How to protect your hair from sun damage
If you ask any dermatologist, they’ll tell you that wearing SPF is the single most important way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and its detrimental effects, like premature aging. The same can be said about your hair — when hair is exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time, UVA and UVB rays can damage the cuticle and hair shaft, leading to discoloration, brittle strands, and split ends. Luckily, there are a number of different things you can do to protect your locks against sun damage, including:
1. Use hair products containing SPF
Hair products containing SPF can help shield your hair and scalp from damaging UVA and UVB rays by creating a barrier. Sun Bum Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30 protects your hair and scalp from the sun without weighing down your hair. Ulta Beauty Mineral Hair & Scalp Powder SPF 45 is another option that provides protection right at your roots.
2. Protect your hair using leave-in treatments and physical barriers
To create a protective shield on your hair, use leave-in treatments with UV filters containing dimethicone, which deposits a thin layer of conditioner and sunscreen on the hair shaft. You can also protect your hair against UV damage by wearing a hat or scarf wrap.
3. Deep condition hair regularly
Deep conditioning your hair once a week can make it stronger, more flexible, and less prone to breakage. Why? Because conditioner seals the cuticle and makes it less porous. Check out Aveda Botanical Repair Intensive Strengthening Masque, which contains nourishing plant lipids.
4. Eat antioxidant-rich foods
Since the sun’s rays cause oxidative damage, it’s crucial that you incorporate colorful and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, like berries and kale, into your diet. This will help cut down on oxidative damage.
5. Shampoo hair using a gentle formula
Shampooing your hair too often can dry your scalp and hair even more. For this reason, try not to wash your hair every day. And when you do wash your hair, use a gentle formula and focus on your scalp rather than your hair.
6. Avoid heat as much as possible
Because the sun can take a toll on hair, try to avoid heat caused by styling products, like blow dryers and curling irons. If you must use them, be sure to apply a heat-protecting spray, such as Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray, beforehand.
References
- “16 Ways to Protect Your Hair From the Summer Sun,” Stylecraze, June 27, 2022.
- “Here’s How You Can Protect Your Hair From Sun Damage This Summer,” Vogue, April 2, 2021.
