You’re probably well-versed in what UV radiation can do to your skin, but did you know it can also damage your hair? That’s why it’s essential you find sun protection for hair before going out this summer.
What Is Sun Damage?
High temperatures can hurt your luscious locks, which is why sun exposure during the summer can lead to untamable frizz. However, the real threat is ultraviolet radiation.
UV rays actually break down the cuticle, which is the strand’s outer layer. This damage makes your hair vulnerable to further harm.
Frizziness
Frizz is a daily battle if you have dry hair and cuticle damage makes it that much harder to fight. The key to taming frizzy hair is moisture, which is a problem if the cuticle can’t seal in hydration.
Brittleness
When the cuticle is undermined, strands become more brittle and prone to breaking. If you notice lots of split ends or breakage, you need sun protection for hair.
Dryness
Without the cuticle to lock in moisture, your hair will probably become dry and difficult to manage. It may also become dull and feel coarse to the touch.
Discoloration
If you have color-treated hair, UV radiation can cause the pigment to fade. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen evenly, so you may end up with random light patches.
How Can You Prevent Sun Damage to Your Hair?
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to keep locks hydrated, voluminous and glossy. Here are the best techniques to get sun protection for hair.
Take Care of Your Scalp
Your scalp needs as much protection as your hair, so make sure to wear a hat or apply an SPF spray. A healthy scalp that produces natural oil is the first step to keeping your luscious locks safe.
Choose Color-Friendly Products
Dyed strands are already under stress from chemical treatment and need a lot of care. If you want to keep your color vibrant and nourish your locks, you need products specially formulated for dyed hair, such as the Moroccanoil Color Complete Consumer Set.
Skip the Shampoo
Your scalp’s natural oils are great sun protection for hair, so you want to avoid stripping them away. Instead of shampooing every day, try washing every other day and using a dry shampoo, such as the Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Dry Shampoo in 3.4 oz., to control grease in between.
Avoid Heated Styling
Exposing your hair to heat can cause many of the same problems as UV radiation damage. If possible, avoid heated styling such as the following:
- Blow drying
- Curling with an iron
- Straightening
Should you use heated styling, make sure to apply a heat protectant first. Some of these products also double as protection from the sun.
Condition Regularly
Conditioner doesn’t just soften and detangle; it also strengthens strands and seals moisture inside. To provide your hair with a shield against damage, you should use a revitalizing conditioner, such as the Sachajuan Silver Conditioner 8.45 in oz.
How Can You Repair Sun Damage?
If you’re outdoors a lot, you’re bound to have some sun damage. While the best treatment is prevention, there are ways to heal your locks if you can’t find adequate sun protection for hair.
Keep the Ends Trimmed
Strand ends tend to be drier and more brittle than the roots because they’re far from the scalp’s protective oils. You can keep the rest of your hair healthy by getting these damaged ends trimmed every six to eight weeks.
Try a Hair Mask
Hair masks are a great solution if your hair needs intense hydration. Some masks even contain keratin, which is the protein hair is made of.
If you go swimming, you can also apply this product or a leave-in conditioner beforehand. The heavy product provides a barrier between your locks and harmful chlorine.
Summer is the perfect time to try new things and meet new people. With your sun protection for hair, you can confidently spend your summer having fun at the beach, as the life of the party and out on the town.
While you’re having new experiences, why not try out a vibrant color? It’s a great way to jazz up your look. Of course, LaLa Daisy is here to help you care for your color-treated hair with tips from its Beauty Resource Center. For even more information read this article from the Cleveland Clinic on the best ways to protect your hair from sun damage.
