How to Prevent Sun Damaged Hair

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How is hair damaged by the sun?

Knowing how to protect hair from sun damage begins with understanding how sun damaged hair is created in the first place. Put simply, UVA and UVB lights hit the protective cuticle of your hair when your strands are exposed to the sun. Radiation from these rays negatively impacts the amino acids and proteins that help maintain the barrier that protects the inner core. As exposure continues, the cuticle eventually weakens, leaving the cells in the core susceptible to rupture and structural damage.

UVA rays fade the color from your hair as they impair the cuticle. So, the classic “sun-kissed” look commonly seen in the summer is often a sign that damage has already taken place. UVB rays weaken the cuticle further, causing your strands to look dull and brittle.

Another common cause of hair damage is the sun’s heat. Just as using hot tools can have a negative impact on cuticle health, long exposure to heat from the sun will zap your hair of the moisture it needs. Because the hair you see is no longer alive and has no cell regrowth, this damage is cumulative and will get worse with repeated exposure.

When you combine these two elements, time out in the sun can have a harsh effect on the health and manageability of your hair. Fortunately, there are several options that can minimize this effect, letting you enjoy the sun without sacrificing hair health. And, once you know how to protect hair from the sun, it greatly increases the overall health of your hair too.

How to protect hair from sun

The following suggestions offer UV protection for hair and can help keep the elasticity and shine that symbolizes healthy strands. For maximum protection, use a combination of these techniques whenever you can.

Keep it covered

The best way to prevent sun damaged hair is  to limit sun exposure. Wearing a hat or head wrap is a great way to enhance style without risking damage to your hair. As an added bonus, a wide brim hat can protect your hair and your face simultaneously, giving you double the benefit.

If you’re uncomfortable with wearing some type of head covering, there are other ways you can minimize exposure. Just as you would for protecting your skin, try not to go out when the sun is at its most intense. If you must head outdoors, choose shady spots to spend the bulk of your time so your hair isn’t constantly being hit by UV light.

Get a healthy start

Any time you choose to participate in activities that could cause hair damage, ensuring your hair is healthy at the start gives you a better chance of minimizing the effects. So, the first step when figuring out how to protect your hair from the sun is to make sure it’s in good shape otherwise. For maximum effect, focus on improving hair health before summer hits.

Although there are hundreds of specialty products available that promise amazing results, hair health starts with the products you use most frequently. If you haven’t already, choose a shampoo and conditioner that is made for your hair’s unique needs. There are many store brands that target common hair complaints, but you can also take a more personalized approach with custom hair products. Other solutions you can incorporate include hair masks, conditioning sprays, and hair oils. If you’re going for hair oil treatment, make sure you know how to use hair oils properly. And, don’t forget that healthy hair starts at the root. So, when it comes to preventing sun damaged hair, make sure you’re giving your scalp the extra attention it needs.

And finally, limit the use of hot tools for a period of time. Heat styling can be damaging to your hair’s cuticle and you want as much protection as possible before summer hits. When you do use hot tools, make sure to use products that offer heat protection to minimize their damaging effects.

Use protective products

When it comes to sun exposure, there are several products available on the market that are designed to minimize  hair damage. Heat protectants were developed to protect your hair from hot tools, but they can also be used to mitigate heat damage from the sun. Any products that support cuticle health can also offer a protective effect by increasing your hair’s tolerance to sun damage.

One of the most targeted approaches is to find a sunscreen that has been created for hair. Many of the most popular sunscreen brands have adapted their products to create sprays that also protect your hair and scalp. Hair sunscreen products can come in the form of powders, sprays, and lotions. Powders are meant to be rubbed in at the hairline and part. Meanwhile, sprays and lotions are designed to be spread throughout the entire length of your strands.

After-summer restoration

Even if you’ve taken all the proper steps to prevent sun damaged hair, it is likely that some damage has occurred if you’ve spent any time outside. So, knowing how to fix sun damaged hair at the end of the summer is the final part of your summer hair care routine. 

Once summer is over, it’s time to help your strands recover and start thinking about prepping for winter. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to repair sun damaged hair naturally. If you still have the products you used to get your hair healthy before summer, some of these can be used again as restorative agents.

Hair masks and leave-in conditioners are a great way to add moisture to thirsty strands, especially those that offer ingredients known for repairing your cuticle. And, remember that your scalp has seen the same sun exposure and is often neglected when applying sunscreen. A soothing scalp treatment could therefore be just what that sensitive skin needs.

You may find that the hair issues you targeted before summer have changed after months in the intense sun. If you’re ready to try a custom approach, take the Prose hair consultation to get a formula designed for your specific needs before, during, or after the summer.