It’s no secret that too much sunlight is bad for your skin, but did you know it’s also bad for your hair? According to recent studies, specialists have found that exposing your hair to harmful UV rays could actually cause significant damage that can reduce hair health. For many, this might not seem like too big of a deal, but for those who treat their hair as their crowning glory, it can change their hair care regimen for good. That said, there are lots of newly developed methods that aim to provide UV protection for hair.

Although protecting your hair against harmful UV rays has become necessary especially now that climate change is at its peak, there’s very little information on how it should be done and what we should use to achieve optimal hair health.

Are you one of the many who want to keep their hair in top shape all throughout the year? If you’re wondering what you can do to protect your hair from UV rays, read through this short and concise guide on everything you need to know about UV protection for hair.

What sun damaged hair looks like?

First, it’s important to be able to identify what sun damage looks like in hair to better understand the importance of UV protection for hair.

One of the main markers of sun damage is dryness and frizz. When hair is exposed to high temperatures and UV rays, it can be sapped of important oils and moisture that it uses to keep strands healthy and vibrant. The end result is that your hair starts to look more like an electrocuted broom than a lush set of locks. Aside from the appearance, you can also expect sun damaged hair to become significantly harder to manage and style. This can become a very inconvenient nightmare for those who want to look prim, proper, and pristine on their way to work, school, or during daily responsibilities.

Another marker for sun damaged hair is weakness. Because the atmosphere outdoors has become much hotter and harsher, hair can become exposed to chlorination, salt, and other harmful elements that don’t only reduce moisture, but also significantly take away from the hair’s integrity. Simply brushing through sun damaged hair with a hand or a brush can cause lots of strands to break off, which can be troubling for many.

Finally, sun can change hair color and make it much lighter than the natural shade. Some might think that this is actually a benefit, but it pays to remember that the changes in color are brought about as a result of the damage to the hair. If you suspect that your hair has changed color secondary to sun damage, it’s ideal that you act fast to protect it from further damage as color changes are among the later stage effects of too much sun exposure.

How to protect hair from UV rays?

The products that have been released as an answer to this common problem are vast and various, but they all aim to achieve the same thing. There are special shampoos that incorporate both UVA and UVB protection in order to combat the harsh effects of sun exposure, and these are best used in tandem with a conditioner of the same protective properties.

Some manufacturers have come out with primers that act the same way that make up primers function. UV protective hair primers are formulated to provide a barrier around each strand of hair to increase its defenses against UV rays.

The easiest product to use however has to be the shine spray, developed and released by hair specialists. The product aims to give hair an extra layer of shine while protecting it from sun damage. Application is the easiest as users simply spray on the product and leave it on as they go about their day. Sun damage can also be easily avoided by putting simple practices like using a hat or umbrella, and steering clear of harsh sunlight when possible.

For hair care products, specialists advise to avoid using them when you’re not expecting to be exposed to the sun. While they’re not totally harmful, it also pays to give your hair a rest and use milder products when you’re able to in order to improve hair health and reduce damage from overusing products. Another thing to avoid would be the use of heating styling tools that further damage hair with heat. If possible, minimize the use of heat styling for special occasions, and instead settle for something milder like air drying.

What if you’ve already experienced sun damage?

rich, thick, hydrating hair mask and leave it overnight. A mask that increases moisture is most ideal. It also pays to use UV protective products like those mentioned above to make sure that hair is kept protected from further damage. Wearing a hat or using an umbrella also prove to be simple ways to eliminate the chances of exacerbation.

For those who want an inexpensive solution for sun damaged hair, the use of household ingredients like lemon, olive oil, and even egg whites are all effective ways to improve hair health and increase moisture.

What do you do to protect your hair from sun damage? Have you ever experienced hair damage in the past? What did you do to resolve it? Let us know in the comments section below, and let’s start a conversation!