How to protect your hair from the sun?

That's it, the days are finally getting longer, spring is slowly arriving, and the sun is starting to show its face more and more frequently. While this is perfect for replenishing your vitamin D, it's also not without consequences for the health of your hair!

And yes, protecting your hair from the sun is essential to keep it healthy because, just like our skin, our hair is sensitive to UV rays .

Prolonged exposure of your hair to the sun can dry it out, weaken it, bleach it or even cause breakage of your beautiful hair.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the harmful effects the sun can have on your hair, and how to protect yourself from it, so you can keep your dream hair even during your sunny vacation!

And to draw up a complete assessment of your hair and scalp, LAO has combined its knowledge in a diagnosis to do in just 1 minute. It's your turn!

Harmful effects of the sun on hair

Exposure to ultraviolet rays can have harmful effects on the structure and health of hair.

UV rays can initially cause dehydration of the cuticle (the hair's protective layer, made up of scales) by altering its natural lipid structure. The scales will then lose elasticity , making them more likely to lift and break. Your hair then becomes dry, dull and brittle .

Furthermore, UV rays will react with the proteins that make up the hair fiber, particularly keratin , through an oxidation reaction that causes the disulfide bonds in the hair to break . Since these bonds are largely responsible for the strength and health of your hair, they then become weakened and damaged .

Finally, exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause a breakdown of melanin , the pigment responsible for your hair's color. This reaction then leads to discoloration , which explains why your hair is often lighter after summer.

UV rays therefore have a real impact on the quality and health of your hair fiber, and it is crucial to protect your hair well during the summer.

Tips to protect your hair from the sun

To protect your hair from the sun, there's no need to change your entire routine! These few simple tips will help you make the most of your sunny vacation while limiting the harmful effects of sun exposure.

First, cover your hair with a hat or scarf when exposed to the sun for long periods to protect it from UV rays. A physical barrier is still the best protection!

Next, limit direct sun exposure , especially during the hours when the rays are most intense. As with skin, prefer exposure before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Finally, use hair products with sun protection or proven effectiveness in protecting against oxidation caused by the sun. This is the case, for example, with our purifying and nourishing shampoos , whose patented technology protects hair from +50% of damage caused by UVA rays and pollution .

And if you also want to know how to protect your hair from salt water this summer, check out our blog post dedicated to this topic!

Summer hair routine

To effectively protect your hair during the summer and when bathing in the sea, it is important to adapt your hair care routine to add more hydration and nutrition and limit the damage caused by the sun's rays.

Due to increased exposure to sun and heat, your hair tends to dry out faster in the summer. Using a shampoo that gently cleanses your hair is the key to cleansing it without stripping it of its natural moisture .

For example, our nourishing shampoo with hemp oil , 100% natural origin, with a pH close to the pH of hair and without sulfates will wash and nourish your hair to allow it to regain shine and softness . Ideal after a day at the beach!

Also incorporate hair products containing UV filters into your routine, such as UV-blocking hair sprays or oils. Apply them to your hair before going outside to help protect the hair fiber from the sun's harmful rays.

During and after your vacation, take the time to apply a Conditioner , LAO Care has created a detangling treatment ideal for fine to normal hair, its creamy but light formula gently detangles the hair, but above all leaves the hair light and soft from the first application.

Finally, avoid heating devices as much as possible. during the summer. The extra heat can make your hair even more susceptible to sun damage and further weaken it.

Nutrition and hydration

During the holidays, we tend to indulge more easily: eating out, cooling off with ice cream or a soda... These small deviations from your usual diet can also have a significant impact on the health of your hair. Weakened by your diet, it will then suffer even more damage after exposure to the sun.

So, in order to limit the damage, it is important to maintain a balanced diet as much as possible.

Start by drinking enough water every day , as summer heat and sun exposure can cause your hair to become more dehydrated, making it dry and brittle. Drinking enough water will help keep your body and hair hydrated.

Then remember to eat a varied diet, and choose foods rich in essential fatty acids (oily fish, camelina or flax oil ) to maintain the strength and shine of your hair . Foods rich in vitamin E , such as nuts and seeds, can also help protect hair from damage caused by UV rays .

Additionally, a healthy diet promotes good blood circulation , which is important for delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles, thus promoting good hair growth .

Finally, certain nutrients, such as amino acids found in proteins, are essential for hair repair. A diet rich in protein (soy, red meat, cheese, eggs) can therefore help repair damage caused by the sun's rays or chlorine during the summer.

Myths and Facts About Sun Protection for Hair

Myth #1: Hair is safe from the sun.

This is false. Just like our skin, hair can be damaged by UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to thinning of the hair, dryness, brittleness, and breakage of the hair fiber.

Myth #2: Hair products containing sunscreen are not necessary.

This is still false. Hair products with sunscreen are essential for protecting hair from UV damage. Choose LAO Care shampoos , which feature technology that protects the hair fiber from oxidation caused by UVA rays.

On the other hand, it is important to use products specifically formulated for hair , because sunscreens for skin are not necessarily suitable for hair.

Myth #3: Wearing a hat is enough to protect your hair from the sun.

This is partly true. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to protect your hair from the sun, but it won't provide complete protection. After all, you won't always be wearing your hat when you go swimming in the sea or pool!

Combining wearing a hat with the use of hair products containing sun protection is therefore ideal for protecting your hair from UV rays.

Myth #4: Dark hair is not affected by the sun.

This is obviously false. Although dark hair naturally contains more melanin , it can still be damaged by prolonged sun exposure.

Dark hair is therefore just as affected and can lighten or become drier and more brittle due to the harmful effects of the sun.

Conclusion

Just like with skin, sun exposure can have harmful effects on the health of your hair.

No need to cancel your vacation just yet! Simply adopt the right habits and prioritize a suitable hair care routine during your next beach vacation. This will preserve the health of your hair , allowing you to enjoy your vacation with complete peace of mind!

Frequently asked questions?

How to naturally protect your hair from the sun?

To naturally protect your hair from the sun, here are some simple tips to follow:

Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from direct sunlight.
Limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the rays are most intense.
Use hair products that contain sun protection in your routine, such as UV-protective hair sprays or oils, or our patented shampoos that protect your hair from oxidation caused by the sun and pollution.
Reduce the use of straighteners and hair dryers during the summer months, as the extra heat can make your hair more susceptible to sun damage.
If possible, avoid coloring your hair frequently during the summer, as the chemicals in hair dyes can make hair more susceptible to sun damage.

Which oil to protect your hair from the sun?

Be careful, contrary to popular belief, oil has no effect on protecting your hair from the sun .

It can, however, help protect the hair from other damaging factors such as salt or chlorine by acting as a barrier, but that's all.

As an example, we tested the UV protection of hemp oil on strands, and the % protection was 0!

How to protect your hair when going to the beach?

To protect your hair at the beach, wear a hat or scarf to shield it from direct sunlight. Also, limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are most intense.

Before swimming in the sea, rinse your hair with clean tap water. This will help saturate your hair with fresh water, reducing the absorption of sea salt, which can dry out and damage your hair. After swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water to remove the salt.

Why does my hair get lighter in the sun?

When you expose yourself to the sun, ultraviolet rays penetrate your hair fiber and degrade melanin , the natural pigment responsible for the color of your hair.

This results in a decrease in the amount of melanin in the hair and, consequently, a gradual lightening of the hair color.

The lightening of your hair caused by the sun can vary depending on your natural hair color, as well as the duration and intensity of sun exposure.

If you want to know the right steps to take to care for your scalp and your lengths, don't forget to take our online diagnosis: