Effects of Sun on Hair: Ways to Protect Hair from Sun Damage

Excessive exposure to the sun can cause heat damage to your hair. Here's some very, very good info on how sun exposure can affect your hair and tips to minimize heat damage this summer:

Dryness and Brittle Hair: Prolonged exposure to the sun's heat can dry out your hair, leading to moisture loss and making it more prone to breakage. The sun's UV rays can also damage the protein structure of your hair, causing it to become brittle and weak.

• Tip: Wear Protective Headwear: When spending extended periods in direct sunlight, wear a hat, cap, or scarf to protect your hair and scalp from excessive heat and UV rays.

Weak and Damaged Hair: The sun's rays can penetrate the hair, causing structural changes and weakening the protein bonds that give hair its strength.

• Tip: Use a hair sunscreen or leave-in conditioner. Extra Creamy Leave-in Conditioner protects your strands from the sun and heat damage.

Scalp Irritation: The scalp can also be affected by prolonged sun exposure. It can become dry, itchy, and even sunburned, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the hair follicles.

• Tip: Keep your scalp moisturized and covered. Strength Hair Oil and Extra Creamy Hair and Scalp Oil are great at preventing dryness.

Frizz and Lack of Manageability: Sun exposure can exacerbate frizz and make the hair more difficult to manage. The loss of moisture and the exposure to heat can disrupt the hair's cuticle layer, resulting in rough, unruly hair.

• Tip: Hydrate and Moisturize: Keep your hair hydrated by using moisturizing hair products, such as Donna’s Recipe Sweet Potato Pie Collection. These products help replenish moisture and minimize dryness.

 

Fading and Discoloration: Sun exposure can cause the color of your hair, particularly dyed or highlighted hair, to fade and become dull. UV rays can break down the pigments in your hair, resulting in discoloration or a change in tone.

• Tip: Rinse with Cool Water. After being in the sun, rinse your hair with cool water to help close the hair cuticles and seal in moisture. Avoid using hot water, as it can further dehydrate your hair.

 

Additional Tips

Limit Heat Styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, especially after sun exposure. Excessive heat can exacerbate damage caused by the sun, so allow your hair to air dry whenever possible.

Wear Protective Styles: Protective styles reduce direct exposure to the sun and also help retain moisture.