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You put on sunscreen to protect your skin before going out into the scorching heat, but what about your hair? The sun not only causes damage to your skin but can also cause potential harm to your hair. UVA and UVB rays can damage the exterior cover of the hair strand if it is exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. Here are some sun-protection suggestions for your hair:
How Does the Sun Damage Your Hair?
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Lipid Damage: A lipid is any of a number of chemical molecules that are water-insoluble. Fats, waxes, oils, and hormones are among them. Lipids in hair account for only 2-6 percent of the total weight of hair but however, they play an important role in maintaining hair's health by affecting shine and strength. Long-term sun exposure can cause lipid damage to your hair's outer layer.
Internal damage: The summer sun can harm your hair's internal structure, leaving it more susceptible to breakage and split ends.
Color damage: If your hair is colored, it is more prone to sun damage since color treatments can dehydrate and weaken your hair. UV rays also act as bleach on your hair, breaking down pigment and causing it to fade or turn brassy more quickly than usual.
How Do You Protect Your Hair From Sun Damage?
1) Wear a Hat or Scarf
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The best (and simplest) investment for your skin is a nice collection of huge hats or cotton or silk scarfs. Hats will make your scalp, hair, and skin happy while also keeping you cool because they provide shade. They can also be used to make an excellent style statement!
2) Add SPF to Your Hair Care Routine
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You already use sunscreen for your skin to prevent skin cancer and avoid getting a sunburn. Why not use an SPF product specialized for your head. There are several options for SPF options for your hair. You can either use a spray or powder-based protection. Both are equally effective. Apply the product to your scalp or wet hair, focusing on your parting in particular since it is most prone to sun damage.
3) Use an Umbrella
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We understand that carrying an umbrella when it isn't raining may seem ridiculous. An umbrella provides excellent protection from the scorching rays of the sun. When you have an umbrella, you don't have to worry about sun damage to your hair or skin.
4) Make Sure You’re Using the Right Conditioner for Your Hair
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All forms of hair, like all skin tones, are susceptible to sun damage: Hair that is finer and lighter lacks the thickness and pigment to protect it from the sun's rays. Use a hair conditioner that is suited for your hair color, type, and climate.
5) Avoid Bleach
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If you're going on a beach vacation, wait a few weeks before touching up your hair color. The sun's rays behave like bleach on the hair. In an irreversible chemical reaction, it reacts with the melanin in the hair and eliminates the color. Keratin is also harmed in the process. Hot tools and hair lightening can further damage the protein, allowing sun and heat to penetrate the hair more easily, resulting in brittle hair strands.
6) Use Zinc Oxide
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If you don't want to wear a hat or scarf or use an umbrella consider using a zinc oxide cream to the exposed portions of your scalp caused by thinning hair. Applying a small amount of zinc oxide on the parts of your hair that are exposed to the sun, as well as your crown, will assist to protect those areas. Pulling your hair back will also cover these places if your hair is long enough.
7) Reduce the Number of Shampoo Sessions
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Because the oil your hair generates naturally protects it from the sun, you don't want to over-wash it during the summer. Instead of shampooing every day, use dry shampoo. This will prevent your hair from drying and getting damaged in the sun.
8) Use a Natural Oil
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Oil performs a three-fold function: it smooths the cuticle, adds shine, and provides natural sun protection. Use raspberry seed, avocado, coconut, or olive oil to protect your hair.
9) Keep Your Hair Moisturized
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No one likes sun-damaged hair. Dryness is one of the most visible indications of hair sun damage, so you'll want to keep your hair moisturized to avoid this. Use a good moisturizing conditioner, hair mask, or a soap-free cleanser for your hair. This will retain your hair's natural moisture and prevent your hair's natural oils from being stripped away which is crucial for protecting your hair from the sun.
10) Antioxidants Should Be a Part of Your Daily Diet
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Oxidative damage can be caused by prolonged sun exposure. This is why it is critical to include a variety of colored fruits and vegetables in your diet. This helps to reduce oxidative damage. Antioxidants strengthen your hair shaft and hair's cuticle. Healthy hair can be achieved by avoiding oxidative damage.
Summary
Summer is one of the most popular seasons in the United States. Beach days, picnics, and sunbathing are among the most popular activities that people like to do during summer. You don't have to stop having fun just because your skin and hair are vulnerable to UV damage. These ten methods for avoiding sun damage to your hair will come in handy this summer.
