We all know we have to look after our skin in the warmer weather but it's also important to protect your hair from the sun. Ultraviolet rays and lack of hydration can lead to hair damage which may not be quite as obvious as sunburn. If you've noticed your hair gets drier or needs more TLC in the summer months, the best route of action is protection.
To help you look after your hair and keep it looking its best, we've spoken to some of the best hair experts in the UK to get their top tips for protecting your hair from the sun.
Can the sun damage your hair?
Unlike skin, your hair strands don't require protection from carcinogenesis caused by UV radiation. This is because your hair is made up of dead cells that are filled with and surrounded by keratin (protein).
So while hair doesn't require sunscreen, the sun weakens the protein structure of your strands which dries out your locks, reducing elasticity and increasing split ends and breaking.
If you've noticed your hair gets lighter in the summer, you may think it's fine as it's natural, but it’s actually just as detrimental as bleaching your hair.
Depending on your hair type you may also find your hair gets frizzier (a side-effect of it crying out for moisture) and especially if you havethin hair it's important to protect your scalp as the exact same damage that can happen to your face and skin, can happen to your scalp. Grey hair needs some extra care too as it lacks the protective pigment melanin, making your hair more vulnerable to sun damage.
Tips to protect your hair from the sun
1 Protect coloured hair
"I would always advise that my clients protect their coloured hair from UV damage," says Master Stylist Nick Willis, Charles Worthington Salons. "Sunlight can fade your colour and strip protein from the hair shaft, leaving it more brittle and vulnerable to further damage." Be sure to use products that are specifically designed for coloured hair.
2 Regular hair cuts
If money allows, book regular hair cuts throughout the summer months as this will ensure your hair is in the best condition possible and will reduce the chance of split ends.
3 Wear a hat
Don't forget your scalp! "The best defence is to wear a hat, however applying a light layer of sunscreen on your parting and crown can add that extra layer of defence," suggests CENTRED. Creative Director and Hair Stylist Kieran Tudor.
4 Avoid styling with heat
Try to resist using your straighteners or even hair dryer as these will add extra heat on top of the sun's rays. "Much like excessive use of heat from your iron plates or hair dryer, the sun causes your hair to lose moisture and shine," says Nick. Sometimes, you can't avoid using heated hair tools. "When styling your hair with heat in the summer, I recommend Kérastase ‘Resistance’ milk to strengthen and protect your hair."
5 Give it some love
Give your scalp extra TLC during the summer months – “Wash your hair regularly to remove any dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, bacteria and fungus," says trichologist for Nizoral, Stephanie Sey. "Massage gently with a vibrating massage tool – this will help you relax and increase blood flow to the area as well as improve circulation.”
6 Condition, condition, condition
Use a deeply nourishing, nurturing and conditioning mask to help hydrate the hair after sun exposure and the stress your hair has endured from salt water and/or chlorine. "Our CENTRED. Daily Calma conditioner is ideal due to its rich consistency and formulation of nourishing jojoba oil, camellia japonica seed oil and hydrolysed wheat protein," recommends Kieran. Apply the conditioner to pre-washed mid-lengths and ends and leave for a few hours or even overnight before rinsing to really allow the restorative ingredients to work their magic.
7 Stick to loose up-dos
Wear your hair up loose. “Tight hairstyles can damage the hair further if you already have dried out hair from the summer heat," Stephanie explains.
8 Avoid brushing
Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush – “They are gentler for detangling hair especially when wet as some brushes can tear and snag strands," says Stephanie.