Winter sun can give a much-needed boost in the cold and dark months of the year but sun-damaged hair can leave your locks worse for wear all year round! UV exposure from sunbathing can turn golden highlights brassy and generally wreak havoc on coloured hair. While swimming in the sea can create instant beach style, it can also dehydrate your hair, cause dullness, and create tangles that’ll take half a bottle of conditioner to get out. And chlorine? Don’t even get me started!
How do you get sun-damaged hair?
UV rays penetrate the hair cuticle, the outer layer of the hair shaft, causing the structure of the hair to weaken. The sun’s heat dries out the hair, stripping it of its natural moisture, and leading to dry, brittle strands that are more susceptible to split ends and breakage. UV rays also break down the proteins in the hair known as keratin, and this breakdown makes the hair more vulnerable to damage. In addition, the sun can even damage your scalp! Your scalp can get sunburnt, just like the rest of your skin, which can lead to irritation, flakiness and even hair loss in severe cases.
Wondering if your hair is sun damaged? Here are some classic signs of sun-damaged hair.
- Dryness and brittleness: hair may feel rough and straw-like to the touch
- Split ends and breakage: the ends of your hair are frayed and prone to breaking
- Frizz: hair is more frizzy and difficult to manage
- Colour changes: hair colour looks faded or brassy, especially if your hair is highlighted
How to rescue sun-damaged hair
- Get a trim
To freshen up your, trimming off an inch or two will get rid of any broken or damaged ends and keep any breakage from travelling further up the hair follicles. Plus, it’ll help make your hair look and feel healthier.
- Do a hair mask/deep condition
Deep conditioning is vital for restoring your lock’s lustre and shine – apply a hair mask or deep conditioner a few times a week. There are plenty of fantastic options on the high street, but you can even make your own mask at home using ingredients such as coconut oil, avocado and honey.
- Invest in a new and improved shampoo
Bottle blondes incur the most damage from sun and sea, so it can be useful to get a purple or silver shampoo to reverse any brassiness or green tinges from chlorine. All hair types can benefit from using Odylique’s organic Gentle Herb Shampoo, which contains no sulphates and uses coconut oil to bring back vitality and shine to even the most sensitive of scalps.
- Prevention to protect your hair…
Next time you go on holiday, why not apply a deep conditioner before you go swimming, then wash once you’re out of the pool? A wide-brimmed hat is a stylish and functional option for protecting both your face and hair. Try not to brush your hair while it’s wet as it’s much more likely to cause breakage and always rinse after swimming in chlorine or salt water. Apply a heat protection spray if you’ll be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Sun-damaged hair can be a temporary setback with the right care and protection. By incorporating these tips and treatments into your hair care routine, you can restore your hair’s health and keep it looking beautiful, no matter the season. Remember, your hair deserves as much care and attention as your skin when it comes to sun protection. Embrace these practices to enjoy healthy, radiant locks all year long.
Looking for more beauty tips? Check out another one of our beauty blogs here.