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Understanding Extreme Heat Days

As the summer heat intensifies, the Japanese Meteorological Agency has introduced the term "extreme heat days" for days when temperatures exceed 40°C. This new classification, announced on April 17 this year, prompts us to heighten our awareness of scalp and hair care under these harsh conditions.

Risks to Hair on Extreme Heat Days

On these hot days, the risks posed to hair and scalp increase significantly due to intense UV radiation. UV radiation varies depending on the time of day, season, weather conditions, and ozone levels. In Japan, the peak UV levels typically occur between June and August, particularly around noon. UVA can penetrate deep into the skin and hair, contributing to issues such as wrinkles, sagging, and potentially damaging the proteins that make up our hair.

Moreover, the scalp harbors about twice the amount of sebaceous glands compared to the T-zone of the face. Consequently, during high temperatures, there's a surge in the secretion of oils and sweat, which, if not properly managed, can lead to various scalp problems such as dandruff, itching, and inflammation. On extreme heat days, the combination of intense UV exposure, high temperatures, and excessive sweating creates an especially challenging environment for hair care.

It's essential to rethink our protective measures. Relying solely on hats, umbrellas, or sunscreen may not be sufficient to shield your hair from damage. Let's embrace new care habits to safeguard our scalp and hair against potential harm.

Importance of After-Care for UV Exposure

Many people tend to focus on preventive measures before sun exposure, such as wearing hats or applying sunscreen, but avoiding UV completely is impossible. UV rays can dry out hair and scalp, contributing to hair loss. Therefore, post-exposure care is just as crucial as preventive measures. This dual approach—protection before exposure and aftercare afterward—can help maintain healthy hair.

Preparations Before UV Exposure

One highly recommended item for the scorching summer is a UV protection spray. Unlike traditional creams or oils, spray formats distribute evenly and are easy to apply, providing a refreshing experience. They can be applied over makeup or directly onto the scalp as needed. Ideally, you should reapply every 2-3 hours when outdoors.

Additionally, leave-in treatments are commonly used after washing hair at night. However, those fortified with UV protection can also be applied before styling in the morning, providing defense against UV rays and friction damage all in one go. It can even serve as a styling product, simplifying your pre-outing routine.

Additionally, consider varying your parting style. Keeping a consistent part exposes the scalp to the sun more, so subtly shifting your hair part can distribute damage more evenly. Also, avoid being in direct airflow from air conditioning units; this can lead to dry scalp and hair. Simple adjustments to your seating position or airflow direction can make a difference.

After-Exposure Care

Post-exposure, the scalp can easily suffer from sunburn and other adverse effects. Use a cool towel or a cooling pack on your scalp to alleviate heat and lower its temperature. When washing your hair after a long day of exposure, opt for a mild, moisturizing shampoo to help restore vitality.

Instead of roughly drying your hair with a towel, gently press it dry to prevent further damage. When using a blow dryer, ensure you keep it approximately 20cm away from your scalp, moving it regularly to avoid localized heat damage.

Internal Damage from UV Exposure

It's not just the surface that UV affects; changes can also occur within the hair. For instance, UV rays can alter hair proteins, leading to dryness, frizz, and waves. Compromised hair is less capable of retaining moisture, making it susceptible to further damage. Likewise, UV exposure can decompose melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color, leading to discoloration and quick fading of color treatments. The scalp may also face oxidative stress from UV exposure, accelerating aging processes.

Conclusion

Summers bring increased risks of scalp and hair damage due to heat and UV exposure. Avoiding the sun entirely may be unrealistic, but implementing thoughtful care strategies can significantly minimize potential damage. By understanding the risks and preparing accordingly, we can enjoy our summers while keeping our hair healthy and vibrant.

Essential Care Products for Beating the Heat

To counter dehydration, color loss, and other summer-specific issues, Aderans offers a range of products focusing on "protecting," "cooling," and "hydrating."

1. Beautystage UV Protect Premium Beautiful & Sports: This spray provides exceptional UV protection with SPF50+ and natural moisturizing ingredients, making it suitable for hair, scalp, and skin.

2. AD&F Cool Air: Combining a scalp and hair care product, this spray combats stickiness and odor induced by sweat, offering a refreshing experience.

3. Beautystage Beaufullere: This leave-in treatment entails full-spectrum protection against heat and UV damage while also revitalizing dry or frizzy hair.

Utilizing these products can make a noticeable impact, reminding us all to prioritize our hair and scalp care, especially during the oppressive heat of summer.

Expert Insight

Toshio Ito, a certified Hair Diagnostic Specialist and Director of the Japan Hair Science Association, has been at the forefront of promoting hair health education. He has contributed invaluable knowledge in product development and public awareness initiatives through seminars and media appearances. Currently, he also works as a hairstylist, providing services to various clients and production models.