts responsible for dandruff thrive in an oily environment.”
So, when the heat is on, focus on reducing oil production and get strategic with your active ingredients for a happy microbiome. “Ingredients such as salicylic acid and coal tar can be particularly useful for keeping the scalp comfortable in hot, humid weather,” says Dr Nora Jaafar, Dermatologist and T/Gel and OGX Brand Ambassador.
How to prevent and treat a sunburnt scalp
And when confronted with the thin red line? “A burnt parting is a sign that the scalp has been exposed to excessive UV radiation and should be treated with care, both immediately and long term,” says Dr Ophelia.
“One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of summer scalp care is consistent sun protection, with the scalp being particularly vulnerable in exposed areas like the parting.” Both experts recommend physical protection such as a hat as well as adding in a UV-protectant to your summer haircare routine.
© Getty Images“If the scalp is already burnt, keep the area as calm as possible,” advises Dr Ophelia. “Avoid highly fragranced or harsh hair products and help soothe dryness and discomfort with aloe vera or natural oil treatments and hydrating lotions.”
Most importantly, she notes that “sunburn on the scalp is not just a short-term issue and ongoing sun protection and regular skin surveillance, such as mole checks, are especially important for those who have experienced sunburn.” And, as is our mantra for life in general, stay hydrated, as dehydration impacts all skin, including your scalp.
Scalp saviours to try this summer
BEST FOR AVOIDING A BURNT SCALP: Nuxe Fresh Sun Mist High Protection SPF30, £27
Designed for all-over protection, including the scalp, we love how this ultra-light, non greasy mist is a breeze to apply. Our Head Of Beauty brought it with her on holiday to Crete and despite blistering temperatures (and a lost hat) there wasn’t a burnt parting in sight.
BEST FOR THINNING HAIR: Rhute Triple Density Complex Pre-Wash Hair Oil, £15.95
This clinically intelligent scalp treatment developed by derms optimises the scalp environment to support hair density and a happier crown. We’ve big fans of Dr Aamna Adel, founder of the brand, so were invested from the start. The perimenopausal members of our Beauty Collective have reported that they have noticed more swish to their hair and less flakiness on their crowns.
BEST FOR OILY SCALPS: Hair Syrup Lemon Aid, £15.95
Infused with cold-pressed lemon and lemongrass oils, this purifying pre-wash treatment helps to refresh, rebalance and mop up excess grease. This was one our tester loved on holiday after going gung-ho with frizz tamers on a sweltering boat trip.
BEST MULTI-TASKER: Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Soothing Hydration 3 in 1 Scalp Serum, £10
Even the high street favourite has made the pivot to scalp-first care and this hydration hero has been formulated with Hyaluron-Complex to repair your scalps’ moisture barrier. We loved the multi-tasking aspect and felt that it worked to calm our reactive perimenopausal scalps.
BEST PORTABLE STYLER: Dyson Supersonic Travel, £249.99
We’ve all been scorched with a hotel hairdryer. Don’t let travel compromise your scalp with this small-but-mighty version of the original (it weighs less than a can of soda with universal voltage) for gentle styling. We admit, it looks darn cute too which doesn’t hurt.
BEST EXFOLIATOR: Monpure Clarifying Scalp Scrub, £48.00
This cooling weekly scalp treatment with camellia tea oil, aloe vera and lactic acid gently exfoliates, hydrates and nourishes the scalp. Perfect for sweaty summer scalps. We decanted into a little pot to take on holiday but it’s become part of our weekly summer haircare routine.
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