How To Protect Your Hair From The Sun

When the sun starts shining, the first thing we reach for is SPF to protect our skin. But, what about our hair? Here’s what you need to know to keep your locks looking luscious and your scalp healthy, even as temperatures soar.

What Happens To Hair in The Sun?

Prolonged sun exposure – aka those notorious UVA and UVB rays – can cause damage to our hair cuticles (the outer layer of the hair strand). This damage may not be noticeable as soon as you step foot into the sunshine, but you may spot hair becoming dry, brittle, discoloured, broken or frizzy over time. It doesn’t matter what your hair type, colour or texture is, your hair can still suffer sun damage.

It doesn’t stop at the hair either. Our scalp, when put under extreme conditions like heat and powerful sun rays, reacts too. As a result, it’s prone to dandruff, flaking, and even burning just as easily as the skin (ouch).

Protect & Prevent Damage

While you can never fully reverse sun damage done to your hair, with a few tweaks to your hair care regime, you can help protect your tresses from overexposure – like a shield against the rays.

Look for hair products and treatments that contain UV filters and antioxidants, from suncare mists to leave-in conditioning treatments. Some products can create a barrier between our hair/scalp and the harmful rays, while others can offer calming and nourishing effects.

Restore Shine

Like you, your hair is likely to get thirsty in the sunshine, so make sure you pack in as much hydration after sundown.

We love using an intensive, conditioning hair mask for an instant boost. Or try adding a nourishing serum to your daily routine to help restore shine and keep hair looking healthy.

Rosemary oil is TikTok’s latest trending beauty obsession, with ‘rosemary oil for hair growth’ at nearly one billion views and counting! So, if you haven’t massaged this wonder oil into your scalp, skin, or hair we think it’s high time you did. Rosemary oil is said to stimulate the follicles helping your hair grow longer and stronger, whilst also slowing down hair loss and greying. Applying to the face can help with dry skin resulting in a healthy glow. But it doesn’t end there, the balsamic scent of rosemary oil is also thought to soothe the mind and have a calming effect. We highly recommend making this wonder oil part of your summer beauty routine. It can help to prevent the sun from drying your hair out while keeping it healthy and glossy all summer long!

Wash Hair & Style Less Often

Even though you’re likely to sweat more in the sun, if you increase your hair wash days you could be adding to the dryness by stripping out your natural oils. If you want to freshen up your locks in-between hair washes, switch to dry shampoo as opposed to a full shampoo rinse.

To limit your hair’s exposure to heat, we also recommend ditching your straighteners and curlers and experimenting with heatless styles. Try spritzing a sea salt spray into your hair for effortless beach waves.

Keep Out of Direct Sunlight

To protect yourself from head to toe in the sunshine, always seek out shady spots and limit your time in direct sunlight. Whether you’re cooling off under an umbrella beach-side or grabbing an iced coffee indoors, your skin and hair will thank you for a break from the sun.

If you’re planning on spending hours in the sun, don’t forget to pack a sun hat, plenty of water and try to avoid stepping out in the powerful midday sun.