When the subject of sun protection comes up in the summer, many of us first think of skin care. While too much sun can take a toll on your skin, it also affects your hair. Yup, sun protection is just as vital for your strands. If you’re new to the world of sun protection for hair, here’s what you need to know.
Signs Your Hair Needs More Protection from the Sun
Sun rays act similarly to bleach on hair, which means that they can harm your strands. Essentially, UV rays weaken the cuticle, aka the outside cover of the hair strand. Here are the telltale signs your hair may have had too much sun:
- Lightened hair: UV rays may weaken melanin, which gives your hair its pigment. That’s why hair becomes lighter — and oftentimes, brassier — when it’s overexposed to sunlight.
- Brittle strands: Keratin, the main protein in hair, may get weakened by sun exposure. This renders your hair brittle — as such, it is more prone to split ends and frizziness.
- Dull, dry texture: UV light could wreak havoc on the lipids that coat your hair shaft and keep your strands moisturized and shiny.
How to Protect Your Hair from the Sun
The simplest way to protect your hair from the sun is with something you probably already have in your closet: a hat! Not only can a sun hat protect your face from the sun, but it can give your hair good coverage, too. The caveat is that you should wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers as much of your hair as possible. If you’re feeling retro chic, a headscarf can also give you much-needed hair protection from too much sun.
Remember to seek shade and avoid the sun during hot hours. If you’re at the beach, for example, stay under an umbrella when you’re not swimming in the water. We also recommend using Italian Red Grape Shampoo, which features a color-protective formula that contains resveratrol, a UV filter extracted from grapes.
Remember that lightening your hair and using hot tools to style it can also weaken strands. If you can, cut back on lightening your hair during the summer and use heat protective products when styling it. You should also wash off chlorinated water from your hair right after dipping into the swimming pool.
Does coconut oil protect hair from the sun?
Coconut oil is known to be a holy grail in hair care. Because it can deeply absorb into the hair, it can smooth and shine your locks, especially if you’ve had harsh treatments done to your hair.
How to Replenish Your Hair After Being in the Sun
Can hair that’s been in too much sun be repaired? Yes, you can take measures to restore your locks back to health. Check out the following products to nourish your hair — get beach-ready hair in no time at all!
- 100% Pure Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a multitasker that deeply conditions the hair and moisturizes the skin. It also may help to reduce exposure to salt and chlorine from hair when you're at the pool or beach.
- Anti-Breakage Hair Mask: Reducing hair breakage by up to 61%, this leave-on hair mask is powered by a nourishing blend of Country Life Maxi-Hair® plus biotin, keratin and provitamin B5 along with coconut and jojoba oil.
- Smoothing Hair Primer: Restore shine in your tresses with this primer that helps close hair cuticles, remove product buildup, and bring your scalp to its preferred pH.
- Coconut Shine and Refine Hair Lotion: It’s in the name: this silicone-free hair lotion helps restore the shine of hair while controlling frizz.
With protective measures, you won’t have to worry about playing all day in the sun. Shop Desert Essence’s hair care line to keep your tresses healthy and shiny.