Beautiful hair for the new school year: let’s get started now!

For many people, summer is synonymous with relaxation, sunshine, swimming in the sea or the pool – in short, we change our pace and gradually let go of the pressure. But what about our hair in summer? Whilst it may benefit from a welcome break – as we cut down on blow-drying, straightening and other styling treatments, and forget for a while about smothering it under professional headwear (hair caps, shower caps, etc.) – summer isn’t necessarily a time of complete rest for our precious locks, not to mention our scalps. In that case, September is likely to be a month fraught with danger, heralding the start of a high-risk season for our hair.

Why hair loves summer – and so does our scalp

• More sunshine = more heat, more light. This is good for:
  • Regulate an oily scalp, resulting in fewer flare-ups of seborrhoeic dermatitis and less oily dandruff
  • Better synthesis of vitamin D : enhanced hair growth
  • Let’s boost our mood!
  • Let the sun add a natural, golden sheen to our hair
  • Better hydration: it’s only natural – when we feel hot, we drink more (water). Water is essential for the body to function properly, both for cell renewal and for transporting nutrients
• Fewer constraints for a while. This is good for:
  • Reducing our stress, a well-known factor that exacerbates hair loss 
  • Let our hair «do its own thing»: no blow-drying, no wigs, no hairstyles dictated by work requirements – such as buns, or hair tucked away under a cap, helmet or hairnet for hours on end
  • Try living – for a while – without chemical colouring, straightening or smoothing treatments, all of which open up the cuticle and cause long-term damage to the hair fibre. Who knows, you might just grow to like this new version of yourself?

Why hair can suffer in summer – and so can our scalps

This may seem counter-intuitive. Indeed, even though summer doesn’t always mean holidays, we generally feel better as the days get longer and the sun shines more often.

More sun, more heat, more light. This isn’t so good for:

– the scalp, which is also susceptible to sunburn, whether you suffer from advanced hair loss or simply have slightly thinning hair on the top of your head. When you’re out in the sun without protection (such as a hat or hair sunscreen), your scalp is on the front line, exposed to those harmful UV rays. So whether you’re hiking in the mountains, sunbathing on the beach or strolling through town, make sure you’re properly covered!

– excessive sebum production. In very hot weather, the body has natural defence mechanisms; it is sweat that regulates body temperature, including that of the scalp. As we know, the scalp is an area rich in sebaceous glands (1 hair follicle = 1 sebaceous gland). In the event of heatwave, the sebaceous glands become more active in order to regulate body temperature. Possible consequences of excessive sweating include hair that quickly becomes greasy, bacterial overgrowth and oily dandruff.

– increased dryness, a tight scalp, flaking. For scalps that naturally produce little sebum, as is often the case with frizzy or textured hair. Fortunately, Afro hair grows in tight curls that cover the scalp, thus protecting it from heat and sunburn, but care should still be taken to avoid prolonged exposure, especially if the hair is thinning.

– Coloured hair: chlorine, salt water, and a break from your usual hair care routine all cause further damage to the hair fibre. The cuticle, already weakened by repeated colouring – particularly at the ends – becomes so porous that no treatment can repair it. The hair becomes hypersensitive, breaks, becomes coarse and dry, and the colour «fades» and oxidises – this is particularly true when it comes into contact with chlorine. Plant-based hair dyes aren’t necessarily any better. Whilst a plant-based dye is less harsh because it coats the hair fibre rather than opening the hair cuticles, the risk of drying out is just as great, as is the risk of colour fading, which can quickly become dull under the effects of UV rays.  Certain shades, whether chemical or plant-based, tend to fade more quickly (coppery and auburn tones): between exposure to the sun and often more frequent washing, the colour fades and the highlights lose their depth.

Our tips for getting your hair looking its best for the new term  

Now that the summer break is over, are you feeling down about the state of your hair? Extremely dry hair, bleached hair, split ends, a tight, itchy scalp… With the holidays over, the stress of everyday life is looming once again.

Prevention is better than cure

To avoid disaster, it’s best to plan ahead and pack a few doses of hair cream and oils in your suitcase or travel bag. A hat, cap or scarf to protect your hair doesn’t take up much space. Why not try solid, concentrated versions of shampoos and hair masks? Whilst you wouldn’t want to make them part of your year-round routine, these products are ideal for holidays. Before you set off, have a quick trim to make life easier whilst you’re away. Wait until you’re back from holiday to touch up your colour – this will help you avoid any disappointments, such as the colour «fading» too quickly or turning green due to the chlorine in the swimming pool.

During the break

Whilst we can get away with a more relaxed routine in the summer, we mustn’t neglect our hair care completely, or we’ll pay the price when we return.  

A basic but effective service that can be summed up in three words:

• Protect your scalp and hair: hats, sun cream, protective hair oil. And don’t forget protective hairstyles – or how to look stylish without too much effort or excessive styling.
• Wash gently: use a mild formula that you can use every day without risk of damaging the scalp or hair fibres. Rinse thoroughly. Allow to air-dry if possible
• Moisturise: use a nourishing balm, choosing a rich or light texture depending on your hair type. If the formula allows, leave it on dry hair as a restorative mask on the lengths for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. Natural or straightened afro hair will need even more moisture than usual: a hair mist (spring water + 1 spoonful of vegetable oil such as castor or jojoba) is your best daily companion.

Ensuring a stress-free start to the new school year

Going back to school doesn’t have to mean feeling down – quite the opposite, in fact. Why not come up with a little action plan especially for the start of the new term? 

• I’m changing almost everything! I’m going for a natural look with my afro hair, getting a «back-to-school» cut at my favourite hairdresser’s, and embracing my grey or white hair with style. Otherwise, I’m switching to a gentler plant-based hair dye.

• I’m taking pre-emptive action. I can take the initiative by taking a course of dietary supplements to help prevent a seasonal slump in the autumn. Racines Plus, Clauderer capsules are specially formulated to meet the hair’s needs, providing 100 % of the daily requirement for iron, B vitamins, zinc and antioxidants such as selenium, …

• I look after my hair. Without delay, I’m going back to the products that worked before the summer to prevent any irreversible damage: soothing scalp lotion, hair growth serums, nourishing treatments, etc.

In fact, if you want to have beautiful hair when the cold weather sets in, you need to start preparing for it in the summer.

If you want to keep your hair looking its best all year round, you need to stick to a basic routine – even whilst on holiday. The start of the new term is also an opportunity to embark on new personal or professional projects that you’ve been mulling over during the summer break, so why not kick off a new hair care routine with determination and enthusiasm? September is the perfect time to take back control of your life and your hair with complete peace of mind.

Have a lovely summer!