It’s summer, and that means lots of outings and swimming.
And while you should always protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays by religiously wearing sunscreen, you also need to protect your hair from both the sun and water; they can easily damage and discolor hair. Here are nine ways of keeping your hair looking sexy all summer long.
Protection from the sun
1. Moisturize
Because the sun breaks down the hair’s protein called keratin, it’s important to keep your hair well moisturized to help prevent damage. Try using a leave-in conditioner for when you go outside. This well help to minimize damage.
2. Keep your head covered
Wearing a hat is a great way to protect your hair (and your scalp) from the sun’s harsh rays while you’re out and about. You should wear wide-brimmed hats if you want full coverage.
3. Block harmful UV rays
If you really want to prevent your hair from oxidizing, you should apply sunscreen to your hair. In fact, the same sunscreen you use on your skin can also be used in your hair. You should use a sunscreen with an SPF of 25, and then dilute it a bit with water. Mix three teaspoons of sunscreen with a half-cup of water and spritz it on your hair. This will protect your hair from the sun’s UVB and UVA rays.
4. Stay away from peroxide, alcohol, and lemon
These products can cause your hair to dry out a lot faster, which leads to further damage and oxidation.
Protection from the surf (or swimming pool)
1. Apply a thin layer of oil to your hair before you go swimming
Olive oil and coconut oil are the best to use, and all you have to do is rub it through your hair to protect it from the damaging effects of chlorine.
2. Wet your hair with non-chlorinated water before swimming
Do this if oil isn’t your thing. It will decrease the amount of chlorine that can be absorbed by your hair.
3. Buy special shampoos
Shampoos like Ultraswim and other pre-swim conditioners will keep your hair healthy while your swimming.
4. Wet your hair often
Rinse off the chlorine. And if you don’t want to get your hair wet, then use a bathing cap to prevent your hair from getting wet.
5. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo after your swim
This will get all the chlorine off. And follow it up with a heavy duty conditioner, since hair can become easily dried out.
The sun won’t throw shade on your look
If you follow these tips when you swim or sunbathe, your hair should be totally protected!
References
- “16 Ways To Protect Your Hair From The Summer Sun,” StyleCraze.com, June 21, 2016.
- “How To Protect Your Hair During The Summer,” The Huffington Post, June 13, 2013.
- “How to Protect Your Hair From Sun, Chlorine, and Salt Water,” RealSimple, August 4, 2008.
- “June: Summer Hair Protection,” InStyle, May 27, 2008.
