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How to Protect Your Hair from the Sun

How to Protect Your Hair from the Sun

Jun. 25th, 2023

Everyone knows that the sun’s rays can damage your skin and give you a sunburn. However, the sun can also damage your hair and scalp if you don’t take the proper precautions.

No matter what type of hair you have, it is possible for the sun to damage it. Here is some information about how the sun can cause damage, as well as how to protect your hair from the sun.

How the Sun Damages Your Hair

Many people don’t realize that the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can damage their hair. Over time, the hair can feel like straw, and further heat damage can cause your hair strands to break and have split ends.1 As your hair is damaged, its texture and styling will feel different.

Some of the ways the sun damages your hair includes:2

  • Weakening the cells, making the strands more susceptible to breakage
  • Causing the natural moisture in your hair to break down or weaken
  • Damaging or destroying the hair’s natural proteins
  • Sunburns on your scalp or hairline
  • Dry/brittle hair

Does the Sun Lighten your Hair?

The sun naturally lightens the hair. However, lightening hair in the sun can be dangerous because it bleaches out its melanin. Melanin in the hair gives your hair its natural color.3 As the stripping of melanin progresses, it can damage your hair and cause it to gray faster.

How to Protect Hair from the Sun

Taking a few extra steps to protect your hair from the sun can help prevent damage.

Here are some ways that you can protect your hair from sun damage:

  • Avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat
  • Use an umbrella when going outside
  • Cover your hair with a scarf
  • Wear a swim cap when swimming outside
  • Wash the chlorine out of your hair after swimming
  • Keep your hair hydrated and moisturized with products such as leave-in conditioner
  • Stay in the shade when possible
  • Tame frizzy or dry hair to avoid further damage from the sun
  • Apply a heat protectant on your hair before styling or going outside
  • Use oils on your hair to protect it from sun damage
  • Avoid over-shampooing your hair during the summer months
  • Trim hair of split ends and dry tips
  • Try hairdos such as ponytails or buns that protect your hair from heat damage
  • Apply hair sunscreen to your head and scalp
  • Avoid using excessive heat from styling tools such as irons and blow dryers
  • Avoid using tanning beds and sun lamps
  • Use a hair mask to repair sun-damaged hair
  • Use hair products that contain SPF

Signs of Sun-Damaged Hair

Different hair types may be more or less susceptible to sun damage. For example, fine and brittle hair may be more prone to drying out than thicker and oily hair. However, no matter your hair type, the sun can damage it and strip it of its natural protections.

A few signs of sun-damaged hair include:3,4

  • Discoloration or hair lightening
  • Dryness
  • Brittle strands
  • Split ends
  • Hair thinning
  • Frizz
  • Dullness
  • Rough to touch

If you think your hair is damaged from the sun, you should visit a professional. A hair professional will be able to give you tips to best restore your hair and provide you the best haircare tips for your hair type.

Protect Your Hair from the Sun

The next time you’re outside enjoying the summer weather, make sure to take steps to protect your hair from the sun. Protecting your hair can keep it shiny and healthy, as well as prevent any further damage that your hair may currently have.

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides services to more than 115 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Delaware, and Florida. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

  1. “Best Ways To Protect Your Hair From Sun Damage.” Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials. 29 March 2023. Accessed 16 June 2023. Link: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-ways-to-protect-your-hair-from-sun-damage/
  2. Ward, Christina. “How to Protect Your Hair From Sun Damage.” Vegamour. 15 June 2023. Accessed 16 June 2023. Link: https://vegamour.com/blogs/blog/does-sun-damage-hair
  3. “SUN-DAMAGED HAIR: HOW TO REVIVE IT IN 5 EASY STEPS.” John Frieda. Accessed 16 June 2023. Link: https://www.johnfrieda.com/en-uk/blog/hair-care/sun-damaged-hair-and-how-to-revive-it/#:~:text=Sun%20damaged%20hair%20symptoms%20can,in%20the%20way%20you%20want.
  4. Mendoza, Eduardo. “7 Signs You Have Sun-Damaged Hair.” Better Not Younger. Accessed 16 June 2023. Link: https://better-notyounger.com/blogs/the-better-blog/7-signs-you-have-sun-damaged-hair
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