Summer is still here, and the sun is stronger than ever. You already know how important it is to use sunscreen year-round, but especially now, in the middle of August. UV rays can wreak havoc on your hair. So, remember, sun protection shouldn’t stop at your scalp, as UV rays can dry out your hair, damage the ends, and, over time, even fade your hair color. In this article, we’ll reveal how damaging the sun can be during summer and how to keep your hair fresh and hydrated, no matter the season.
Why Is Sun Protection Important?
Hair damage from heat doesn’t only occur when you overuse styling tools; the sun is equally harmful as it dries and weakens hair strands. UV rays have many negative effects on your hair, starting with dehydration. Just like your skin, when your hair gets sunburned, it loses moisture and becomes more prone to breakage. Additionally, if your hair is colored, the sun can alter its shade in various ways. If you’re lucky, it might appear shiny with a summery hue, but in most cases, it becomes unruly with an orange tint. Leave those “sun-kissed” highlights to the professionals and protect your hair between salon visits. Otherwise, your hair might need a color correction or even a dramatic haircut to get rid of split ends.
Can I Use Sunscreen on My Hair?
Of course, but not just any type of SPF. What you currently use for your skin isn’t suitable for your hair. While it will protect your hair, it’s too heavy and can weigh down or even grease up your roots. Therefore, you can and should use sun protection, but it’s best to have specialized products on hand that provide invisible protection for your hair.
5 Ways to Protect Your Hair from Sun Damage
- Wash Your Hair After Sun ExposureAlthough no shampoo can completely reverse the effects of UV rays, a nourishing formula will strengthen your strands, making them less vulnerable to damage. Try the INVIGO Nutri-Enrich Deep Nourishing Shampoo, which will gently cleanse and nourish your hair after each day spent at the beach. Worried about split ends? The Fusion Intense Repair Shampoo is another special formula that reduces hair damage and adds strength.
- Apply Repairing MasksInclude a highly moisturizing conditioner in your weekly hair care routine. “The INVIGO Nutri-Enrich Deep Nourishing Mask is the professionals’ choice, especially when time is of the essence and your hair needs immediate hydration after prolonged sun exposure,” notes Laurențiu Bostan, Wella Professionals specialist. The Fusion Intense Repair Mask is another wise choice for even nourishment, with a creamy formula that delivers visible results in just 5 minutes. Just like shampoo, no conditioner or mask can protect your hair from the harmful effects of UV rays, but that hydration boost will provide more defense against aggressors.
- Keep Your Head Covered with a Hat or ScarfThe most effective and simplest way to protect your hair is to cover it. On days with a high UV index, definitely opt for a scarf, towel, or hat to protect both your hair and its color. If you’re at the pool or beach, it’s a great time to let a conditioner work on your lengths and ends. Add a drop of Oil Reflections Luminous Smoothing Oil, cover your head, and relax.
- Avoid Additional Heat Exposure to Your Hair“If it’s been a scorching day at the beach, don’t use a hairdryer after washing your hair, or any straighteners. If you can’t resist, be sure to use heat protection like Thermal Image, a protective spray that enhances shine while offering protection up to 220°C,” suggests Laurențiu Bostan, Wella Professionals stylist. Even with this protection, use the lowest power setting on your styling tools to avoid stressing your hair. Ideally, during this period, opt for low ponytails, braids, or let your hair flow naturally to avoid stressing fragile strands.
- Wet Your Hair Before Going into the WaterIt’s true, this ritual isn’t exactly a trick against UV rays, but if you love swimming, it will be helpful during your next vacations as it helps your hair reach saturation, meaning it won’t absorb as much saltwater or chlorine from the pool. Not an option for you? Then tie your hair up high to protect it from the water.
Follow all these tips, and your hair will remain hydrated and shiny. It’s never been easier to protect your hair from the sun’s harmful rays, right?
