Hair And Scalp Care During Summer
Hair And Scalp Care During Summer
Learn how to care for your hair and scalp during the summer season
For cancer patients who lost their hair from chemotherapy, or it’s just starting to grow back, the most important thing during the summer is to protect the skin on the head from the sun. As Dr. Shyamali Singhal suggests, patients should do whatever is most comfortable for them in the heat of summer. Some patients might decide to wear a scarf, turban, or hat. If so, they should choose a breathable, washable fabric like cotton to absorb sweat and keep the body cool. If a patient feels most comfortable with nothing on their head, Dr. Singhal suggests remembering that the scalp isn't used to sunlight and can burn easily. If cancer patients go outdoors in the daytime with no head covering, they should make sure to put plenty of sunblock (SPF 45 or higher, zinc-based) on the head, ears, and face. There are different options available if one decides to wear a wig.
Taking Care Of Scalp Skin During Summer
During winter cancer patients will probably want to protect their scalp from the cold and keep it warm. But moving into summer it is common to start thinking more about keeping the head cool and protected from the sun. Losing one's hair through chemotherapy can leave the scalp sore, itchy or tender and make wearing headwear uncomfortable. Washing the scalp daily using a gentle shampoo or facial wash could help. This removes oils and sweat from the skin that are naturally produced on the scalp. If a patient has very sensitive skin, Dr. Singhal recommends trying products that are perfume-free or a product specifically designed for sensitive skin. Using a moisturizing lotion can also make the scalp feel more comfortable, as long as it’s allowed to settle into the scalp before putting on a wig or headwear.
A Wig Is An Option In Case Of Hair Loss
Thinking about scalp care for the summer months will involve adding in sunscreen or headwear to protect the scalp from the sun. The sun can penetrate some fabrics so wearing sunscreen as well as headwear will give the most protection. Synthetic wigs are often recommended. They hold their style, even if they get a bit wet in the pool or ocean. The fibers don't fade or change color in the sun. But they can melt at high temperatures, like near an open flame, over an oven, grill, or if treated with hot hair-styling tools. While all wigs tend to be somewhat hot and itchy in the summer, lightweight synthetics are available. Their open-cap construction allows the head to breathe and heat to escape, so they're cooler to wear. Standard synthetics may be worn with a mesh wig liner that's like a fishnet stocking. This type of liner also helps keep the head cool.
Synthetic Or Natural?
Some cancer patients prefer the look and feel of wigs made from human hair. Human-hair wigs may match patients natural hair more closely than synthetic hair. But they tend to be heavier than standard synthetic wigs and often require full lace caps, which can become hot in the summer. Also, natural, human-hair wigs may get flat or frizzy in humidity. Over time, natural hair wigs can lose their luster and become a little dull-looking. This happens because they lack the natural oils that usually sustain human hair when it's growing on your head. Most wigs of both types have Velcro adjustments in the back to hold them on your head securely, even when strolling in an ocean breeze. No matter which types patient wear, they'll probably sweat under it. For comfort, Dr. Singhal recommends trying a little cornstarch-based baby powder or a cotton liner. Ask a specialist at the salon or shop where you purchased the wig whether it's okay to wash the wig yourself. If so, ask for a demonstration. Synthetic wigs may require different washing techniques than natural hair wigs. Feeling comfortable with how your headwear looks and feels is important. It needs to be practical, but also something that you feel confident wearing.
Choosing Headwear
A good starting place might be a cotton or bamboo undercap that’s soft on the scalp and can be really comfortable to wear under hats, scarves, and wigs. Bamboo is hypoallergenic so perfect for people who experience allergic reactions to other natural fibers like wool. Unlike many other fabrics, bamboo is extremely breathable. This means it keeps the head cooler in the heat and warmer in the cold, it is ideal for changeable weather. It can also filter out 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Choosing what headwear you use will be something that’s personal to you. There are lots of companies that specialize in headwear for people experiencing hair loss. These have been specially designed to help cover your scalp and hairline. Or you may already have a favorite hat or scarf in mind.
Finally, for thinning hair, Dr. Singhal recommends using scalp-friendly products, hair growth shampoos, and strengthening treatments can help your hair to grow back healthy, strong, and full of volume - so you can feel back to your normal self in no time at all.
