5 Easy Ways to Repair Sun-Damaged Hair
Summer is the best time to spend your days by the water, enjoy the outdoors, and soak up some vitamin D. However, too much fun in the sun can leave you with dull, frizzy, and damaged hair. Read on for 5 Easy Ways to Repair Sun-Damaged Hair.
We often spend too much time applying sunscreen to our skin that we forget to protect our hair, too. However, prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can degrade the protein structure of hair, resulting in brittle, straw-like, and discolored strands.
Between sunlight, heat, chlorine, and saltwater, your hair just isn’t the same at summer’s end. Fortunately, there are ways to you restore your natural, healthy locks for fall. Here are five ways you can help repair damaged hair:
- Moisturize Regularly
Excess, unprotected exposure to UV rays may lead to hair thinning, brittleness, and even hair loss. Sun-damaged hair requires proper hydration, which is why regular re-moisturization is a must. To replace your hair’s moisture, use hydrating shampoos containing argan or other natural oils.
When choosing hair care products, you should also consider your hair type and specific hair care needs. If you have finer or lighter hair, you may need to use a conditioner specifically formulated with added protection and reparative vitamins and proteins, such as biotin, vitamin C, and keratin. In addition, chemical processing and certain hair dyes can make your strands more susceptible to sun damage. If you have color-treated hair, be sure to use a color protection treatment to prevent sun-induced fading and strengthen damaged follicles.
In some cases, weakened, sun-damaged hair may begin to thin or even fall out. If you experience this, consider repairing your mane with restorative hair loss products that work to rectify elasticity, rehydrate, and keep your follicles in place.
- Rinse With Cold Water
Did you know that water temperature can affect your hair? After a long day in the sun, your first reaction might be to hop into a hot shower and rinse off the dirt and grime. However, hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause further harm to already sun-damaged hair.
Though it may feel uncomfortable at first, a cool blast of cold water for the sake of your hair’s health can keep your hair shinier and less frizzy. Try using cold water to seal your hair cuticles and lock in moisture from your wash, that may otherwise be stripped by the elements.
- Apply a Restorative Hair Mask
Restorative hair masks provide intense relief and hydration to sun-damaged hair. For quick results, use a hair mask that contains a higher concentration of nourishing ingredients, such as coconut oil, argan oil, shea butter, and green tea. These ingredients work together to hydrate and strengthen your locks to prevent future damage.
You can also make your own hair mask using natural ingredients in your home. Everyday products like avocados, honey, aloe vera, and bananas can provide your hair with the nutrients it needs to remain elastic, healthy, and frizz-free.
- Treat Sun-Damaged Hair With Care
Sun-damaged hair is more prone to breakage and should, therefore, be treated with extra care. This means steering clear of styling tools, such as irons and dryers, and allowing your hair to air dry to avoid damaging your hair’s proteins further. Don’t worry; there are still ways you can air-dry your hair into stylish looks. But if you do choose to use hot styling tools, be sure to use a lower heat setting and prime your hair with a heat protectant.
Each time you shower, it’s also recommended that you use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair along with a microfiber towel to gently pat dry your strands. By doing so, you’ll avoid exerting any unnecessary stress or friction to your already vulnerable locks.
- Trim Your Ends
A simple way to tend to visible signs of sun damage, such as split ends and breakage, is by trimming your tresses. Split ends extend upward over time, stunting hair growth and causing further damage. No amount of deep conditioner or hair masks can restore split ends, which is why it’s important to schedule a trim every six to eight weeks. You don’t have to chop off too much either. It only takes an inch or less to remove split ends and promote healthier hair growth.
If you can’t make it to a salon, consider using a mending leave-in treatment to soothe damaged hair fibers and temporarily seal split ends.
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By the end of the summer, the sun will have done a number on your hair. But this damage doesn’t have to be permanent. Using these tips, you’ll ensure a healthy, shiny, and vibrant mane in time for the fall season.
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