Protecting Your Hair From Sun Damage
As the weather warms up, it’s vital to keep some summer specific self-care practices in mind. While we’re all aware of the necessity of protecting our skin from sun damage, it’s easy to overlook protecting our hair from sun. The sun’s rays can be just as damaging as bleach, but the good news is that there are precautions you can take to protect your hair from the summer sun. Read on to learn how to prevent—and heal—sun-damaged hair with just a few basic tips, whether you’re preparing ahead for a season at the beach or wanting to reverse the damage that’s already been done.
Sunscreen For Your Hair
We all know that having a healthy scalp trickles down into having beautiful hair. A leave-in treatment with a heat protectant is not only fantastic for spritzing all over your scalp and tresses after a shower, but it’s also light enough to freshen and preserve your hair throughout the day without messing up your style. Because it contains UVA and UVB filters, consider it sunscreen for your hair. Apply either product to your scalp and hair, paying close attention to its parting.
Our pick: Kerastase Soleil Creme UV Sublime Hair Cream
Make a Shield to Protect Your Tresses
Comb a nourishing oil with Ylang Ylang through wet hair, then put it up into a bun to create a barrier from the sun while keeping hair hydrated and protected for the remainder of the day, especially if you plan to go for a swim, or after having swam in the pool or ocean as these can have a harsh effect on your hair.
Our pick: Kerastase Soleil Huile Sirene Hair Oil Mist
Use a Hydrating Hair Mask to Prevent Hair Damage
Even if you don’t go outside every day, even a few minutes in the hot summer heat can leave your hair dehydrated. With a weekly mask, you can seal moisture into your follicles. If you’re in a hurry, apply it to damp strands or dry ends before exposing them to the sun. Because the summer heat opens up the cuticle and makes it more porous, your hair will absorb the hydrating treatment and mend faster.
Our pick: Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Mask
Cut Back On Shampooing
You don’t want to wash your hair excessively during the summer because the oil it produces naturally shields it from the sun. Dry shampoo or a low-lather cleansing conditioner can be used instead of lathering up every day to keep the scalp and hair cuticles from drying out while still getting the job done.
Our pick: R&Co Death Valley
Consider A Fashionable Hat
Adding an extra layer of sun protection to your attire is as simple as wearing a wide-brimmed hat. The hat’s material is important as well. Tightly woven hats offer better protection against sunburn, according to the American Cancer Society. For extra points, look for an FDA-tested and approved brand that sells hats marked with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number.
Whether you are trying to prevent or heal sun damage, Elan has the products and expert advice you need to keep your hair in great shape. Call us today!