As the weather warms up, it’s vital to keep some summer-specific health behaviors in mind. While we’re all aware of the necessity of protecting our skin from sun damage, it’s easy to ignore the importance of preserving our hair from sun damage.
“The sun’s rays behave very much like bleach on hair,” dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld observes. “The good news is that you can preserve your hair from the summer heat by taking measures.” Read on to learn how to prevent—and heal—sun-damaged hair with just a few basic techniques, whether you’re preparing ahead for a season at the beach or wanting to reverse damage that’s already been done.
How Can I Avoid Sun-Damaged Hair?
Chemicals should be avoided.
“Chlorinated water in swimming pools or whitening your hair might make it more prone to the summer strains of heat and sun,” says Bergfeld. Lightening treatments should be used sparingly, and hair should be rinsed promptly after swimming in a chlorinated pool.
Sunlight on Hair
Sachajuan’s amazing Hair in the Sun lotion doubles as a sunscreen for your hair and a styling cream.
Protective Spray Lock + Block
Rita Hazan’s Protective Spray is a spray that filters UV radiation and dampness.
Smart Accessorize
If you’ve been considering updating your wardrobe with the newest hat trends, now is the moment. Wearing a hat (particularly one with a wider brim) may be quite beneficial in protecting your hair from sun damage and is also one of the greatest ways to protect your scalp.
“The best preventative care you can do here is wearing a hat or headscarf and sitting beneath an umbrella when you’re not swimming,” says David Mallett, creator of his eponymous haircare business. “While it isn’t direct sun damage, summertime generally brings outdoor exercises and beach excursions when wet hair becomes twisted up and perhaps snarled,” he suggests.
Tight elastics, which can damage hair follicles, should be avoided, as should tight topknots, which put pressure on the hairline. Use a softer style, such as a low ponytail or braid, or twist the hair and pin it up. Avoid using fine-tooth combs on damp hair. To assist disentangle knots, try combing hair with your fingers first and using a hair serum.”
Serum for Hair
After showering, use a hair serum to gently untangle your hair.
Choose the Proper Conditioner for Your Hair
All skin tones, as well as all hair kinds, are susceptible to sun damage: “Finer, lighter hair lacks the thickness or pigmentation that may shield it from the sun’s rays,” Bergfeld explains. “Use a hair conditioner that is suited for your hair color, kind, and environment.”
Shampoo for Repair
The Ouai Repair Shampoo and Conditioner are designed specifically for hair that is prone to breaking.
How Do You Repair Sun-Damaged Hair?
Make Your Own Hot Oil Treatment
A hot oil treatment is one approach to potentially restore your hair’s natural hydration. While most salons provide the service, you may make a hot oil treatment at home for a fraction of the price. Begin by combining three vitamin E capsules with a half-cup of olive oil and heating it in the microwave for five to ten seconds. The mixture should be warm but not hot. Massage the oil into your hair and scalp for 15 minutes before completely washing.
If you prefer a store-bought treatment, follow it up with a nourishing treatment that may be kept in to restore damage.
Hair Oil for Moisturization
This hair oil is used before to shampooing. To moisturize, leave on overnight or for an hour before shampooing.
Make use of a Restorative Hair Mask.
Sun, according to Bergfield, “damages the hair’s cuticle and protein, which is called keratin.” A protein-rich hair mask might be one of your greatest chances for repairing the damage. This nourishing mask with vegetable protein to thicken hair and revitalize dry strands.
Get a Haircut
While cutting your hair isn’t always the ideal option, reducing the ends of sun-damaged hair may be one of the most effective strategies to maintain strands healthy and encourage growth. If your hair is in recuperation phase, aim for a haircut every three months or more. You may avoid more damage by taking action as soon as you see broken ends or dryness.
Organic Hair & Scalp Mist
Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, and this hair spray protects both with SPF 30.
