Hair bliss

If your hair seems to be thinning as the heat rises, the root of the problem may lie with your scalp. “Heat and humidity affect the health of the scalp and can lead to halted growth and weakened strands,” says trichologist Susan Roberts-Cooper of évolis h

Kitchen cures for thinning hair

Shedding?

Your scalp may be sweaty

Perspiration creates a moist environment that allows the natural fungus on the scalp to thrive. The resulting inflammation and itching can lead to follicle damage, making hair vulnerable to fall-out, says Roberts-Cooper. The remedy: honey. Research shows applying this natural antifungal to the scalp every other day eliminates fungus in one week, plus leads to a noticeable drop in shedding in four weeks.

To do: Mix 2 Tbs. of honey with ⁄ cups 2

3 of warm water. Massage into scalp and let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.

Prone to breakage?

Your scalp may be parched

Whether from the sun’s heat, chlorine or hormone flux, a severe lack of moisture on the scalp can lead to weak locks that break easily. Roberts-Cooper’s kitchen fix for an instantly hydrated scalp? Avocado. The fruit’s omega-3 fatty acids penetrate the layers of scalp skin to replenish moisture while its vitamin E helps repair skin’s barrier to lock in that moisture. Bonus: Those same nutrients infuse locks with luster. To do: Rub half a mashed avocado onto damp hair from roots to ends and cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes; rinse.

Stalled growth?

Your scalp may be oily

Humidity triggers sebaceous glands on the scalp to release excess oils that can build up and clog follicles, halting new hair growth. What’s more, research shows that hot temperatures can cause hair follicles to prematurely enter the telogen (or resting) phase, contributing to slowed growth and increased shedding for a thinnerlooking head of hair.

To the rescue: apple cider vinegar. Its alpha-hydroxy acids dissolve oil buildup on the scalp and in pores while its acetic acid stimulates blood flow to follicles to encourage growth. Plus, the vinegar’s astringent properties help tighten pores to reduce the amount of oil that is secreted.

To do: In a small spray bottle, combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water; shake. Spritz onto hair and scalp and massage in circular motions. Let sit for 15 minutes; rinse with cool water, then shampoo as usual. Repeat twice a week for results in four weeks.