How to deal with common summer scalp issues

Summer can be extremely harsh on your hair, and scalp issues can increase because you are exposed to a lot more sunlight, humidity, sweat, chlorinated pool water, or, if you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, even salt water. These summer scalp issues can manifest as dryness, itching, flakiness and even inflammation. In this blog, let’s get into some common dry and oily scalp issues along with effective treatments to alleviate them. Read on! 

The combination of sun exposure, UV light, salt water and chlorinated pool water during the summer can deplete the scalp's natural oils, which leads to dryness and flakiness. This is why we often find ourselves constantly itching our scalps during high-heat periods — our scalp is experiencing acute dryness.

Treatment: For this hair scalp treatment, you need to make sure to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that retains the natural oils of the scalp while still allowing for adequate and effective cleaning. To achieve this, you can check out iluvia’s Sulfate Free Shampoo, which offers exactly the kind of gentle formula and wholesome ingredients required to treat such hair scalp issues and results in soft, supple and managed hair from the first use. Alternatively, you can also choose the Pro Maintenance System, which includes three products (the Sulfate Free Shampoo, Hair Repair Mask and Hair Protection Serum) for end-to-end hair care. Apart from this, you should also avoid over washing as it can dry out the scalp, further worsening the problem. To further soothe your scalp while also taking care of your hair, you can incorporate a nurturing oil like the 100% Pure Argan Oil.

While dandruff can occur year-round, excessive heat and humidity definitely exacerbates the condition. Since the summer air is so dry, the scalp compensates by producing more oil. The surplus oil, combined with other aggressors, such as humidity, sweat, pollutants and hair care product buildup, can contribute to dandruff flare-ups.

Treatment: To protect against this hair scalp problem, you can use iluvia’s Sulfate Free Shampoo, combined with the Hair Repair Mask, to help maintain the lipid barrier, prevent moisture and sweat from damaging the hair and scalp and effectively exfoliate the skin, essential to dandruff treatments. If you still have problems with dandruff, you should consider using a medicated, anti-dandruff shampoo containing special ingredients like zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole. Wash regularly and avoid scratching the scalp, which can worsen the irritation. For those with oily hair looking for a treatment for the issue, iluvia’s Complete Professional System provides holistic, enriching care for this hair type.

Another common issue faced during the summer months is that of scalp acne. As with any other part of your body, scalp acne has a variety of causes, including overproduction of sebum, harsh hair care products, genetics and poor hair hygiene. However, in summer, an increase in sweat production, in addition to oil, dirt and dead skin cells, can lead to clogged pores on the scalp. These factors cause the hair follicle to become inflamed, resulting in pimples, whiteheads or blackheads on the scalp.

Treatment: For complete care, which works as a preventive measure as well, opt for iluvia’s Complete Professional System, a full pack to treat oily hair. It includes the Hard Water Shampoo (a two-in-one solution if you also live in an area with hard water), Squalene Restorative Conditioner and Intensive Hair Care Serum. The three-step routine detoxes the scalp, removing buildup and protects from hair damage caused by humidity. Also, avoid using heavy hair care and styling products that can clog pores. Wash your hair more regularly and include exfoliants in your scalp treatments to help unclog pores. 

This is a more severe issue you can face in the summer months. It is essentially an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, often caused by sweat, friction and bacteria. Tiny, painful pustules or bumps on the scalp are the hallmarks of the skin ailment. While the condition has no long-term consequences, it can worsen without treatment.

Treatment: It is recommended that you keep your scalp clean by routinely washing it with mild hair care products, such as the ones mentioned above, to help treat folliculitis. Avoid tight hairstyles that can cause friction on the scalp. If you have long hair, consider tying it back to prevent sweat buildup.

This condition is also known as “prickly heat”. It occurs when sweat becomes trapped in the sweat ducts, leading to redness, itching and small bumps on the scalp. It can be a huge irritant during the summer months and can worsen if you keep scratching your scalp. To treat it effectively, you should avoid scratching.

Treatment:  Wear breathable hats and avoid tight headgear to keep your scalp cool and dry. Take cool showers to soothe the skin. Use talcum powder or cornstarch to absorb extra moisture.

If your dry scalp issues persist after you try these over-the-counter remedies, you should see a dermatologist for a more thorough assessment and individualised treatment recommendations. A dermatologist can help you understand any potential underlying causes of the condition and suggest targeted therapies to manage dry scalp problems effectively.

Overall, you can see that summer scalp issues such as dryness, itching and flakiness can be bothersome but manageable with the right treatment approach. You can maintain healthy hair and scalp throughout the summer by using the right hair care products, practicing prevention strategies and seeking professional guidance when needed.