Between the sun, sea and sand, our hair in the summer gets a pretty rough deal. The sun wreaks havoc on your strands and leaves it looking lifeless, lackluster and dull. So, before you even think about creating those IG-worthy beachy-waves you need to ensure that your hair gets some major TLC — we’re talking tropical smelling hair masks, leave-in conditioners and protein-rich hair care that will leave it feeling soft, smooth and incredibly shiny. While we’re all familiar with how essential it is to protect our skin from sun damage, it’s easy to overlook the importance of protecting your hair from the sun. ICYMI, the sun’s rays act very much like bleach on hair.
The good news is that there are sun-smart ways to protect your hair this season. Whether you’re planning ahead for a vacay at the beach or looking to reverse damage that’s already been done, read on to learn how to prevent - and heal - sun damaged hair with just a few effortless tips.
Prevention is always (always!) better than cure
Avoid Chemicals
Chlorinated water in swimming pools or artificial hair colours can make your tresses more prone to sun damage.. Try to keep those hair coloring appointments to a minimum, and rinse your hair immediately after swimming in a chlorinated pool. Along with cutting down on chemicals, you must use heat protectant before using heat styling tools like straighteners and curlers.
Accessorize Smart
If you’ve been thinking of refreshing your wardrobe with the latest accessory trends, now is the time. Wearing a hat (especially one with a broader brim) can be invaluable for defending your tresses against sun damage. Summertime usually means outdoor workouts and beach visits, so be smart with your hairstyles and include head scarfs and hats into your summertime wardrobe.
Conditioning Right Could Be A Game Changer
No matter your hair texture or type, conditioning should be an essential part of your summer time routine. Conditioning helps add a layer of protection to your hair cuticle , which is usually prone to damage from the sun and other environmental aggressors. It will also help keep your strands in optimum condition and encourage bounce and volume.
Run product throughout your hair and leave on for several minutes. The product should absorb into your hair shaft and help soften hay-like strands.
Hot Oil Treatment (Champy it Up)
One way to potentially restore your hair’s natural moisture is with a hot oil treatment. There’s a reason why our ancestors have carried on this tradition. And, while most salons offer the service, you can also create a hot oil treatment at home for a fraction of the cost. Tip: You want the oil to be warm but not hot. Massage your hair and scalp, and then allow the oil to soak for an hour or more before rinsing thoroughly.
Use A Restorative Hair Mask
There are a myriad of hair masks on the market with the ability to do everything from strengthening to moisturising. The sun damages the hair’s cuticle and protein, which is also known as keratin. So to reverse the damage, one of your best bets might be a keratin treatment or a protein rich hair mask.
Revitalise dry stands with a nourishing mask that is rich in protein to strengthen hair from within. Again, you could make this happen at home for half the cost.
