Skin tends to be the top priority when it comes to protection from harmful sun rays. However, hair often gets overlooked, yet it also needs protection. Excessive heat can dry hair incredibly, which may cause permanent damage if not cared for during peak hot weather. Experts at CLOUD NINE stated, "Prolonged exposure to sunlight and long, medium UV rays can wreak havoc on your hair, resulting in consequences such as hair loss, frizz, brittleness, and even damaging color and future growth." To avoid having to deal with any of these issues in the future, it's best to take steps immediately to minimize the risk of damage. Here are 5 essential things you should do when the weather is hot to protect your hair from harmful sun rays.
1. **Start from the Roots and Protect Your Scalp**
While UV rays are known to affect the skin, your scalp is the most affected area due to intense exposure from above. This can significantly impact your hair. CLOUD NINE experts explained, "If you suffer from sunburn on your scalp, this causes the loss of skin cells, which can lead to hair loss, thinning hair, and root damage, resulting in a persistent problem. The more thinning and loss of hair you experience, the weaker your scalp becomes, which can affect other skin cells and positive hair growth." To protect your scalp, ensure you add a sun protection factor (SPF) to your hair care products and keep it covered as much as possible when in direct sunlight. You can buy shampoos and conditioners with sun protection, as well as UV protection sprays.
2. **Keep Your Hair Covered with Loose Sun Hats**
To protect your scalp and colored hair from the sun, wearing a loose hat is advisable. CLOUD NINE experts recommend wearing a "bucket hat," as it tends to be more flexible. A larger sun hat can also be chosen for broader coverage, which is definitely the best option for long hair.
3. **Use Conditioning Products to Protect and Nourish Your Hair**
One of the main problems for hair during extreme heat is that strands can become completely dry, from roots to ends. CLOUD NINE experts said, "Excessive sun exposure can damage the hair's cuticle - the outer protective layer. To avoid hair breakage and split ends, it's important to use nourishing products to maintain a strong moisture barrier." It's also essential to regularly use leave-in conditioning treatments at night during heat waves to give your hair a chance to recover while you are away from the sun.
4. **Drink Plenty of Water**
In high temperatures, staying well-hydrated should be a top priority, as it is crucial for the health of your hair. Drinking water keeps your hair hydrated, maintaining its quality and moisture to positively impact growth and repair. CLOUD NINE experts explained, "Drinking plenty of water will hydrate your hair strands from the inside out, helping to moisturize and strengthen your hair. If you are dehydrated, your hair will be too. Therefore, it’s essential to drink extra cups of water during hot weather."
5. **Avoid Washing Your Hair**
Washing your hair too much can generally strip it of its natural protective oils. Despite the temptation to do more in warmer weather, these oils provide an additional barrier between your hair and scalp and the sun. CLOUD NINE experts advised, "Forgo your usual cleansing during the heatwave and instead opt for simple conditioning treatments on your ends, rinsing them with water to provide your hair with maximum protection."
