Summer hair care: Adopt right combing techniques, cleanliness rituals

New Delhi: Dull hair, dandruff and excessive hair fall - summer brings a whole lot of hair problems. Experts say one can ward off hair woes by focussing on cleanliness and hygiene and following the correct combing technique to keep the scalp and hair healthy in the scorching heat.

Pustular eruptions and hair root and fungal infections are also common during summer.

For lustrous tresses, Chiranjiv Chhabra, dermatologist, Skin Alive Clinic in the capital, says cleanliness and hygiene should be on the top of the to-do list.

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"If the hair is not washed often and the scalp is not kept clean, the constant presence of moisture on the scalp causes weakening of the roots, which further causes itching and irritation on the scalp, worsening the condition and hence hair fall," Chhabra told IANS.

One of the major causes of scruffy hair is lack of maintenance.

Anyone can have beautiful and healthy hair through proper care and using the right products, says Apoorva Shah, trichologist and founder of Richfeel Health and Beauty Pvt. ltd.

For the hair expert, combing with right brushes and following correct brushing techniques are vital.

"Use a wide-tooth wooden base comb or a tortoise shell comb. Never go for rubber or iron combs. Make sure the ends of the comb are not pointed. Start combing the hair carefully from the ends in a downward direction only. Comb your hair only when dry. Hair is weakest when it is wet.

"One should never comb when the hair is wet; else it can damage the hair. One can just gently finger-comb wet hair," said Shah.

The basic hair care starts with clean hair, but too much cleansing can be damaging.

The scalp produces an oily substance, which is called sebum. It is important to choose a shampoo that removes the right amount of oil. Daily shampooing is not a problem as long as the shampoo is mild and formulated for daily use.

Most of the shampoos are not meant for daily use.

Chhabra said: "Due to excess washing and wrong selection of hair care products, problems like dandruff, pustular eruptions and fungal infections aggravate. Scruffiness makes the hair look dull even after a wash and split-ends make the hair look thinner at the bottom, slowly leading to breakage."

If possible, avoid using a blow dryer. Rather, gently squeeze out excess water from the hair and blot it with a towel.

Shah told IANS: "One of the main reasons of hair loss is the use of hair dryers. The skin pores of the scalp open up while blow drying, which allows the dirt to enter the pores and that leads to hair loss."

Also, regular use of hair dryers dulls the hair.

Styling products that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals too can spell hair trouble.

Have your hair trimmed on a regular basis, at least once every two-three months. It is important for growing out layers.

Oil the scalp once a week. It stimulates blood flow and relieves stress, said Shah.

If the techniques and daily rituals have to be correct, one should also use the right products.

An expert from skin and hair care cosmetic brand The Body Shop suggested that those who complain of oily hair can try Rainforest shampoo. It soaks the oil and sweat from the scalp.

Then there are therapies to tackle hair-related problems.

Chhabra suggested that one may opt for scalp rejuvenating medical therapies like Stem Cell Therapy, Peptide Therapy Laser, LED Therapy and Rejuvenating Orange Light Therapy as these help stimulate hair growth and keep dandruff and other hair problems in check.

Diet, too, plays an important role.

One should consume a balanced diet to ensure that one gets the essential nutrients. Hair reflects one's health and the lack of balanced diet can affect the texture.