Summer Hair Care: Protecting and Nourishing Your Hair in the Sun

Summer is the perfect time to get your fill of the beach or pool. However, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can leave your locks dry and damaged. That would be a bummer after the care you’ve put into your tresses, such as taking the best supplements for hair growth. The good news is that you can protect and repair your hair with the following tips.

Sun Protection for Hair

Wear a hat or headscarf: Wearing a hat with a wide brim or a headscarf is a simple and effective way to shield your hair from direct sunlight. It provides physical protection and helps to reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching your hair.

Use UV protection hair products: Look for hair care products that offer UV protection specifically designed for sun exposure. These products usually contain ingredients that help to block or absorb UV rays, minimizing damage to your hair. Apply them before heading outdoors and reapply as necessary.

Avoid excessive heat styling: During the summer, try to limit the use of heat styling tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. The combination of heat and sun exposure can lead to further damage and dryness. Embrace your natural hair texture or opt for heatless hairstyles.

Opt for protective hairstyles: Consider hairstyles that provide added protection to your hair. Braids, buns, and updos can help to minimize sun exposure by keeping your hair covered and reducing the surface area exposed to direct sunlight.

Rinse your hair after swimming: If you spend time in the pool or ocean, rinse your hair with fresh water afterward. Chlorine and salt water can have a drying effect on your hair and scalp. Rinsing will help remove any residue and reduce potential damage.

Hydrate your hair: Sun exposure can dehydrate your hair, so it’s important to keep it well-hydrated. Use moisturizing hair masks or deep conditioners regularly to replenish moisture and nourish your strands.

Limit sun exposure: Try to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Seek shade or wear protective headwear when spending long periods of time outdoors.

Post-Sun Repair and Recovery

Taking the proper steps to protect your hair can significantly reduce damage, but it may not eliminate the risk. Summer also brings other factors that can result in split ends or frizz, such as chlorine or high humidity.

Additionally, the outdoors isn’t the only place your hair can get exposed to UV radiation. Tanning beds use UV rays to create a quick and easy tan. Unfortunately, the concentrated radiation can leave hair dry and brittle. It also shortens the lifespan of hair color, as UV rays weaken chemical bonds in the dye, making the color fade more quickly.

As a result, you should look out for signs of hair damage:

• Hair loss
• Tangles and knots
• Rough texture
• Dullness
• Breakage

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to repair hair care.

Try a Hair Serum

You may be familiar with facial serums, which provide crucial nutrients for your skin to flourish. A hair loss serum does the same thing but for your hair.

For best results, apply a serum right after you get out of the shower when your hair is still wet. Ideally, you should shampoo and condition before application to ensure the follicles are clean and ready to absorb the formula. There’s no need to rinse after applying the serum — in fact, it’s best not to.

Serums create a shield around strands, protecting them from the following:

• Heat
• Pollution
• UV rays

They can also repair split ends and make your hair shinier.

Moisturize

Moisturizing is one of the most important things you can do for your hair during the summer. Hydrated hair is supple and less likely to break; you’ll also notice less frizz.

First and foremost, you should drink more water. High temperatures tend to dehydrate your body as well as your hair, so bring a water bottle wherever you go.

Next, condition, condition, condition! Look for formulas that condition deeply, repairing cuticles to seal in moisture.

Taking care of your hair helps you feel confident when vacationing this summer. Between taking supplements for hair loss prevention, keeping your hair hydrated, and monitoring your sun exposure, your locks can stay luscious and voluminous all season long.