It’s not all fun in the sun! Don’t forget that your hair and scalp also need protecting from the harsh effects of UV
As temperates in the UK amp up, so does the potential damage to your skin and hair. Whether you’re in the park or enjoying a socially-distanced barbecue, prolonged UV exposure can break down hair proteins which create free radicals. These cause hair to appear much duller and weaken its physical properties, making it much more likely to break. If you have coloured hair this causes its own raft of problems. UV rays penetrate and damage the hair protein structure, inducing premature hair ageing from the inside and degrading your beautiful hair colour.
“Many of us spend time and money investing in our skin, but most of us neglect our scalp and hair, when we definitely shouldn’t,” says hairdresser and trichologist Simone Thomas. Your skin cells may regenerate but your hair doesn’t! So whether it’s your scalp burning, hair breakage or your hair colour being affected, there are many reasons to incorporate SPF protection into your hair routine.
“Never neglect your scalp, even on a sunny but colder day. With so many options to protect you from the sun there is something for everyone. For those that don’t like wearing hats, it’s really important to invest in products that are designed to protect your hair and scalp whatever your plans are,” adds Simone. “Always look for hair care products which have anti UVA and UVB filters. This prevents your hair from drying out and becoming damaged by the sun’s rays.”
Simone advises opening a new product each summer, as those which have been opened previously will have a reduced protective property. Many of us are keen to enjoy local beer gardens, but if possible avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day, from midday to 4PM. After exposure to the sun, also re-hydrate your hair with an intensive hair mask or overnight treatment.
The sun’s rays can be pretty powerful and can speed up some chemical reactions. “If you’re blonde, you’re hopefully already using a professional purple shampoo every 6 to 8 weeks,” says Remi Cachet Super Stylist, Asya Cannur of Hair by Asya in Chelmsford Essex. “But extension wearers and anyone with coloured hair need to be more wary of their hair coming into contact with other chemicals such as sun cream, perfumes, chlorine in swimming pools and hard water areas. The chemical and minerals in the water can change the hair to have pink and brassy orange hues.”
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