There is so much said about the harmful effects of the UV rays on our skin, but most people don’t realize the adverse effects they have on our hair as well. Our locks take a severe beating on a hot day, since they, compared to anything else, are the most exposed to the sun. Sun exposure can cause dryness, frizziness and dullness, so getting your mane SPF-ready is a must. We tell you a few easy ways to sun-proof your hair to keep your locks healthy and happy, even on a blistering day.
1. Fun Headgear May Be a Good Idea
Prevent your strands from being exposed to the sun by borrowing a fun baseball cap from your man when you’re out and about on a particularly hot day. Funky scarves, floppy hats or cool fedoras too are all chic ways of covering up your hair and making a cool style statement at the same time.
POPxo Recommends: New Look Straw Ear Bowler Hat
2. Get Your SPF On
From sprays to leave-in conditioners, there are plenty of hair products available in the market that contain SPF to provide instant protection to your mane. Look out for UVA/UVB on the bottle, and if you’re looking for a natural remedy, then avocado oil is great for natural SPF. Spritzing on your UV-protectant hair products should be an essential part of your beauty regime. Just make sure not to spray on too much as it could lead to greasiness.
POPxo Recommends: Kerastase Soleil Micro-Voile Protecteur
Also Read: Hair Fall Control Diet
3. Step Out with Wet Locks
Locks that are well-moisturized are less prone to dryness and damage by the sun. You may blow-dry and style your locks before getting out the door, but heading out with a mane that is fresh out of the shower will actually help protect your hair. Apply a small amount of a leave-in conditioner if you’re going to be outdoors long for some extra protection and to keep your strands soft and hydrated even at the end of a scorching day.
POPxo Recommends: Bumble and Bumble Leave-in Conditioner
4. Steer Clear of Peroxide, Alcohol and Lemon Juice
Steer clear of hair products that contain alcohol or peroxide, and lightening your hair colour with lemon juice is never a good idea. These are all products that get activated in the sun and work towards fading the colour of your hair. They will trigger oxidation of your strands when you step out, which will cause your hair to dry out at a rapid rate as well as leading to discolouration.
5. Don’t Forget to Protect Your Parting
Your parting allows for direct exposure of your scalp to the rays of the sun. So naturally that area requires a little extra shielding. Spray your SPF hair product directly onto your parting to prevent it from peeling and suffering painful sunburns on your scalp.
POPxo Recommends: Wella Professionals Sun Protection Spray
Signs Your Hair Has Been Damaged by the Sun:
- Split ends
- Frizziness
- Lightened hair colour
- Dry, brittle strands
- Breaking and thinning of the hair
After Care:
You need to replenish your locks with plenty of moisture for some major damage control. Deep condition your mane once a week; since sun exposure breaks down keratin, the hair’s protein, it is important to use a deep conditioner containing keratin in it like Coppola Keratin Complex Vanilla Bean Deep Conditioner with Keratin. Also, don’t forget to use a clarifying shampoo such as Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo in your hair every week once you start using a UV protectant product in your hair to get rid of an SPF build-up in your strands.
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