Did you know that exposure to the sun in the summer damages your hair؟ Learn about the best ways to protect your hair from the sun

As summer approaches and the season of vacations and outdoor adventures under the sun begins, including swimming and various activities for enjoying the beautiful and exciting summer days, we tend to expose ourselves to the scorching summer sun more than any other time of the year. Therefore, you may be using sunscreen and other products to protect yourself and your skin from the harsh sun rays during the summer. However, you might have overlooked the care of your hair and the effects of the sun on it. Your hair is one of the body parts that are most exposed to direct sunlight, and it can suffer greatly if you don't follow preventive measures. Taking care of your hair's health preserves its beauty and the health of your scalp. So, how can you protect your hair from the sun during the hot summer season, and what is the impact of the sun on your hair's health, along with ways to safeguard its beauty and well-being? These are the topics you will explore in this article.

Can the sun actually harm your hair? Protecting your hair from the sun's rays is essential.

Unfortunately, yes. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to sunburns, making your hair more brittle and prone to split ends. Sunburns directly affect your scalp, which can damage the hair follicles and result in hair loss. The culprit is the ultraviolet rays from the sun, which penetrate your scalp, causing a loss of pigmentation and the deterioration of proteins, leading to severe hair damage and eventual hair loss over time.

This leads us to wonder, does hair tend to fall out more in the summer than in other seasons? It's undeniable that summer temperatures are higher than in other seasons, and the sun's intensity is greater. Thus, you may notice changes in the health of your hair. Consequently, you may face two issues in the summer: hair loss and loss of hair color. This is due to the ultraviolet rays affecting the melanin in your hair, especially if you have naturally light-colored hair due to the presence of pheomelanin. The sun's rays work to break down the color in your hair, making it more susceptible to internal and external damage, ultimately resulting in increased hair loss in the summer.

However, be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive treatment may lead to undesirable results.

Don't worry; continue reading to discover the steps you should take to enjoy healthy hair and care for it properly. But before that, let's understand the effects of the sun on your hair's health and its potential drawbacks.

The Drawbacks of Sun Exposure on Hair Health

• Loss of Hair Color:
  

The sun simultaneously darkens the skin and lightens hair color. How does this happen? Sun exposure causes the destruction of melanin in your hair, leading to a loss of color. During this time, skin cells become active, producing melanin that darkens the skin. Ultraviolet rays from the sun work to break down the color in your hair, particularly if your hair is dyed. This makes it more susceptible to internal and external damage, resulting in increased hair loss during the summer.

• Damage to Scalp Oils
  

• Internal Damage:

As the sun's rays can penetrate your scalp, they can damage the internal structure of your hair, making it weak and susceptible to breakage and split ends.

Now that you've learned about the drawbacks of exposing your hair to the sun, which can lead to summer hair loss, let's explore how you can prevent its effects on your hair's health and how to care for your hair optimally.

How can I maintain the health of my hair and restore its vitality?

• Wearing a Wide-Brimmed Hat

One of the best natural ways to protect your hair during the summer is to wear a wide-brimmed hat when you're exposed to the sun, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

• Regular Trimming During the Summer

Regularly check for dry ends in your hair and try to freshen it up with regular trims every 3-4 weeks throughout the summer months. This step significantly helps in maintaining your hair's health, reducing the risk of split ends and hair loss, especially if your hair is showing signs of dryness.

• Avoid Excessive Heat Styling Tools
  

Avoid the use of heat styling tools like hair straighteners and blow dryers during the summer. Since your hair is already exposed to the sun's heat, it's essential to minimize additional heat exposure as much as possible. Opt for air drying whenever you can. If you must use these heat devices, use them on a low-heat setting.

• Care for Your Hair Color
  

In the summer, you'll need extra care for your hair, especially if it's dyed. Chemicals used in hair coloring, combined with sun exposure, can cause damage and lead to the fading of hair color. Dyes and bleach can already dry out your hair, so it's crucial to choose products specifically designed for color-treated hair to effectively moisturize your hair.

• Select the Right Conditioner for Your Hair and Avoid Frequent Shampooing
  

Summer is a season for outdoor enjoyment, including trips to the pool or beach. To care for your hair when exposed to the sun, especially before swimming, apply a conditioner or a small amount of coconut oil to your hair and distribute it evenly. This process helps your hair regain the moisture it needs to stay healthy. Ensure you choose a suitable conditioner for your hair type, as it's one of the best ways to protect your hair from the sun.

However, this advice does not apply to shampoo. It is not recommended to use shampoo every day, particularly on sunny and hot days. Instead, consider rinsing your hair with cold or lukewarm water on those days. If you feel the need to use shampoo daily due to sweat and accumulated dirt, choose a gentle shampoo and focus on cleansing your roots and scalp thoroughly. But avoid vigorous scrubbing, and rinse your hair thoroughly.

• Keep Your Head Above Water While Swimming
  

You can still enjoy the beach and the pool, but make sure not to keep your head underwater for extended periods. Submerging your hair in water strips away its natural oils. Try to take breaks by lifting your head out of the water, and consider using a swimming cap for added protection.

Ladies, taking proper care of your hair during the summer won't stop you from enjoying your activities at the beach and the pool.

• Home Remedies
  

While you can't prevent the arrival of summer with its scorching months, you can adapt to the season. Hair care during the summer days significantly reduces the damage and hair loss your hair may experience. Try applying a homemade treatment: place conditioner on your roots, then wrap your hair in a towel overnight to maintain its vitality and moisture.

Using homemade natural masks is another excellent option for maintaining your hair's health, protecting it from the sun, nourishing it, and preventing hair loss. To maintain healthy hair, create this natural mask at home:

Mix egg white with three tablespoons of natural yogurt and three tablespoons of mayonnaise. Apply this mixture to your hair for about half an hour before rinsing it thoroughly. Eggs are packed with protein, which nourishes your hair and prevents hair loss in both summer and winter.

In Summary

Now that you're aware of the consequences of sun exposure, which can lead to summer hair loss, dryness, and loss of vitality, remember that hair loss treatment isn't an overnight fix. Hair health requires daily care throughout the summer, including the practices mentioned in this article. Additionally, consulting with hair care specialists is advisable.

To make the most of your wonderful summer journey, take care of your hair alongside your skin. This will help you maintain a clear complexion and healthy, fabulous hair.