Summer is a time for carefree fun and expressing ourselves with our favorite hairstyles. But achieving those masterful summer hairstyles can sometimes lead to unforeseen scalp issues! This guide explores the impact of summer styling choices, including heavy product usage and product application.
Techniques like braiding, weaving, and twisting showcase our creativity, flyness, style, and resilience. However, the desire for these styles can lead to the overuse of “heavy” hair products like hair fibers/extensions, edge control, and mousse/foam. While these products may achieve the initial look, they can have unintended consequences for your scalp’s health. Let’s take a deep dive into how these products affect your hair follicles and pores while exploring healthier alternatives to achieve beautiful, healthy summer hair.
Drowning in Heavy Products
Overusing “heavy” products like braid gels, mousses/foams, and thick edge controls can disrupt the scalp’s delicate ecosystem. They leave behind white flakes and buildup and can also clog pores, hindering sebum production (natural oil) and causing dryness and irritation. The constant strain from tight braiding or extensions and product buildup can cause traction alopecia and scarring, resulting in permanent hair loss. Check out this video for an extreme example of the overuse of mousse/foam—scroll to the end.
In this video, Susan L. Peterkin – co-founder of the @naturalhairindustry (N.H.I.C.) and@thestrandnetwork (S.T.R.A.N.D.), discusses how the over-manipulation of edges and baby hairs can cause progressive hair loss. Peterkin says in the video, “And I’m predicting this is (talking about baby hair): What’s going to happen. Each time you go in, you are going to pull some more out because this part is going to keep burning off and then shorter.”
The Ripple Effect & Scalp Distress
- Clogged Pores: Thick layers of product can suffocate hair follicles by blocking oxygen and nutrient flow and hindering sebum production. This can weaken hair, increase shedding, and even lead to permanent hair loss in extreme cases.
- Microbiome Imbalance: Harsh chemicals, fragrances, sweat combined with product buildup can disrupt the scalp’s natural bacteria balance, promoting scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), fungus like candida (yeast infection) and trichomycosis (mold).
Creating a Healthy Hair Climate
Use Lighter Products
Opt for lightweight, water-soluble (capable of dissolving in water without leaving scalp buildup or residue) styling products that allow your scalp to breathe. Be generous with your product usage—there is no need to cake it on.
Minimize Fragrance
 Choose products with little to no fragrance. Fragrance can cause allergic reactions to the scalp, one of your body’s most sensitive skin areas.
Here are three products without the buildup or flaking and have minimal fragrance:
2. KeraCare Styling Hair Wax Stick $20.50
Gentle Styling
Prioritize healthy practices like regular cleanses and gentle detangling. Use the right styling tools for your hair type and texture, minimize heat styling, and avoid high-tension styles and irritating hair fibers/extensions. Nourish your hair and scalp with steam and moisturizing products.
Clean & Disinfect
Wash your hair and edge brush, comb, and clips regularly to avoid residue buildup, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Do not share hair tools—everyone in the home should have their own hair care tools.
Here’s a step-by-step on how to disinfect your tools at home:
Step 1. Clean any excess hair or product buildup from your hair tools.
Step 2. Scrub with soapy hot water, Dr. Bronner’s castile soap, and a nail cleaning/toothbrush until clean.
Step 3. Lay them out to dry on a clean hand or paper towel.
Step 4. After they dry thoroughly, douse them with 70-90% alcohol using a spray bottle—this last step is crucial as it will kill any unwanted bacteria.
Pro Tip: Clean your hair tools every time you wash your hair.
Taking the Plunge for Healthy Hair
- Don’t Forget Your H20: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair, skin, and body hydrated.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Support hair growth with Essential Vitamins A, B, C, D, & E. You can also juice for healthier hair.
- Seek Professional Help: If you experience chronic scalp issues, consult a dermatologist specializing in scalp disorders. If these issues impact your mental or emotional well-being connect with a therapist.
Remember, scalp health isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s the foundation for unlocking the full potential of YOU and your hair this summer and every season after that.
