How-To: Nurture a Dry, Itchy Scalp in the Summer

It’s a common misbelief that dry and itchy scalp primarily plagues people during the winter months when indoor heating is prevalent.

However, the heat and perspiration that summer months bring, combined with heightened exposure to the sun, can aggravate existing conditions and give rise to scalp dryness, itchiness and even trigger dandruff flare-ups. In the face of such challenges, prevention and proper care are the most effective strategies for addressing scalp issues.

Eliza Pineda, the esteemed in-house haircare expert at Mayraki Professional, shares several valuable tips on how to achieve scalp comfort throughout the vacation season.

“Although achieving a 100% guaranteed solution for dry scalp may be elusive, there are some measures that can significantly enhance comfort. Firstly, it’s important to recognize that the scalp is an integral part of our body’s skin, necessitating a skincare routine that doesn’t stop at the hairline. Secondly, even though the scalp is a sebum-rich environment with increased oil production compared to other parts of the body, it is still prone to environmental factors. For example, prolonged exposure to the sun during the summer months can lead to sunburn,” shares Pineda.

Below are some valuable tips for maintaining scalp and overall hair health in hot weather:

Sport a Chic Hat or Head Covering

Even for sun enthusiasts who love spending afternoons basking in the sun’s rays, it’s important to remember to cover the head. This not only safeguards against excessive heat but also promotes a healthy scalp and hair.

According to Pineda, “The scalp easily gets sunburnt, but often gets neglected in terms of adequate post-sun exposure care. While most areas are protected by hair, there are certain vulnerable spots such as the hairline and part line. This is why it’s important to wear something protective on your head, especially when traveling to tropical destinations. In the event of sunburn, the scalp, just like the skin on the rest of the body, needs gentle exfoliation and moisturizing. This can be achieved through the application of cooling gels like aloe vera.”

Regularly Cleanse and Exfoliate Mayraki Professional's Camellia Sinensis Tea Leaf Probiotic Sea Salt Scalp Scrub gently unclogs hair follicles.Courtesy of Mayraki Professional

“Product build-up, dead skin cells and sweat from the hot summer temperatures may cause scalp irritation, flakiness and dryness. It is crucial to cleanse the scalp thoroughly, particularly in the summertime, to prevent various hair issues and promote healthy hair growth,” advises Pineda.

In addition to shampoo, Pineda recommends incorporating natural scalp scrubs into your routine, such as the Mayraki Camellia Sinensis Tea Leaf Probiotic Sea Salt Scalp Scrub. This remarkable product not only eliminates product residue and dead skin cells but also provides gentle hydration and nourishment to the scalp.

Embrace Heat-Free Styling 

When summer arrives, it’s the perfect opportunity to give your beloved heat styling tools a well-deserved break and embrace your natural hair texture or opt for creative updos.

“Subjecting your hair to heat styling tools in conjunction with the scorching heat and humidity of summer can have adverse effects on the health of your hair and scalp. While it may appear to be a quick fix for taming frizzy summer hair, continuous use of heat styling can exacerbate frizz and lead to hair breakage,” Pineda concludes.

Apply Sunscreen 

While a stylish hat will effectively protect your hair and scalp, there may be occasions when wearing one is not feasible. In such instances, it is still important to protect your scalp from the sun. Remember to generously apply hair and scalp SPF all over your head during prolonged sun exposure. Fortunately, there are sunscreens formulated specifically for the hair and scalp which mimic a dry shampoo, a hydrating spray or a leave-in conditioner without leaving any undesirable residue.

According to Pineda, individuals with oily hair types would find powder SPF a good option. On the other hand, those with dry hair types will achieve more favorable outcomes with a hydrating spray SPF or a leave-in conditioner SPF.