30 degrees in the shade? Whether you’re a sun worshipper or a shade lover, sooner or later—with temperatures like these—it’s time to cool off at the public swimming pool, in a private pool, or—for the travelers among us—even in the ocean. What’s pure pleasure for us can quickly become a dry spell for our hair and nails. To prevent that from happening, we’ve got a few tips for you here.
Each strand of our hair is made up of up to 15 percent water. Even our toenails and fingernails still contain five percent water. In the summer, this percentage drops rapidly, leading to moisture loss.
Sun exposure and swimming in seawater or chlorinated water strip away natural oils, resulting in a loss of moisture and shine. But many care and styling products also contain ingredients like sulfates, which are particularly harsh on the scalp and hair. This is because they open the cuticle and further dry out the hair. However, hair and nails don’t just react to external factors.
If you want them to grow well and look naturally beautiful, your body must be regularly supplied with the right nutrients. This means that healthy, strong, and shiny hair and nails aren’t just a gift from nature. There’s a lot you can do yourself.
Pure indulgence and care for your hair and nails
Showering “topless”
People who sweat a lot tend to shower more often. But frequent washing dries out your scalp and hair in particular. Can you imagine washing your hair maybe just two or three times a week? Try at least once to skip washing it every time you shower and to go without blow-drying. Your scalp and hair will thank you.
Natural oils
Treat your hair and nails to an extra dose of oil before bathing or as an overnight treatment. Good natural oil options include argan oil, wheat germ oil, or fragrant coconut oil. Massage the oil into the ends of your hair. While you’re at it, you can also pamper your nails by massaging the oil into your fingernails and toenails.
Protection
Protect your scalp and hair from excessive and prolonged sun exposure with a sun hat or cap. After swimming in the pool or the ocean, it helps to rinse off with plain (tap) water. For your hair, it’s also a good idea to rinse it with fresh water before swimming: Wet hair can’t absorb as much salt or chlorine as dry hair.
Nutrient Power for Hair and Nails
Protein-rich foods such as fish, eggs, nuts, and legumes promote the growth of strong hair and nails. A balanced diet rich in vegetables also provides the necessary B vitamins, biotin, folic acid, and zinc; collagen and hyaluronic acid are considered true beauty elixirs. To ensure your hair and nails receive an adequate supply of these essential nutrients, a course of appropriate dietary supplements can be helpful.
With these brilliant tips, we’re sending you off into the most beautiful time of the year, true to the motto: “Summer, I’m ready!” Enjoy the season.
Melanie Tiek
Editorial team of “Schweizer Hausapotheke”
