Apply sunscreen to your skin before going outside in the summer. But do you shield your hair from sun deterioration?

Long-term sun exposure can damage the lipids that make up the outer layer of your hair, which naturally shields it from the elements.

Try these stylist-recommended strategies for sun damage prevention if you want to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny while basking in the sun this season.

Does Sun Damage Hair?

Want the short answer? Yes, the sun does harm to hair.

But let me give you the specifics so you can comprehend why it has those effects and how crucial it is to avoid sun damage to your hair. UVA and UVB rays from the sun can damage your color and style in several different ways:

• Lipid damage: The lipids that make up the outer layer of your hair, which naturally shields it from the elements, can be broken down by prolonged sun exposure. Without this layer, your hair can’t retain moisture, which is one of the main causes of dry hair and frizzy strands.
  
• Internal damage: Additionally, the internal structure of your hair can be weakened by the sun’s rays, making it more brittle and prone to breakage and split ends.
  
• Color damage: Due to the possibility of dehydration and vulnerability brought on by color treatments, hair that has been dyed is even more vulnerable to both internal and external damage. Since dry hair has a tendency to be more porous, dye can be removed more easily. Additionally, UV light damages your strands’ color and causes them to fade or turn brassy more quickly than usual by acting like bleach on them.

Who’s Most at Risk for Hair Sun Damage?

In contrast to thicker textures and darker colors, which provide more natural sun protection, fine or light-colored hair is particularly susceptible to UV damage. However, all hues and types of hair can sustain some degree of harm.

But where do you reside (or go on vacation)? Unexpectedly, your risk of sun hair damage is the same whether you’re outside in the suburbs or at the beach.

The issue will only worsen over time due to the destruction of the ozone layer and the gradual increase in the sun’s heat, so keep that in mind. To keep your strands in optimal condition, it’s worth it to start learning how to prevent sun damage to hair now.

Signs of Sun Damaged Hair

Long periods of exposure to the sun could cause changes in your hair’s color and style. Signs of hair damage from the sun include:

• Discoloration: A dramatic color change is a telltale sign that UV rays have reacted with the melanin in your hair.
  
• Change in texture: Your previously smooth hair may now appear dry, brittle, and rough and may no longer swing freely.
  
• Split ends: Your hair becomes more delicate and brittle as the sun’s rays penetrate it.

How to Protect Your Hair from Sun Damage

There are many things you can do to protect your hair from the sun before going outside, just like you use SPF every day.

Add a Barrier

Using a physical barrier, such as a scarf or hat, is a simple way to protect hair from the sun naturally. Be aware, however, that not all hats are created equal when it comes to hair sun protection. Since they are FDA-approved and tested, hats with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating are your best option for reducing sun exposure to your hair. A tightly woven fabric is preferable to an open-weave straw hat, which can let in harmful UV rays, in all other cases.

Minimize Peak Sunlight Exposure

Avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunburns. This advice also applies to protecting your hair. The morning or late afternoon are the best times to be outside. Even though you can’t completely avoid the sun, you can protect yourself from some of its harshest and most harmful rays.

Add SPF to Your Hair Care Routine

Consider adding an SPF product made for your head to your routine since you already purchase sunscreen for your skin. There are many options for shielding your hair, whether you select a spray or powder-based one.

Keep Your Scalp Healthy

To some extent, your hair protects your scalp from the sun — but not completely. In fact, your scalp may be particularly delicate and sensitive because it isn’t used to receiving a lot of direct sunlight. The roots of your hair may become dry and sunburned from too much exposure to the sun on your scalp. To keep your scalp in top condition, make sure to moisturize frequently (more on that later) and apply SPF to your part.

Avoid Chemicals

The sun and the pool go together frequently in the summer, but chlorine and other chemicals can weakened your hair, making it even more vulnerable to sun damage. The same is true of the chemicals employed in lightening treatments; they render your hair frail and susceptible to the sun’s damaging rays. While it’s not necessary to give up your summertime tan, it might be wise to avoid bleach-based color treatments for maximum protection.

Take a Break from Heat Styling

Even without the sun, it is a harsh environment. The damage will only increase if you add heat styling. Even though you don’t need to put your blow dryers and curling irons away permanently, using them less frequently during the summer can help keep your hair healthy. A styling product like Hair Balm can assist you in getting a frizz-free, air-dried style so that you can give your strands a break.

Of course, you’ll occasionally want your hair to be straightened, curled, or blown out. To protect yourself from heat and UV light when using hot tools, use a heat protectant like Dressed Up.

Make Extra Effort to Moisturize

Dryness is one of the most obvious signs of sun-damaged hair; therefore, to prevent sun damage, you should have a consistent moisturizing routine. However, don’t just purchase the largest conditioner bottle you can find. In fact, you won’t even need a separate conditioner if you switch from your regular shampoo to one that is soap-free.

The reason is that traditional shampoo removes the hair’s natural oils, and conditioner then replenishes the moisture. By using a soap-free cleanser, such as New Wash, you can keep your skin’s natural moisture and protective barrier without ever having to remove those oils. You can also add in extra hydration with a leave-in conditioner, like Hair Balm.

How Do We Treat Sun-damaged Hair?

Finding the best-suited treatment for the damaged hair is certainly a hard job. We have therefore put together some information that may be helpful to you in order to spare you from this difficult task.

1. Use of hair masks: Possibly in desperate need of nutrients if your hair has been sun-damaged. Hair masks will give your hair the nourishment it needs for repair. You will be shielded from additional harm in addition to having the fizziness, brittleness, and dryness fixed. Out of a variety of hair masks present in the market, we have mentioned the best-reviewed ones including:

• L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Solar Sublime Sun Masque
• Kérastase Masque UV Défense Active
• Matrix Biolage Sunsorials Sun Repair Treatment
• Aveda After Sun Hair Treatment Masque
• Philip Kingsley After-Sun Scalp Mask

2. Use of right shampoos and conditioners: Your hair can heal more quickly if you use the right shampoos and conditioners and follow the correct instructions. For instance, you can pick shampoos that contain essential oils. You can choose an argon or a coconut one. Not all shampoos and conditioners are beneficial for your hair. Choose the ones that are best for your hair type.

3. Massage your scalp: Self-massaging your scalp will promote blood flow, which will speed up healing. While shampooing, you can easily massage your scalp with your fingertips. The advice is to move slowly to avoid damaging the roots.

4. Avoid further damage: As long as your current state is present, stay out of the sun. Avoid using heat styling tools, chemically-laced bleaching and coloring products, hair straightening treatments, hair gel styling, and other styling techniques to avoid further damage. Pick styling methods like no-heating styling that won’t seriously harm your hair.

5. Use moisturizer and stay hydrated: The primary factor in hair loss and weak hair is a decrease in the water content of the hair. Use shampoos with moisturizers already built in. Or you can apply moisturizers directly. Consume water and stay hydrated, as dehydrating your own body will not make anything easier. Drink at least 8 to 18 glasses of water each day.

6. Go for wide-tooth comb: To avoid breakage instead of using normal hair comb you should use a wide-tooth comb. Without any additional tearing, it will handle the tangles. Avoid overbrushing as well.

7. Restorative oil treatments: Salons provide oil treatment services that can help you get your hair back to how it was. Alternatively, you can make your own oil treatment at home by combining warm coconut or olive oil with vitamin E capsules. Use your fingertips to apply the mixture directly to your scalp and gently massage it in. You’ll see the result quickly if you do it twice or three times per week. Here are some advice for repairing sun-damaged hair. If your hair condition remains unchanged then you should see a doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Now, if your hair has been colored, the sun can make it brassy or change the color. This is due to the fact that UV rays destroy the color and toner molecules that keep your color vibrant and pure. Additionally, because the protein and lipid layers of color-treated hair are already compromised by the dehydrating color treatments, the hair is more vulnerable to protein and lipid layer damage.

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