We all know how to effectively look after our skin during the summer months, wearing SPF and seeking shade whenever possible, but not many of us know how to properly look after our hair. Similarly to skin, too much sun exposure can have a negative effect on hair, with dehydration, brittleness and even premature ageing being common after-effects. With sunnier days and beach visits just around the corner, we spoke to the experts to find out how to keep our hair in tip-top condition.
Why is shielding hair from the sun so important?
Despite the positives of summer, like warmer weather and clear skies, the sun emits UV rays that can be harmful to hair if no UV filter is worn. "Sun rays diminish the actual protein structure of hair and weaken the disulphide bonds (the ‘glue’ that holds your strands together)," says Neil Moodie, stylist and founder of Neil Moodie Studio. "This can make hair brittle, easily broken, dry and overly porous." More specifically, "UVB oxidises the pigment cells, which is why hair becomes lighter in the sun, and UVA can have a long-term effect on the hair's quality," he explains.
What about chlorine and salt-water?
There's no question that we all love a summer holiday swim but our hair? Not so much. "Salt water draws moisture out of your hair, whilst chlorine strips your hair of its natural oils," explains Neil. As a result, "this opens up the cuticle, which means hair becomes more sensitive and damage-prone," adds Michele Antiga, stylist at Gielly Green.
To help combat these effects, here is our round-up of the must-hear tips and must-have products:
How to protect against UV rays
While staying completely out of the sun is the best way to protect from UV rays, these are the next best things:
Inspired by Ayurvedic practices, Aveda know a thing or two about the damaging effects the sun can have on hair. This light, invisible mist makes protecting hair so simple with UVA/UVB filters working hard to prevent hair becoming straw-like. Keep on hand to give hair a quick spritz before heading out into the sun and enjoy their signature floral scent of ylang ylang, neroli and citrus.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer
Supposed to be used before styling, this primer shields from UV damage and heat. A real multi-tasker, made to soften and detangle hair whilst diminishing any frizz. Spray onto damp hair and comb through before using any hot tools for maximum protection.
How to protect your colour
As hair strands become weakened, colour can be prone to fading. Here are our favourite products that help maintain vibrancy:
This multi-purpose spray is your answer to any genre of hair issue. It primes, protects and perfects hair making sure it (and you) always looks its best. Using a plant-based protein it targets damaged hair strands whilst a blend of nourishing oils re-hydrate. Plus, with a unique anti-fading agent, colour resists any dulling caused by natural aggressors.
Ideal for when you have a bit more time on your hands, this pre-wash foam delivers big on hydration. With fortifying proteins (think amino acids and hydrolysed soy proteins), it strengthens strands whilst keeping colour vibrant and glossy. We also love the light and bright citrus scent, seamlessly counteracted with a hint of moody amber.
Protect colour from UV, heat damage, and pollution, thanks to Moroccan Oil's shield technology that keeps colour and nourishment in, and aggressors out, all with the brand's signature summery scent.
How to protect your curls
Curly and coiled hair can be naturally more dry as it is harder for the scalp's oils to reach the ends. These two products are essential for pre and post sun exposure:
Specifically formulated for those with curly or coily hair, this protective mist defends curls from any aggressors like UV, heat, salt water and chlorine - making it the perfect sidekick for days by the beach. The lightweight mist is fortified with proteins, meaning you are both protecting and reinforcing curls.
Re-hydrating is essential after any sort of intense sun-exposure, especially as those with curly hair can be more prone to dry strands. Luckily Bouclème's deeply nourishing formulas are designed with this in mind. A replenishing blend of oils, butters and amino acids make this intensive treatment excellent for lacklustre locks. Slather onto hair when it feels like it needs a pick me up, or after a long day in the sun.
What to use for dry hair
If hair has become dehydrated and straw-like (we have all been there), these are your moisture-maximising heroes:
As a part of Kérastase's touted sun-specific range, this hydrating mask is the perfect antidote to too much time in the sun. Infused with coconut water and with a gel-like texture it replenishes any lost moisture and counteracts any damage done by the sun, salt and sea. Apply after having cleansed hair and leave on as long as needed, depending on your hair type. Kérastase suggest five minutes for fine hair, increasing to ten for those with coarser hair.
Sachajuan Hair After the Sun
This replenishing mask can be used as a leave-in conditioner or can replace your normal wash-out. Lightweight and formulated to target damage caused by prolonged sun exposure, it uses the protein-rich minerals in algae to intensely hydrate. Expect restored shine, luminosity and stronger strands.
General upkeep
As well as actively protecting hair from and treating against summertime aggressors, it's equally important to be more gentle on it when it's in a weakened state.
Detangling
Effectively ridding hair of any knots helps keep breakage at bay. Use these products in tandem to prevent future snapping or pulling:
Made to detangle and protect from heat, this spray from the hair experts themselves, delivers super hydration whilst withstanding temperatures up to 450 degrees. With ingredients like avocado oil (known for being densely packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins and folic acid) and sea buckthorn (one of the only plant sources of omega-7), this is the detangling master for any hair type.
Specially designed for detangling wet hair, this brush is so gentle - even on wet hair. With 325 teeth, this seamlessly slips through hair and avoids any pulling. Coming in a variety of colours, it is the perfect addition to brighten up your beauty shelf and is so easy to clean you can use it to brush through any masks or conditioner.
Styling
Using extra heat only furthers summertime damage, so opt for these products as heatless alternatives:
For seemingly effortless yet intentional hair, Sam McKnight is your man. His eponymous line, Hair by Sam McKnight, is legendary and this salt-spray does not disappoint. A few spritzes of this on wet or dry hair followed by some scrunching creates the perfect beachy-do. Plus, it contains sunflower seed extract which protects hair from any UVA/UVB damage. One less thing to worry about!
For a more put together (and still heatless) look, this heatless curler is excellent. Although they can often look daunting, they are so easy to use. Starting with damp hair, place the foam curling rod on the top of your head and start to wrap hair around each rod, section by section. Use the scrunchies to tie everything in place and go to bed. Once dry in the morning, take out the curler and expect bouncy volume.
Cover up
In addition to all of the above products, one of the best things you can do for your hair (and face) is to wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect from any exposure. Here is one on our wishlist:
Wide-brimmed and hand-woven out of palm leaf, this hat is perfect for getting the sun away your hair and face. With neutral, earthy tones it can be styled with anything and, in our opinion, is the epitome of summer-chic.
