[Lee Moon Won Korean Medicine Clinic] "Blazing Sun! Scalp and Hair Care for Vacation Season"

Yonhap News press release | Posted 2007-08-06 11:40

The real heat has arrived, and with it, vacation season.

While you are enjoying the blazing sun, a beautiful stretch of beach, and an outdoor pool full of energy, your hair is quietly taking damage.

Strong UV light can damage every part of the body, and for people with hair loss the scalp is directly exposed, so it is even more vulnerable. That can bring on itching, stinging and redness of the scalp.

For anyone who already has seborrheic dermatitis, symptoms can get worse. UV light also disrupts the protein bonds in the hair shaft, so strands break more easily, and it damages the surface of the hair, leaving it rough and dull.

Because so many people crowd in at once, seawater and pool water are easily contaminated, and skin trouble can follow if you do not rinse off thoroughly afterward. Heavy sweating and oil production are also among the factors that aggravate scalp conditions and hair loss, so washing your hair carefully first after a swim matters.

Dr. Lee Moon-won of Lee Moon Won Korean Medicine Clinic, a hair loss specialty clinic, says scalp care during vacation season is every bit as important as skin care, and he shared his advice on caring for the scalp and preventing hair loss.

"When you go out in midsummer, wear a hat or carry a parasol if you can. After swimming in the ocean or a pool, always rinse off thoroughly. If your scalp turns red, a cool wet towel compress helps. If it itches or stings, grate some aloe or potato, massage it into the scalp, and rinse it off after 20 minutes. Getting a perm or coloring your hair right after vacation is not a good idea either. Wait until the scalp and hair have recovered from the sun and saltwater before you perm or color."

Dr. Lee also recommends washing your hair after you sweat. If you sweat heavily in summer, washing at night and drying your hair well before bed protects the scalp: when scalp temperature and humidity rise, skin bacteria multiply, which can lead to scalp trouble.

Scalp care inquiries, Lee Moon Won Korean Medicine Clinic: 02-511-1079
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