CONNECTOR.AE 34 CONNECTOR.AE 35 HEALTH AND WELLNESS HEALTH AND WELLNESS induced hair shaft damage, and scalp irritation”, says Dr. Ragini Rajan, Specialist Dermatology and Cosmetology at Aster Clinic, Sharjah. “UV rays degrade the cuticle and weaken the hair shaft, leading to dryness and breakage. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or a UV-protective hair spray with antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea extract can help protect strands from oxidative stress”, adds Dr. Karima Arroud, Functional Medicine Specialist at Wellth, Jumeirah. Dr. Maha Sultan, Specialist Dermatology and Aesthetics at Medcare Medical Centre, Jumeirah and Al Khawaneej, suggests, “Avoid peak sun hours between 11am and 4pm when possible, and consider wearing a scarf or hat for direct sun protection”. Also, don’t overlook your pool or beach routine. “Wet your hair with clean water before swimming so it absorbs less salt or chlorine”, advises Dr. Karima Arroud from Wellth, who also suggests applying a leave-in conditioner or coconut oil beforehand to create a protective barrier. Dr. Maha Sultan from Medcare Medical Centre recommends using a swim cap in pools and rinsing hair thoroughly with a sulfatefree clarifying shampoo followed by a deep conditioner post-swim. ‘‘The combination of intense heat, high UV exposure, and humidity creates a particularly challenging environment for maintaining healthy hair.’’ Step One: Protect Before You Step Out Whether you’re heading to the beach, running errands, or simply spending time outdoors, summer sun can cause real damage to your strands. “The combination of intense heat, high UV exposure, and humidity creates a particularly challenging environment for maintaining healthy hair. Common issues include dryness, frizz, sunYour Guide To Summer Hair Care Summer in the UAE can sometimes be brutal, not just for your skin, but for your hair too. With high temperatures, intense sun, high humidity and exposure to salt water or chlorine, hair tends to suffer more than usual this time of year. It becomes dry, frizzy, damaged and prone to breakage. To help youprotect andnourish your hair all season long, Connector spoke with some dermatologists and hair care experts across the UAE. From what to do before a swim to which shampoo works best for your hair type, here’s your summer hair care guide made easy. Step Two: Choose Your Shampoo And Routine Wisely Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair more frequently during summer doesn’t always help. “Over-washing is a common mistake, especially in hot climates”, says Dr. Karima Arroud from Wellth. “While it’s important to remove sweat and pollutants, stripping the scalp of natural oils can trigger imbalances like dryness, irritation, or oil overproduction”. Most hair types do best when washed two to three times a week. People with oily scalps can wash more often, while those with curly or dry hair should wash less frequently and use hydrating products instead. Dr. Maha Sultan from Medcare Medical Centre recommends gentle sulfate-free shampoos like ‘La Roche-Posay Kerium Extra Gentle Shampoo’ or ‘Briogeo Be Gentle’, ‘Be Kind Daily Moisture Shampoo’. If you sweat a lot, look for scalpbalancing shampoos with tea tree or mint, such as ‘Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo’. For dry or damaged hair, experts advise using deep conditioning masks once a week and lightweight oils like argan or jojoba to seal in moisture and restore strength. Dr. Ragini Rajan from Aster Clinic says, “Look for shampoos and conditioners that contain humectants like glycerine and panthenol, and emollients like shea butter and argan oil. Antioxidants such as vitamin
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzU4NjA=