How to Protecting Your Hair from the Sun

Summer is vastly approach and with summer comes the harsh rays of the sun. While most of us remember to protect our skin with sunscreen, often we forget to pay attention to our hair. The sun can damage hair’s cuticles, leaving your hair dry, brittle and frizzy. It can also make hair’s color fade and if you have fine or chemical-treated hair, the sun’s harsh rays can be extremely worse.

To prevent the summer sun from damaging your hair, check out these great tips:

In the Sun
Look for an SPF spray made for hair. If you can’t find an SPF or you’re in a pinch, you can use a sunscreen made for you skin. Apply ½ cup water with ½ teaspoon 25 SPF sunscreen. Mist on damp hair before styling. You can also apply undiluted sunscreen to the center part of your hair. If the sunscreen is too messy, try a lip blam with the highest SPF you can find. Be sure to wash the sunscreen from your hair using a deep-cleansing shampoo after you get home.

Look for styling products that have SPF built into them. Manufacturers are now providing consumers with SPF protection via hairsprays, styling gels, mousses, etc.

If you do choose to use a styling product with SPF protection, keep in mind that most contain alcohol, which can dry your hair out faster than the sun.

If you can’t find SPF for your hair, you can try using coconut, jojoba, sunflower or olive oil in your hair. To use, simply apply the oil to your hair before going out in the sun. The heat from the sun will help to penetrate the oil into your hair shaft. You should note however, while the oil will condition your hair and repair it before it becomes dry and brittle, it won’t protect from all sun damage.

Wear a hat or bandana if you’re going to be out in the sun. Choose a hat that has a wide brim all the way around. This will not only protect your scalp, it will also protect your skin. For bandana, wrap them starting at your hairline and leave the pointed end covering the rest of your hair. Look for fabric that is made from a very tight weave and is less likely to allow light to pass through it.

Put your hair into a french twist or bun when the summer heat is at it’s hottest. Putting your hair up will protect your scalp and the hair that is closest to your scalp from the sun.

Out of the Sun
Treat your hair to a deep conditioner at least once a week to help tame hair frizzies and put back the moisturizer that the hot sun can take away. Look for products that say, “replenish” or alcohol –free since these are designed to add moisture to the hair.

Wrap your hair in a plastic cap overnight to restore moisture lost from the sun and prevent frizzies.

If you color or bleach your hair and you’re a blonde or a brunette, have your colorist go half a shade darker to prevent the sun from fading the color. If you’re a redhead, try a color-locking treatment to prevent fading.

Finally, if you really want to prevent sun damage to hair, avoid the sunlight during the peak sun hours. This is when the sun is at it’s hottest. If it’s impossible to do so, wear a hat or SPF and try to stay in the shade where it is possible.