4 Ways to Protect Your Hair from Summer Damage

SELF magazine

You slather on the sunscreen to keep your skin safe, but what about your precious locks? Your hair can be affected by the harsh rays of the sun, too. UV rays can weaken your hair, make it more prone to split ends and cut down on the life of your color. It's important to protect your hair from the sun - here's how.

1. Mist a protective spray like Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil over your hair before you head outdoors (It's water-resistant so it's essential for a beach day and lasts up to 16 hours) or try L'Oreal Colorvive UV Spray (protects color if you dye). Sun-proofing sprays provide an invisible screen over your hair and many shield strands from both UVA and UVB rays that can cause color to fade and hair to become dry.

2. Don't be afraid of hats. They can be your most useful accessory in the summertime. Covering up your hair can prevent a sunburned scalp and protect your strands from direct sunlight. Try braiding your hair under your headwrap or hat for easy, pretty beach waves when you let them loose. Just flip your hair over, tousle your roots and your 'do will look like new.

3. Don't use too much product on your hair when you're under the sun! Just like oil heats up on a stove; gels, mousse, and oils in products can make your hair hotter under the sun - causing even more damage!

4. Chlorine from the pool or salt water at the beach can really dry out your hair. Try a deep conditioning treatment to help repair damage and put moisture back into your hair.


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