It’s no secret that the sun’s powerful rays can severely damage your skin, but did you know that they can also damage your hair? While the sun doesn’t burn your hair the same way it can burn your skin, it can potentially damage your hair color which in turn can affect the way your hair looks and feels. Just like your skin, your hair has pigment cells called melanin that react to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. While you may love the way the sun lightens your hair, those highlights could actually be a sign of sun damage.
Lucky for you, it’s much easier to protect hair from sun than it seems. If you follow these simple tips, you’ll have healthy hair all summer long.
Use hair products with UV protection.
The easiest way to protect your strands from sun damage this summer is to incorporate products formulated with UV protection into your hair care routine. We suggest picking up a few Pureology products. Almost all of Pureology’s products contain Pureology’s exclusive AntiFade Complex, which features ingredients formulated to protect your strands from sun’s harmful rays including heliogenol, an antioxidant extracted from sunflower.
If you’re not sure where to start, Pureology’s Colour Fanatic Multi-Benefit Leave-In Treatment contains Pureology’s AntiFade Complex, which boasts 21 benefits for hair including shielding against environmental damage. It’s suitable for all hair types.
Cover your strands.
If you forget to pack hair products with UV protection in your suitcase, don’t fret—we’ve got you covered. Hats and scarves can help you look incredibly stylish on the beach and are also great at helping to protect your strands from the sun’s harmful rays. While hats are great at protecting your mane from the sun’s harmful rays, not all types are created equal.
Straw hats are often thought of as the quintessential beach hat, but the holes in the weave aren’t great at blocking out the sun’s rays. Instead, opt for a lightweight hat with tight stitching that won’t allow the sun’s rays to shine through. We also suggest choosing a style with a wide brim to protect any strands of hair that may peek out.
If hats aren’t really your style, opt for a headscarf instead. Wearing a scarf is a stylish way to keep your strands hidden from the sun—plus, there are dozens of ways to tie them. Find a style that works for you and keep your mane protected all summer.
Stay out of the sun during peak hours.
You should protect your strands from the sun every day, but we don’t expect you to stay inside all day just to avoid the sun. If you don’t have any hair products with UV protection or wearing hats and scarves just isn’t your thing, we suggest at the very least remaining out of the sun during peak hours.
As the day goes on and the sun moves higher in the sky, the sun’s UV rays become more intense and potentially more damaging to your skin, eyes, and hair because when the sun is at its peak, the UV rays travel a shorter distance to reach the earth. Depending on where you live, the sun’s peak hours typically begin around 10 a.m. and sometimes last well until 4 p.m.
If you’re in your office from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., chances are good that your hair won’t get direct exposure to the sun’s most harmful rays. If you’re on vacation and plan to spend all of your days lounging on the beach, however, we suggest sitting under a beach umbrella during peak hours. A beach umbrella allows you to enjoy everything you love about the ocean without risking significant damage to your strands. Another good way to break up your vacation and protect your strands from the sun’s harmful rays is to schedule a few indoor activities during the sun’s peak hours.
Now you’re equipped with all of the knowledge you need to protect your hair from sun damage this summer. Don’t be surprised when come fall, everyone wants to know the secret to your healthy mane!
Interested in a customized sun hair care consultation? Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a stylist near you.
