Sun, Sea, and Chlorine: Saving Your Hair This Summer!
Harmful Effects of Summer Sun on Hair Proteins Unaddressed: Essential Preventive Measures Unveiled
Hey there, sun's out and so is the fun, but don't let that sunny disposition lead your hair astray! With summer in full swing, protecting your locks from UV rays, saltwater, and pool chemicals is more important than ever. Fear not, we've teamed up with the beautiful minds behind Fresha to bring you a top-notch guide to beating the summer hair blues. Let's dive in!
Safeguard Your Strands this Summer
1. Ultra-Violet (UV) Alert
Keratin, the proteins responsible for your hair's strength, are under attack from UV rays. Daily heat tools like blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons only add fuel to the fire, causing brittleness and breakage. Go easy on the heat and embrace air-drying or opt for heatless styling methods such as sock curls, braids, or even that TikTok craze with the robe-tie curls for a damage-free ‘do.
2. Sunscreens, Y’all
Much like your skin, your hair needs protection from those harmful UV rays. Hair sunscreens from brands like Aveda and Bumble and Bumble create a protective barrier, especially important for color-treated hair that can fade up to four times faster in intense sunlight. Don't forget to slather on the hair SPF before hitting the pool or beach, and reapply as needed—just like your regular sunscreen!
3. Wash Less, but Wisely
Warm weather and sweat may tempt you to wash your hair daily, but do so with caution. Overwashing strips natural oils, exposing your hair to more sun damage. To strike a balance, rinse hair with water post-swim or exercise, and aim to wash every two to three days using lukewarm water to seal the cuticles and lock in moisture. Dry shampoo can help manage grease in between washes.
4. Cap it Off
Wide-brimmed hats scream style and save your scalp from UV rays, fighting off sunburn, flaking, and long-term damage. In a 2024 study by Cancer Research UK, hats were found to reduce scalp burns, safeguarding vulnerable areas like ears and neck from skin cancer risks. Opt for breathable materials like straw or cotton for summer comfort.
5. TLC After Sun
Post-sun exposure care is pivotal to hair recovery. Weekly deep conditioning treatments, focusing on hair ends where damage is most severe, restore lost moisture. Masks with shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil, like those from Moroccan oil, are trichologist-recommended.
Fresha's representative stresses the significance of proactive care: "Summer means more sunshine, beach days, and possibly holidays in warmer destinations. Protect your hair from the onslaught, or you'll end up with dry, damaged strands. By following our tips, you ensure your hair remains healthy, shiny, and manageable all summer long."
Embrace these expert-backed strategies to avoid a summer of frizz and damage. Say goodbye to lackluster locks and hello to beach-worthy waves! For personalized advice, consult professionals on platforms like Fresha for hair type-specific tips.
Enrichment Insights
- Pre-wetting your hair before swimming reduces its absorption of harmful chemicals.
- Use UV-protectant products and creams to form a protective shield against UV damage.
- Stay hydrated and moisturized by using moisture-rich products, and consider deep conditioning treatments with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.
- Combat frizz using anti-frizz creams or keratin treatments, and schedule haircuts every 6–8 weeks.
- Color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are important for color-treated hair, while toning shampoos can help maintain vibrant color.
- Consider wearing hats, scarves, or using protective hairstyles as additional physical protection for your hair.
Incorporating health-and-wellness practices such as skin-care routines could enhance your overall summer wellness. Applying sunscreen to your hair as part of a nutritious and balanced diet ensures complete UV protection for both your skin and hair. Regularly scheduling fitness-and-exercise activities, like yoga or swimming, can encourage lasting strong and healthy hair by promoting good blood circulation and providing essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, focusing on your skin-care regimen when you're on a break from summer activities can help maintain the moisture balance needed for healthy hair and glow.
