Hair Health
8 Ways to Protect Your Hair from the Sun
ALFREDO DE BENEDICTIS FOUNDER | HAIRSTYLIST
Alfredo De Benedictis is an Italian-British hair stylist and salon owner with over 40 years of experience. Since 1989, his passion for innovation has led him to create groundbreaking hair tools that minimize stress on the hair while delivering flawless results. From the iconic Rootpermer and Wellformer of the ’90s to the global hit Babyliss Curl Secret, Alfredo’s mission remains the same—developing tools that protect hair health without compromising style.
Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs SPF, your hair does too. Read on to learn how to protect it.
Most of us are pretty clued-up about protecting our skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. We know that if we don’t apply sunscreen religiously, our skin can burn, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer and ageing at an accelerated rate. But did you know that the sun’s harmful UV rays can also damage your hair? Fortunately, sun-related hair damage is becoming more widely discussed, and there are things you can (and should) do to mitigate the effects of UV on your scalp and your hair.
From scalp and hair-specific sun protection and cover-ups to fixing sun-damaged hair, here is our guide to protecting your hair from the sun.
Whether on holiday or soaking up the rays in our gardens, our hair may not be our first thought. But, if we're not careful, the sun can damage even the healthiest hair.
The key is to spot the signs early so that you can take steps to protect your hair before the damage occurs.
Early warning signs include:
- Dry, brittle, or straw-like texture
- Faded or discoloured hair colour
- Lack of shine and body
- Increased split ends and breakage
- Rough/raised hair cuticles
- Scalp irritation or sunburn
When discussing sun damage to the hair, we are referring to two kinds of UV rays – UVA and UVB. From the loss of moisture, strength, health, and shine to accelerated ageing, each has a different negative effect on the hair and scalp.
To understand how UV radiation damages hair, you’ll need a basic understanding of its inner structure. Here comes the science!
A single strand of hair consists of the cuticle (the thin outermost protective layer), the cortex (the bulk of the hair shaft) and the medulla (the very small, central point of the shaft). The medulla is so fine and fragile that not all human hair has one – even scientists aren’t sure of its exact function. So, we’re most concerned with its effects on the cuticle and the cortex.
The hair cuticle consists of overlapping scales. When these scales are smoothly overlapping, the hair appears healthy and shiny. When the cuticle is compromised, these scales rise – allowing the cortex to become damaged and lose moisture more easily. The cortex is where most of the structure lies and is also the place where the pigment is made. Made up of proteins (mostly keratin filaments), the cortex determines the hair's strength, pattern and colour. The health of the cortex relies on the health of the cuticle that protects it.
UVB rays are most associated with skin burning and blistering.
UVB rays are the real cause of hair damage. Studies show that UVB rays are predominantly responsible for protein damage and loss. Protein (keratin) is the main building block of the hair shaft, making up the majority of its structure – these are the proteins the cuticle exists to protect. If those proteins become damaged or diminished, you can expect weaker hair fibre, breakage, splitting, dryness, and frizzing.
Loss of Moisture
Moisture and hydration are slightly different. Hydration refers to replenishing water lost from within hair, while moisturisation focuses on sealing the hydration to prevent further loss of water. You need to hydrate your hair and then moisturise it to lock in the hydration.
You can seal in moisture with an over-the-counter product such as tgin Butter Cream Daily Moisturiser for Natural Hair. Alternatively, use natural oils, such as almond oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil.
#1 Sunscreen
You must treat your scalp like the rest of your skin – apply sunscreen to all exposed areas first thing and reapply throughout the day. Don’t worry, you don’t have to slather made-for-skin creams and lotions into your hair. Several specialised sunscreens are formulated to protect both hair and scalp.
Aveda Sun Care Protection Hair Mist
As a lightweight mist, Aveda Sun Care Protection Hair Mist, packs a punch. It provides up to 16 hou..
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Coola Daily Protect Scalp Mist SPF30
This broad-spectrum sunscreen Coola Daily Protect Scalp Mist SPF30 can be used on both hair and s..
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Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder
If your roots are prone to greasiness,Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF30 is for y..
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Clarins Sun Care Oil Mist SPF30
If you’re prone to dry skin and dry hair, Clarins Sun Care Oil Mist SPF30 could be for you. You can mi..
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#2 Scarves and hats
The best way to protect your hair and scalp from sun damage is to cover it up. While hats are the easiest way to protect your scalp and roots from the sun, scarves and wraps are also a great way of protecting the lengths. However, it’s important to remember that UVA rays can penetrate through some translucent fabrics, so keep this in mind. Silk scarves and wraps are the best way to keep the sun off your head, protect your scalp from burning and prevent UV damage to strands – all while minimising breakage-causing friction.
#3 Protective styles
The hairstyle you choose can play a part in the level of damage on both strands and scalp. For example, a parting-free ponytail is a good way to protect your scalp, while a bun or braid is also a good way to limit the amount of hair exposed to the sun. Remember, if you’re wearing box braids or cornrows, it’s really important to protect your scalp.
#4 Use A Gentle Styling Tool
Avoid styling your hair during the day and use a gentle styling tool, such as the KEEO Genius Straightener, for sleek and straight styles, beach waves or loose curls in the evenings.
#5 Get a Trim Before Your Holiday
Regular trims (around 6-8 weeks) keep hair healthy. Getting a trim right before your holiday ensures no split ends, which can break further with sun exposure.
#6 Avoid Direct Sunlight in Peak Hours
Peak sunlight hours are typically between 10 am - 4 pm. While we’re not suggesting you miss out on precious daylight hours, it is wise to take breaks inside and utilise the shade.
#7 Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for healthy hair and when it's hot, we need to replace the fluids lost through sweat. Our bodies are composed of 60% water and maintaining this balance is necessary for cell function. That includes our hair and scalp. You should be drinking more water and quenching your thirst with natural fruit juices and water-rich foods such as oranges, cucumber and watermelon.
#8 Eat Your Way to Healthy Hair
A diet rich in protein, biotin, vitamins A, C, D, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals such as iron and zinc promotes healthy hair and can protect against sun damage. You can use supplements to support your diet. This is particularly true if you have dietary requirements such as a meat or dairy-free diet.
Has your hair already taken a hit from the sun?
The good news is, sun damage to your hair isn’t usually permanent. With the right care and targeted treatments, you can revive dry, brittle strands and restore softness, shine, and strength.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments:
- Hyaluronic acid binds water to tissues, and its small and large molecules can penetrate both the hair strand and the follicle – We like L'Oréal Paris Elvève Hyaluron Replump Hydra-Regenerating Mask for Dehydrated Hair.
- Natural oils such as argan, jojoba and coconut get deep into the hair shaft, improving elasticity and restoring shine and lustre.
- Scalp Care – A healthy scalp is the key to healthy hair – read our scalp care tips.
- Protein Treatments:
- A protein-rich mask or leave-in treatment such as Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yoghurt can restore hydration, lustre and shine and reduce breakage and frizz.
- Trim Split Ends – Getting a trim before and after your holiday will ensure you remove split ends, allowing healthy new hair to grow.
The sun can take a toll on your hair, but with a little prep and post-sun care, you can keep your locks looking and feeling healthy all summer long.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Cover up and minimise direct UV exposure
- Use hair SPF and wear protective styles
- Condition regularly and hydrate your scalp
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet
- Get regular trims to keep ends fresh
Got a question about haircare? Drop us a message.
We’d love to hear from you!
FAQ
Yes, the sun naturally lightens hair. You can speed up the process by adding lemon juice, which can also reverse the greening effect of chlorine on bleached or coloured hair.
Yes and no. As with your skin, hair benefits from some moderate, protected sun exposure but direct and prolonged exposure can severely damage your hair and scalp.
Pros of Sun Exposure
- Can lighten hair naturally
- Provides warmth for styling - may wave or curl easier
- Dries hair faster without artificial heat
- Some Vitamin D exposure - a Vitamin D deficiency can lead to hair loss
Cons of Sun Exposure
- Can cause colour fading and brassiness
- Weakens hair cuticles, leading to breakage
- Increases frizz and dehydration
- Can damage the scalp and hair follicles
Chlorine can discolour the hair and erode the cuticle, leaving the cortex vulnerable. On holiday, the combination of sweat, chlorine from swimming pools, salt from the sea and potentially hard-water showers can significantly damage your hair.
Curly hair and bleach and coloured hair are particularly susceptible to chlorine damage.
Protect your hair by:
- Wetting it with clean tap water before you go in the pool – to avoid soaking up as much chlorine.
- Use a leave-in conditioner or hair mask before swimming, such as Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water-Resistant Mask 100ml
- Using a swim cap or hat in the pool
- Washing hair immediately after swimming or at least rinsing out the chlorine between dips in the pool
- Revive hair post-swim with a fast-acting fixer such as L'Oreal Paris Wonder Water, Liquid Hair Conditioner By Elvive Colour Protect, 8 Second Hair Treatment Damaged, Coloured Hair With Lamellar Technology, 200 Ml.
