Summertime Sun Protection 101: How to Keep Your Hair Healthy

Photo from Unsplash.com

Over the years, we have learned about the importance of protecting our skin from those damaging UV rays. What many people don’t know, is that UV rays can also be damaging to your hair.

You may have noticed a greater amount of frizz or brittleness to your hair during these hotter months. This could be a result of the sun drying out your strands.  

Protecting your hair from the sun is something that tends to be overlooked, but can have seriously damaging effects on the quality of your hair.  

Giulia Heiman, a stylist at Parlor® by Jeff Chastain in New York City, said in an interview with Birchbox that, “UV rays break down the cuticle, leaving your strands dry, damaged, and frizzy.”  

It can also cause discoloration, split ends and even hair thinning. These effects can be even more apparent on hair that is color-treated. So, how can you prevent this damage? 

VALLEY has you covered with this guide to keeping your hair healthy and fabulous while still soaking up the sunshine.

Before Care  

Keeping your hair healthy in the first place is going to be your number one sidekick in fighting sun damage.  

If you haven’t heard it before, you have now – washing your hair daily isn’t healthy and can damage your hair more. While it may feel cleaner, it can actually cause your scalp to dry out and produce oil more quickly. This puts you in a constant cycle of oily roots and frizzy strands.  

We know it can seem hard to go a day without washing your hair during summer months, especially if your hair tends to get greasier faster and easier. To help combat greasy roots, try dry shampoo. The powder in dry shampoo soaks up the excess oils in addition to adding fullness and texture to your hair.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is a great option to extend the time between your washes. This product is available at Target for $15.  

Photo posted by @livingproofinc on Instagram

Hats are your New BFF 

Wearing a hat can not only be a stylish outfit addition but also add another level of protection to your hair.  

From floppy hats to baseball caps, there are SO many different styles to choose from that you’re bound to find something you like.  

Photo posted by @tezza on Instagram

Bucket hats are especially in right now and you can find them on any website ranging from Amazon to Urban Outfitters for a price that won’t leave your wallet empty.  

Sun Protection  

Sunscreen for your skin is a must-have item in your beach bag, so why isn’t sunscreen for your hair a must-bring as well? Protecting your scalp and your hair from harsh UV rays is just as important as your protecting your skin.

Although your hair might not turn lobster red if you’re out in the sun too long, it may become discolored and lose its shine.  

Don’t worry however, there are several products on the market that’ll minimize UV damage and make this just another small step in your routine.  

For example, try Bumble and Bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer which works to soften, tame, defrizz your hair while using UV protection to shield your hair from the drying effects of the sun. This product is available at Ulta for $28 or if you would like to try it out for a cheaper price first, you can score a travel size for only $13.  

Photo posted by @bumbleandbumble on Instagram

After Sun Repair 

After being out in the sun for a while, our locks need some serious TLC. What better way to treat yourself than a hair mask? These treatments can repair the dryness you’re experiencing and keep your hair healthy for the next time you go out in the sun.  

Try Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 Repairing Treatment for treating your dry hair. It works similarly to a hair mask but bonds the ends of your hair for a smoother look, and it’s great for all hair types. This product is available on Amazon for $28.  

Photo posted by @olaplex on Instagram

Adding a few extra products to help protect those beautiful strands may seem like an overload, but will definitely be worth it. What better way to end the summer than with some seriously stunning hair?

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