How To Eradicate A Sure Sign Of Sun Damage

We all adore those warm, sunny days, but soaking up those golden rays, can wreak havoc on our locks, leaving them brittle, faded, and prone to breakage. But fear not! In this comprehensive blog, we'll uncover the secrets to restoring vitality and shine to your sun-parched strands. From nourishing treatments and protective styling tips to expert advice on repairing and preventing damage, embark on this journey with us as we revive your hair's natural beauty under the sun!

What does sun-damaged hair look like?

Dryness: Sun exposure can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Dry hair may feel more rough and lack the smoothness associated with healthy hair.

Fading: Prolonged sun exposure can cause hair colour to fade, especially in dyed or treated hair. This is due to the UV rays breaking down the pigments in the hair.

Rough Cuticle: The hair’s cuticle, can become rough and raised due to sun damage. This can lead to further moisture loss and a compromised hair structure, exposing your hair to further damage.

Frizz: A loss of moisture and damage to the hair cuticles can lead to hair becoming frizzy and brittle.

Split ends: Exposure to UV rays can cause the hair shaft to weaken, resulting in split ends this is due to the sun weakening the hair's structure.

Tangling: Sun-damaged hair may become more prone to tangling and knots due to its dry and brittle nature. This can lead to increased hair loss when brushing.

Loss of elasticity: Healthy hair has a certain amount of elasticity, but sun-damaged hair may become stiff and lose its ability to stretch without breaking.

Brassy - One sure sign of sun damage is the yellow streaks that can appear in hair after they’ve been in the sun. These appear when some of the strands have been killed by UV rays.

But how can you protect your hair from sun damage?

There are a number of ways you can protect your hair from sun damage these include 

• Wearing a hat or scarf - covering your hair with a hat or scarf provides a physical barrier from direct sunlight, reducing UV exposure and minimizing damage
• Limit sun exposure - Try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours when the sun's rays are strongest (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
• Apply a leave-in conditioner - Using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection can help hydrate your hair and provide an additional layer of defense against sun damage
• Use sunscreen for hair - you can also protect your hair with specially formulated hair sunscreen products. Look for products that contain UV filters to shield your hair from the sun's harmful rays
• Protective Styling: Wear protective hairstyles like braids, buns, or ponytails to shield your hair from direct sunlight
• Use UV Protection: Look for hair care products that contain UV filters to protect your hair from the sun's harmful rays. These products can help prevent further damage and fading
• Avoid Overwashing: Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, making it more susceptible to damage. Try to wash your hair only when necessary and use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo
• Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall hair health. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, can help nourish your hair from the inside out

But what if it’s already damaged?

Don’t worry - we’ve got just the thing. 

How to fix sun-damaged hair

Trimming: Start by trimming off the most damaged ends of your hair. This will help prevent split ends from travelling further up the hair shaft.

Deep Conditioning: Use a deep conditioning treatment or mask once a week to restore moisture to your hair. Look for products containing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter, which can help repair and nourish sun-damaged hair.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to hydrate your hair from the inside out. Hydrated hair is less prone to damage and breakage.

Avoid Heat Styling: Limit your use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons, as they can further damage sun-exposed hair. If you must use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray beforehand.

Protein Treatments: Use protein treatments occasionally to help strengthen and repair sun-damaged hair. Look for products containing hydrolyzed proteins, which can penetrate the hair shaft and help rebuild damaged strands