How to protect your hair from the sun
First things first, can the sun damage your hair?
There’s possibly nothing better than lazing around the pool during hot summer days. But while a good dose of vitamin D is great for your body, too much sunshine can wreak havoc on your hair. UVA and UVB rays have the power to cause sun-damaged hair, leaving it in a condition that may be far from healthy. This doesn’t mean you need to shy away from the sun, however – you can still enjoy those heated days of peak season. All you need to do is put a few protective measures in place to ensure that your hair stays soft, glossy, and in ultimate form. In this guide, we explain exactly how to protect your hair from the sun.
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Brillante Protect & Shine
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Why Is UV Protection for Your Hair Important?
Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays. In fact, UV rays are one of the main causes of sun-damaged hair during holidays (alongside chlorine and salty seawater). By protecting your hair from the sun, you can keep your summertime hair looking fabulous well into winter without worrying about frizzy hair or split ends.
Before we dive into the best ways to protect your hair from UV rays, it’s important to understand exactly how too much sun exposure can damage your hair and how to recognise the signs of sun damage.
How Do Harmful UV Rays Damage Your Hair?
UV rays, specifically UVA and UVB, are known to have detrimental effects on hair health, similar to how they affect the skin. Hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin, which provides structure, strength, and resilience. However, prolonged exposure to UV rays can disrupt the integrity of this protein, leading to various forms of hair damage.
When UV rays penetrate the hair shaft, they break down the molecular bonds that hold keratin together. This process, known as photodegradation, weakens the hair’s protein structure, causing it to lose its strength and elasticity. The result is hair that becomes more susceptible to breakage, split ends, and an overall rough texture.
Additionally, UV rays can cause oxidative stress by generating free radicals, unstable molecules that damage cellular structures. This oxidative damage affects not only the protein in your hair but also the melanin, the pigment responsible for your hair colour. The degradation of melanin leads to colour fading, making your hair appear dull and lifeless.
Also, the sun’s heat can cause the hair cuticle, the outermost protective layer, to lift and become more porous. When the cuticle is compromised, the hair’s ability to retain moisture decreases, leading to dryness, brittleness, and frizz. Over time, this cumulative damage can weaken the hair strands, resulting in thinning and overall deterioration of hair health.
What Are the Signs of Sun-Damaged Hair?
UV rays can damage both the structure and colour of your hair fibres. This is because these rays have the power to break down the protein in your hair, which is made of 80-90% protein. If you experience any of the following hair problems, it might be due to sun damage:
- Faded hair colour
- Dry and brittle hair strands
- Broken or split ends
- Frizzy hair
- Weakened and thinning hair
So, aside from keeping your hair in the shade all summer, what else can you do to protect your hair from the sun’s damaging effects?
Tip: Discover the best repair routine for damaged hair.
How Can You Protect Your Hair from Harsh UV Rays?
The good news is that you don’t have to hide indoors during summer. You can still lounge by the pool and seaside and soak up the heat. Our experts recommend that all you need to do is implement the following protective measures:
Step 1: Style Your Hair in Protective Styles
A simple hairstyle can make a big difference in protecting your hair from the sun. Styles such as a French braid or a sleek bun can cover your scalp, shielding it from direct exposure. A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair! Additionally, these styles reduce the surface area of hair exposed to sunlight, protecting most of your strands.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try Dutch braids, fishtail braids, or the intricate 4-strand braid for added protection and style.
Step 2: Use Products That Provide Sun Protection
Using hair products formulated to protect against sun damage is crucial. Many sun-damaged hair issues, such as dryness and brittleness, can be prevented with the right products. Before heading outdoors, apply a leave-in conditioner or regenerating oil to moisturise, nourish, and strengthen your hair.
Rossano Ferretti recommends Brillante Protect & Shine Oil as an effective product for protecting your hair from the sun’s rays. This hair oil contains a UV filter and a rich concentration of naturally-derived argan oil, cotton seed oil and grape seed oil to deeply hydrate and shield your hair from sun exposure. As a bonus, Brillante Oil also protects against sea water and chlorine damage by creating a protective, lightweight barrier featuring a water-resistant shield, preventing moisture loss and damage.
Avoid Certain Ingredients
Some ingredients can exacerbate sun damage by drying out your hair more quickly. Always check the labels of hair care products you use. Avoid ingredients like alcohol, peroxide, or lemon juice, as these can lead to dry, damaged hair.
Wear a Hat
This may seem obvious, but wearing a hat is one of the best ways to protect your hair from the sun. Opt for a hat with silk or satin lining to help keep hair protected from friction-induced frizz and breakage. There are plenty of fashionable options available, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for protection!
Tip: For double protection, choose a wide-brimmed hat that also shields your face.
What About After-Sun Care?
Protecting your hair while enjoying the sun is crucial, but so is treating it afterward. For healthy, sun-damaged hair recovery, consider the following tips:
Prevent (and Reverse) Damage with a Hair Mask
Even minimal exposure to UV rays can leave your hair feeling frail and parched. To prevent and repair damage, use a moisturizing hair mask weekly. The sun’s heat opens the cuticle, making your hair more porous, so it will absorb the hydrating treatment better and repair faster. The best time to apply a mask therefore is directly after sun exposure.
We recommend: Prodigio Regenerating Treatment. A pre-wash mask with bond-building natural Keratin to intensely repair damage, strengthen hair and leave it feeling silky-soft from just one use!
Use a Sulphate-Free Shampoo
Sun exposure can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle, and using shampoos that contain sulphates can exacerbate this problem by stripping your scalp of its natural oils. Sulphates, which are commonly found in many shampoos, can be harsh on your hair, especially after it’s been exposed to the sun’s damaging rays. To maintain moisture and protect the health of your hair, it’s crucial to opt for a sulphate-free shampoo. All Rossano Ferretti Parma shampoos are sulphate-free, ensuring that your hair is gently cleansed without further drying out your strands. This helps preserve your hair’s natural oils, keeping it soft, shiny, and resilient even after sun exposure.
Tip: As a result of their sulphate-free formula, all Rossano Ferretti Parma shampoos produce a gentle lather, and avoid the use of artificial foaming agents.
Summertime should be all about fun in the sun and relaxation, but taking a little extra care of your hair now, with the finesse of Italian craftsmanship, will ensure your locks and scalp stay healthy in the long run.
Take our free online hair quiz to discover your own personalized hair care routine and enjoy healthy and nourished hair with Italian Designer Haircare.
