Pool and Beach: Hair Needs Special Care
Periods of the year when temperatures are higher and, consequently, there is greater exposure to UV radiation, pool and beach water, Proper care for hair fibers Care for the scalp is extremely important, aiming at both its health and beauty.
Ultraviolet rays – UVA and UVB – are present all year round, but are more intense on warmer days with few clouds. These rays damage the skin, including the scalp. Bald people or individuals with thinning hair are the most affected, as the hair – hair – One of their functions is to protect the skin.
Scalp damage may occur, such as skin reactions represented by erythema. – redness – and itching - itch -, allergies and dermatitis – photoallergic or phototoxic processes – burns, blemishes and even skin cancer. In the hair fiber, ultraviolet radiation causes color fading, which is more intense in bleached hair, and reduces the resistance of the strands, resulting in weaker and more brittle hair.
Pool and Beach Water and Their Problems
Pool and beach water are known villains when it comes to hair health. In the case of the pool, there are two factors that deserve attention: chlorine, a substance used in water treatment, which induces the oxidation of hair proteins and color fading. The other factor is copper, a substance present in algaecides and/or plumbing, which causes bleached hair to turn green. Such substances in high concentrations or in contact with hypersensitive skin can also trigger and/or worsen reactions on the scalp, causing itching and dermatitis, for example.
The beach water – saline – It predisposes to dryness and, consequently, greater fragility of the hair. Salt also intensifies the damage caused by radiation. High temperatures predispose to increased secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands. As a result, there is greater sweat production and a tendency towards oiliness, factors that can affect the microbiota of the scalp and increase susceptibility to dandruff, itching and even local fungal infections.
Spring-Summer Health Tips
Below, I list some tips for maintaining the health and beauty of your hair during the hottest times of the year:
- Proper hygiene with suitable products is essential. Hair should be washed more frequently and as often as necessary. After contact with sea water and/or swimming pools, hair should be washed as soon as possible and with water at the appropriate temperature. – avoid hot water;
- Products that aim to maintain the scalp's microbiota, as well as hydrating the hair, are the most recommended;
- Hair treatments aimed at hydration and nutrition are welcome;
- Protecting the scalp and hair against all these factors is important to prevent and alleviate possible damage;
- Before exposure to ultraviolet radiation, pool water or the beach, it is recommended to use a specific leave-in on the hair;
- Hats and caps are great allies in reducing exposure to UV rays. There are fabrics on the market that offer UV protection, increasing physical barriers.
