Honestly, summer is a bit of a nightmare for our hair. It’s no surprise that our hair starts to feel like straw when the sun is blazing, we sweat all the time, and layers of dust seem to get on our heads as soon as we go outside. And if you’ve seen more hair than usual in your drain lately, you’re not the only one. Summer hair fall is a real, annoying thing.
When we get sick in India, we usually go to our grandmother’s favourite remedy: a champi. But let’s be honest: the idea of thick, sticky oil when it’s 40°C outside sounds tiring. It’s not about skipping the oil; it’s about choosing the right one.
These five oils are light enough for the heat but strong enough to really make your hair grow by the TOI Lifestyle Desk Coconut oil 2/7 Coconut oil
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Coconut oil
We need to begin here. Coconut oil is the best oil for Indian homes for a reason. Some oils just sit on top of your hair and make it look greasy, but coconut oil goes all the way into the hair shaft. It keeps the proteins in your hair safe, so it doesn’t break off every time you tie it up.
For summer, don’t soak your hair overnight. It’s too hot for that. A quick 30-minute massage before your shower is all you need to calm an itchy sweaty scalp.
Oil from almonds
Almond oil is the best oil for you if you don’t like how heavy oil feels. It has a lot of magnesium and vitamin E, which are like superfoods for your hair follicles. It’s a lot lighter than coconut oil, so it’s great for fine hair that gets heavy quickly. It also works wonders for frizz. After you wash your hair, try rubbing just two drops on the ends to keep them smooth.
Castor oil
4/7 Castor oil
People swear by this one for filling in thinning edges or making hair look thicker. It has ricinoleic acid in it, which helps get blood flowing in the scalp.
The Summer Hack: Pure castor oil is very thick, like maple syrup. That can cause clogged pores in the summer. Mix it with a lighter base, like coconut or almond oil, so it’s easier to spread and, more importantly, easier to wash out.
Amla oil
5/7 Amla oil
Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry is a great source of vitamin C. Amla oil has this amazing natural cooling effect that makes your scalp feel “on fire” from the sun. It makes the roots stronger and is well-known for stopping hair from turning grey too soon. This is the one to get if you’re losing a lot of hair.
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Bhringraj oil
6/7 Bhringraj oil
Bhringraj is the best thing for hair health in Ayurveda. It works great for circulation and is often suggested for people who are losing hair because of stress (and let’s be honest, heat is a form of stress). It also helps keep dandruff away, which can happen when you sweat a lot.
