We’re all aware of the risks we face by exposing our skin to the sun. While skin cancer isn’t a concern for your hair, the sun can cause great damage to your hair. UVA and UVB rays have the power to damage the hair from the cuticle to the inner structure of the hair which can in turn take a great deal of time (and money) to repair.
Signs your hair has been damaged include:
•Faded hair colour.
•Dry, brittle hair.
•Broken or split ends.
•Frizzy hair.
•Weakened and thinning hair
So how can you prevent this?
Protect your parting! Use high strength SPF directly on your scalp where you part your hair. The scalp’s direct exposure to the sun in that manner can burn and peel! Hit your ears with the sunscreen as well for double protection.
Hats off to you! Actually, keep the hat on! The best way to protect your hair from the sun’s rays is to block the exposure to the sun. Whether you decide to put on a baseball cap or don a wide brimmed beauty, most hats provide 100% protection from the sun’s rays. Of course, if portions of your hair hang out of the hat, you’ll want to protect that in other ways!
UV Protection Shampoos & Conditioners – While I think the idea of shampoos and conditioners with SPF are pretty great, in reality they just aren’t enough. The hair needs a treat so use a treatment too, a nice spray leave in treatment is perfect for the beach and poolside. See examples HERE.
Never try to ‘lighten’ your hair yourself! Just Say NO!… to alcohol, peroxide, lemon juice, and “sun activated hair lightening” products. Check the labels and stay away from hair products that contain high levels of alcohol or peroxide. And please, do not try to lighten your hair using lemon juice or other sun activated hair lightening products. These products will cause your hair to dry out faster and will speed the process of damage caused by the sun.
But girls if all else fails and you feel the damage, TREAT your hair and you to an in salon treatment. I speak for me and my clients when I say a quick treatment can bring hair back to life… even from near death!
Most importantly – Enjoy and make the most of the sunshine, we ALL deserve that
