JOIN USDid you know that sunscreen is not only for your skin but also your hair? In five minutes you can learn more about two major chapters in hair care. One, how to care for your hair and two, how to care for your pet’s hair. Yes, hair care is essential in summers for both you and your pet. Metrolife spoke to two doctors specialising in this field, who can guide you to never face hair tragedies in future.
“The sun’s UV rays erode the cuticle, and break down melanin pigment that results in dry, brittle hair, particularly for hair that has been colour-treated. One quick way to protect your hair is to run your hands lightly through your hair after applying sunscreen to your body,” says Nirmal Randhawa, makeup artiste and owner of Indica Makeover.
Few other tips that she offers are, to opt for a hat or a scarf when out in the sun, not only they will protect your hair from UV light but will also help hair retain moisture,” She also says that washing your too frequently, rids your hair off the necessary moisture. “A quick fix is to dab a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel along your scalp to dissolve excess oil,” she adds.
If you like your hair to look voluminous, but cannot keep it open in the sun, messy braid can be ideal for keeping your hair under control, this will reduce the exposure area under the scorching sunlight.
Also, don’t forget what your grandma taught you, use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush and massage the scalp with hot oil regularly.
But grandma hardly has any remedies for your furry friend, but pet-friendly ones know, that animal hair is ridiculously hard to care for.
“Dogs can’t perspire efficiently like us and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. And maintaining body heat is essential for good hair,” says Dr KG Umesh, veterinary doctor, Mars hospital.
He explains that dogs have an efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close quarters.
“Whether you’re indoors or out, both you and your pet need access to lots of fresh water during the summer, so check your pet’s water bowl several times a day to be sure it’s full. If you and your furry friend venture forth for the afternoon, bring plenty of water for both of you,” says Dr Umesh.
Keeping your pet well groomed will help their hair do what it was designed to do — protect them from the sun and insulate her from the heat. “Furry dog breeds should be well clipped during this season as the thick coat makes them feel hotter. It also makes it a home for bacteria and parasites,” he adds.
He says that dogs’ energy requirement increases with the rise in temperatures and therefore, it is important that they eat more during summer and if, their intake has reduced then they should be compensated by feeding energy dense or nutritional balanced pet food.