🌞 The Science Behind the Shine (and the Struggles)
Every summer, the same “tips” keep floating around: saltwater as a conditioner, air-drying as the holy grail, or that thick hair means your scalp is safe. Well, science doesn’t lie. Let’s put these myths under the microscope and see what really passes inspection!
Myth 1: “Saltwater is a natural conditioner”
The truth: Saltwater is actually a tiny thief in disguise.
Seawater is hypertonic – it pulls water out of cells like osmosis on steroids. Sure, your curls might look mermaid-level defined right after a dip, but here’s the cost:
- Salt crystals scratch the cuticle (like sandpaper on silk).
- Lipid barriers erode, leaving both scalp and hair thirstier.
- Protein loss spikes, especially in coloured or porous hair.
Better option: Rinse with fresh water after swimming, then spray the scalp with a microbiome-friendly mist like 300 Aroma Tonic| Citrus to keep moisture in, irritation out.
Myth 2: “You don’t need to worry about your scalp if you have thick hair”
The truth: Hair is not UV-proof.
Even dense hair doesn't block all UVA and UVB radiation. People with thick or curly hair may also sweat more, which leads to:
- Sweat buildup, raising pH and promoting irritation
- Blocked follicles, increasing the risk of folliculitis or sensitivity
- Accelerated breakdown of scalp lipids
Pro tip: Use Dakmatter’s 010 Slip Wash Pro after sweat-heavy days. Gentle scalp-first cleansing keeps the microbiome balanced and the barrier intact.
Myth 3: “Air-drying is always healthier in summer”
In very humid climates, prolonged wetness keeps the hair shaft swollen, causing hygral fatigue (cuticle damage resulting from expansion/contraction cycles). If hair stays wet for hours, the cuticle becomes more porous, internal proteins leach out, and frizz becomes more likely.
Pro Advice: Gently towel-dry or use a cool dryer on low airflow to reduce drying time, especially after pool or sea exposure.
Myths are fun, but science keeps your scalp happier. At Dakmatter, we’re all chemists and green cosmetic experts who spent years perfecting modern microbiome-smart, lipid-friendly solutions that work with your biology, not against it."
Myth 4: “Summer hair loss is just a myth”
Studies suggest a seasonal shift in the hair growth cycle, with a higher percentage of follicles entering the telogen (shedding) phase in late summer.
Other contributors:
- UV damage to scalp keratinocytes
- Increased inflammation due to sweat and sun exposure
- Disrupted microbiota, which influences follicle cycling
Our science-based recommendation: Support your scalp barrier with increased hydration and calming actives to provide follicles with the best possible growth environment, especially during seasonal shifts. Try our different Hydro Masks with six (!) humectants suitable for BOTH hair and scalp:
- PRO: Preventive & Protective Care
- SEBO: Dry & Oily Flaky Conditions
- PRUR: Chronic to Acute Itching Conditions
Myth 5: “You only need to hydrate your hair, not your scalp”
Ignoring scalp hydration is like watering the leaves but not the soil. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rises in summer, leaving the barrier fragile.
When the scalp dehydrates, it causes:
- Flaking
- Itchiness
- Sensitivity
- Dysbiosis (microbiota imbalance)
Pro Recommendation: Prioritise scalp hydration! Balanced microbes = calmer scalp = stronger, shinier strands.
Takeaway
Summer hair myths may sound harmless, but they often leave behind hidden damage - scalp imbalance, cuticle wear, and moisture loss. All of this sets the stage for autumn, when colder air and indoor heating make your scalp and strands even more vulnerable.
That’s why now is the moment to prepare. By rebalancing the scalp, reinforcing the barrier, and restoring lost lipids before autumn fully arrives, you build resilience against the dryness, static, and irritation that cold season brings.
At Dakmatter, we aim to eliminate guesswork with science. Our scalp-first solutions are crafted by us, as chemists who have spent years refining efficient, modern microbiome-supporting formulations that protect and strengthen both scalp and hair through every seasonal shift
Knowledge is power.
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