Does the sun damage hair?

Yes! UV rays can be harmful to the hair, just as they can be to the skin. Sun-damaged hair can become brittle, and dry and change in texture, losing that silky smooth fresh-from-the-salon feel. The best way to protect your hair against the sun is to use an appropriate hair product with an in-built SPF while taking adequate measures to protect your hair from the sun during the day. Here are 9 top tips from our BeautyPros to help avoid sun damage to your hair:

Limit sun exposure

While the summer might be the best time to soak up those rays and work on building that golden tan, we don’t recommend long periods of sun exposure every day. Even when you’re using the right products and SPFs, excess sun exposure can still damage your hair, especially during the hottest part of the day (late morning - early afternoon).

Avoid the hottest parts of the day

If you’re going on holiday to a hot destination or if you live in a warmer climate, limiting your sun exposure might not be possible. In this instance, you’re going to want to limit your sun exposure to the early morning or early evening, in order to avoid the hottest parts of the day (aka, the strongest and most powerful sun rays.) Plan your day around the early morning and early evening where possible, in order to protect your hair and avoid that post-summer hair damage.

Use a hair SPF

If you can’t avoid the sun, the best way to protect your locks from harmful sun exposure is by using a hair product with an SPF. We’d recommend Bumble & Bumble’s Surf Styling Leave In, a smoothing hair gel that not only protects from UV rays but also helps combat frizz and creates gorgeous beach waves. Bumble Bumble Surf Styling Leave In

Treated damaged hair

If you’re going to be exposed to super hot climates, we’d recommend treating any existing hair damage before the summer begins. This way, your hair is much better equipped to deal with any damage incurred from UV rays. Our top pick for treating hair damage has to be Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, the gold standard when it comes to fixing years of thermic, heat, and UV-induced hair damage. Olaplex No. 3 will transform your hair by sealing your hair bonds, giving you hair that is smooth, silky, and renewed. Olaplex 3 Hair Perfector

Avoid chlorine

We know that summer = outdoor swimming, but you might want to avoid swimming pools if you want to avoid hair damage. The combination of chlorine and summer sun = hair that is dry, brittle, and difficult to style.

Use fewer heat styling tools

It’s a good idea to use fewer heat styling tools during the summer months, in order to limit the amount of heat damage done to your hair. If you rely on hot styling tools, you can switch to styling products. We love Kerastase’s Gelée Curl Contour, which offers 24 hydration and helps control curls to fight frizz. Pop this in your beach bag and leave the curling iron for the autumn months! Kerastase Gelee Curl Contour

Use heat protection spray

If you rely on heat styling tools to manage your hair and are unable to take a break from heat styling, make sure to use an intensive heat protection spray, even if the only heated tool you use is a hair dryer. We recommend using Olaplex Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum No.9 to protect your hair, as this serum helps style your hair while offering heat protection up to 232C. Olaplex Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum No 9

Wear a hat

Protecting your scalp is equally as important as protecting your hair, and for that, we’d recommend wearing a sun-appropriate hat. Opt for a wide-brimmed hat, as this will also help protect your skin from sun damage while protecting your scalp from those powerful UV rays.

Keep your hair and scalp hydrated

Our final tip for summer-proof hair is to make sure to take good care of your scalp. For a healthy scalp during the summer months, we’d recommend keeping it hydrated and nourished with a scalp mask. Kerastase’s Masque Rehydratant both hydrates and purifies the scalp, avoiding any build-up that you might develop from the sea, sand, or sebum. Use this scalp mask once a week for optimal results. Kerastase Specifique Masque Rehydratant Hair Mask