How the Sun Damages Hair (And What to Do About It)

There’s nothing like basking in the sun on a warm summer day. Unfortunately, all that sunshine can wreak havoc on your hair. Learn how about sun damage hair and how the right hairbrush can help you protect your hair and prevent further damage so you can carry on with all your favorite outdoor activities. 

How Does the Sun Damage Hair?

You know that the sun can cause skin damage. The same type of process happens with your hair. Only, instead of getting wrinkles and sunburn, your hair gets frizzy and dry.

The sun’s rays target the outermost layers of your hair, called the cuticles. You have several layers of cuticles on your head, which are all there to protect the inner layer of your hair. 

These outer layers absorb the most intense radiation from the sun. When that happens, the amino acids in your hair get disturbed. 

Over time, the cuticles’ protective capabilities are worn down and can only provide minimal protection. When that happens, the cells in your hair start to rupture, causing damage to your entire head of hair, not just the outer layers.

Unfortunately, sun damage can go deep, penetrating the scalp and damaging the look and feel of your hair.

For example, one of the tell-tale signs of sun damage is a change in your hair’s color. Scientists have found that every color type can undergo significant changes when exposed to UV radiation; however, it can be more pronounced in lighter-colored hair than in dark-colored hair.

This color change occurs whether your hair color is natural or dyed. So, if you have recently dyed your hair, you may notice it starts to fade faster than usual if you have been exposed to long periods of sunlight. 

What Does Sun Damage Hair Look Like?

Sun damage can cause different reactions to hair, so the sun damage you experience may look different from what your sister or your best friend is going through. 

Here are some signs to look for if you’re worried that UV rays have damaged your hair. Of course, these symptoms will be paired with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

• Your hair becomes weak and breakable.
• Your hair is frizzy and hard to control.
• You have more split ends (even if you recently got a haircut).
• Your hair is dry and rough.
• Your hair is tangled and difficult to brush.
• Your hair lacks shine.
• Your hair color is fading.
• Your hair is difficult to curl, straighten, or style.

You can experience these symptoms in any combination after getting sun damage. The severity can depend on your hair type and the length of sun exposure.

How to Prevent Sun Damage Hair

If you haven’t experienced sun damage, there’s still time to prevent it. 

Here are some of the best ways to provide sun protection for your hair throughout the year.

• Wear a hat or cover on your head to shield your hair from direct sunlight. 
• Use a scalp treatment – a healthy scalp can help your hair grow stronger and healthier. 
• Use dry shampoo during summer, as traditional shampoo can dry your hair. 
• Avoid using a hair dryer, straightener, or curling iron. These can weaken your hair’s outer layers, making it more susceptible to sun damage.
• Use a swim cap in the pool to prevent chlorine and salt from worsening the damage to your hair.  
• Invest in a hairbrush that won’t cause further damage to your hair, such as the Spornette Luxury Cushion or the Deville Boar Cushion.

How to Treat Sun Damage Hair

Of course, it is not always possible to prevent sun damage. If your hair becomes brittle, dry, thin, and frizzy due to sun damage, here are some ways to treat it and help it recover.

Infuse it with moisture

Sun-damaged hair needs hydration, and it needs it fast. So, if your hair becomes sun damaged, your best bet is to infuse it with moisture using a hydrating hair mask. Look for products that contain high amounts of proteins, biotin, and lipids, as these will help your sun-damaged hair heal and strengthen.

Switch to moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner

You don’t want to overdo it with hair masks. So, after giving your hair a much-needed hydration boost, follow up with moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner. Use these products throughout the summer to help your hair remain healthy and robust, providing better protection against the sun’s harmful rays. 

Get a hair trim

The best way to get rid of split ends and broken strands is to get a hair trim. So, don’t skip your regular trim, even if you are trying to grow your hair out. You may even want to schedule an extra one this summer to keep your hair looking and feeling great.

Protect Your Hair All Year with the Right Hairbrush

We often think about sun damage during summer, but it can happen all year. The same is true for any hair damage.

That’s why it’s so important to have a high-quality hair brush that protects your hair and keeps it strong and healthy.

With over 60+ years of professional experience in hair care, Spornette has focused its efforts on providing excellent customer service and creating superior and high-quality brushes. Spornette brushes are at the heart of every great hair care routine, and make brushes for the style you want! Purchase one today!