How to Protect Hair from Sun Damage

Summer is officially in full swing! Each year we wait for summer to come around to soak in the sun, get a little tanned and relax by the pool. The last thing on your mind at the beach or poolside is probably your hair. With the scorching heat and humidity, it's bound to take a toll on your healthy hair. While we bathe our skin in sun screen, our hair needs just as much protection, if not more!

Prolonged exposure to the sun's UVA and UVB rays can wreak havoc on your scalp with increased split ends and dryness causing it to become weak and brittle. The sun weakens your hair’s protein structure, dehydrates it and reduces elasticity, rendering your hair prone to breakage. When combined with humidity, saltwater or chlorine, your hair can end up looking disastrous! Signs of sun damage on your hair includes thinning, frizz and split ends.

Some of the best summer hair care tips for sun-damaged hair will help infuse moisture, vitamins and protect against weakened strands for long-term hair health. Here are some of the best ways to protect your hair from sun and harsh water exposure.

Deep Conditioning

If you're planning to take a swim in the beach or pool, chances are your hair can end up super dry and frail. To keep your hair and scalp healthy, hydrated and protected during the summer months, using a deep conditioner infused with essential proteins and nutrients will help reverse signs of damage. A leave-in treatment with an ultra-hydrating masque works to replenish moisture, while soothing the cuticle and ends from heat damage.

This will help strengthen cuticles damaged by excess heat and help protect your hair against breakage. The added moisture and protein will prevent your hair from feeling dry, brittle of frizzy. This will help to detangle, soften and manage a smoother hair texture for a healthier appearance.

Nourishing Biotin Shampoo

To keep your hair balanced and cleansed from sea and pool water, shampooing daily with a Biotin-enriched product will help your scalp, control hair loss and breakage and strengthen the root. While Biotin is known to be taken orally for healthy hair and nails, a Biotin and collagen shampoo will help treat damage caused by sun and beach water exposure. Biotin shampoo is excellent for restructuring the hair follicle to nourish and add a lustrous shine.

This nourishing hair growth shampoo will help clean your scalp and eliminate build up when used regularly. If you’re suffering from dryness and tangles, the shampoo will heal and soothe to prevent a weak scalp.

Beach/Chlorine Damage

With the harsh UV rays from the sun causing brittleness, dryness and breakage- similar effects can be caused by chlorine in the water from the pool. Salt water can also drastically reduce moisture content and elasticity.  The best way to protect your hair against harsh water damage is to make your own UV protection for hair.

To create your own hair sunscreen, dilute 2 teaspoons of SPF 25 sun block with one cup of water and pour it into a spray bottle. A water-resistant zinc sunscreen works best for hair since it will not wash off easily. Dampen your hair before spraying the sun protection into your hair. If you are going in and out of the water, keep the spray bottle with you to reapply during the day. Don't forget to apply the product on your scalp to the ends, if you suffer from hair fall this is an important step.

Now you are ready to step out into the sun without fear of hair damage. Enjoy!