Sun, Sea and Stressed-Out Hair: How to Care for Sun-Damaged Hair

For many, summertime means beach days, outdoor adventures and soaking up the sun. However, whilst we might enjoy the bright and warm days, our hair often takes a hit. Sun-damaged hair is a common issue many face after prolonged sun exposure. On top of that, spending time in the salty sea or in chlorinated pools on your holidays can also take an extra toll on your hair.

Understanding and treating sun-damaged hair is essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant locks. In this blog, we’ll explore what sun-damaged hair looks like, how to care for it and effective treatments to bring your hair back to life.

How Does the Sun Damage Hair?

UV radiation from the sun can penetrate the hair shaft, breaking down the protein structure and stripping away natural oils. This leads to dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage. That’s why it’s important to understand how to protect and repair your hair after sun exposure.

What Does Sun-Damaged Hair Look Like?

Recognising sun-damaged hair is the first step to proper care. Here are some common signs:

• Dryness and Brittleness: Sun-exposed hair often feels dry and straw-like. The UV rays deplete moisture, leaving hair brittle and prone to breakage.
• Split Ends and Breakage: Damaged hair tends to split and break easily due to the weakened hair structure.
• Discolouration and Fading: The sun can bleach the hair, causing colour to fade. This can be particularly prominent if you colour your hair.
• Frizz: Hair that is lacking in moisture could become frizzy.

By identifying these signs, you can take steps to treat and protect your hair from further damage!

Does the Sun Affect Hair Colour?

Yes! The sun can significantly affect hair colour. As mentioned, the suns pesky UV rays can lead to fading and discolouration. This process can make natural hair look lighter and dyed hair appear dull. The effect is more pronounced in lighter hair colours and those with chemically treated or dyed hair. So, if you’ve ever wondered “does the sun fade hair colour?”, the answer is a resounding yes.

How to Care for Sun-Damaged Hair

Treating sun-damaged hair involves restoring moisture, repairing damage, and protecting against further harm. Here are some steps to help you breathe life back into your hair:

Hydration and Deep Conditioning:

Use deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture. Look for products with nourishing ingredients to restore your hair to its former glory.

This Naturtint Nourishing Hair Mask is a great option for providing your strands with some extra TLC. Specifically designed for dry and lifeless hair, this mask contains Organic Shea Butter plus Organic Orange, Lemon and Grapefruit Waters that combine to help to repair your hair, reduce split ends and restore natural shine.

Trimming Split Ends:

This one may seem obvious, but it’s just so true! Regular trims further help to remove split ends and prevent further breakage by stopping split ends from travelling up the hair shaft. We may go as far as to say, this is one of the most important steps in keeping your hair in tip-top shape.

Leave-In Treatments and Serums:

Use leave-in conditioners and serums to add moisture and protection throughout the day. Try this Anti-Ageing CC Cream, it helps to combat the main signs of hair ageing and protect hair from damage, heat , UV and pollution. It can also help to counter the effects of chlorine if you apply some to your hair before you take a dip!

Avoid Heat Styling:

Whilst your hair is busy healing from sun damage, minimise the use of heat styling tools, which, as we know, can exacerbate damage. Opt for air drying whenever possible.

If you are someone with a natural wave or curl pattern but just can’t bring yourself to give up the straighteners, checkout our guide to ditching the straighteners and embracing your natural texture.

Choose the Right Hair Dye:

If you’re dealing with some serious fading from the sun and are in need of a colour refresh, when choosing a hair dye, it can be useful to choose one with extra nourishing properties, in order to reduce the damage that dyeing your hair could have on your locks.

Choose products with moisturising ingredients and that include a post dye hair mask. Naturtint Permanent Hair Colour Gels are formulated with high levels of natural ingredients, proven for their hair and scalp enhancing benefits. Every box also contains a Quinoa Multi-Care Mask. This innovative mask is enriched with Quinoa to fix the hair colour, Organic Shea Butter to nourish and moisturise, plus Baobab Proteins to rebuild hair’s keratin.

By following these steps, you can begin to repair and rejuvenate your sun-damaged hair.

Preventative Measures

Preventing sun damage is easier than repairing it. If you missed our blog on Summer Hair Care Tips: 8 Ways to get your hair summer ready, then here’s a few tips on how to prevent sun damage:

• Wear Hats and Scarves: Covering your hair with a hat or scarf can provide a physical barrier against UV rays.

• Keep it clean: Sweat can dry out our hair and the hotter months can also make our hair produce excess sebum, therefore it’s important to make sure you’re keeping on top of your wash schedule to rid hair of unwanted build-up.
• Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to minimise sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest.

By incorporating these preventative measures, you can keep your hair healthy and vibrant.

Sun-damaged hair is a common issue, but with the right knowledge and care, it is manageable. Understanding how the sun affects your hair and implementing repairing and preventative strategies can keep your locks looking their best. Remember, healthy hair starts with protection and proper care.

Stay tuned for our latest articles on maintaining healthy hair. Share your experiences or tips for sun-damaged hair in the comments below!

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