Summer is here, and your skin is not the only thing you need to protect from the sun. With the sunshine can come sun damage. Just as too much exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can burn your skin, it can also damage your hair and scalp. But with a little bit of prevention and protection, your hair will look great well into the fall and beyond.
What Does Sun Damage Look Like?
Harm from the sun can affect the health of your hair in these ways:
- Easily broken or weak strands
- Accelerated color fading
- Flaking of the scalp
- Dry, brittle hair
By the time you notice the split ends and excessive dryness, it may already be too late to combat sun damage. Guard your tresses from the scorching summer sun with these easy haircare tips.
Cover It Up
The easiest way to avoid damaging your hair is to keep it under wraps. Accessorize your outfit with a cute hat, fun scarf or head wrap. Going swimming? Use a bathing cap.
Play It Cool
The great part about summer is that there is no need for hot showers. That's very good news for your skin and hair. Keep water temperature lukewarm, and use cold water to wash your hair. This will prevent your scalp from drying out, and it will also keep your hair looking shiny.
Keep It Moisturized
A simple way to keep your hair protected from the sun is to keep it moisturized. Try to avoid hair products that contain alcohol or formaldehyde. Shampoo your hair every other day and apply a leave-in treatment at least once a week. If your hair becomes damaged, repair it with an intensive conditioner as often as necessary; leave it in for a few minutes or overnight while wearing a shower cap.
Apply Plenty of Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential to anyone’s health who experiences direct exposure to the sun. Just as there are moisturizers, makeups and lip balms containing SPF, there are also haircare products designed to protect your hair and scalp from the sun's rays. Read the label and choose shampoos and conditioners that are specially formulated with SPF or contain UV filters so your hair will feel moist and your color will look fresh all summer long.
Rinse, Swim, Rinse, Repeat
Whether you’re getting your hair wet in the ocean, the lake or the swimming pool, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to keep your hair from becoming damaged. Simply rinse your hair with fresh water before entering any body of water; then swim as usual. When you're finished swimming, remove chlorine, salt and other particles by immediately rinsing your hair in fresh water. For added protection, apply a leave-in conditioner after each rinse.
Use Solar Power
Harness the warmth of the sun by letting your hair dry naturally. You’ll avoid the harm that blow-dryers inflict on your hair, and you'll save electricity. You can also side-step the damage that curling irons and hot rollers can cause by allowing your hair to dry while it’s braided. Once completely dry, unravel your braids for beautiful, natural waves.
