Summer = Danger for your hair? Everything you need to know to protect your hair from the sun
The summer sun is well known for its benefits to our morale and health, but that's not all! Did you know? The sun's heat is thought to boost blood circulation in the scalp vessels, accelerating hair growth. However, the omnipresence of the celestial star during the summer season is not without harmful consequences for hair health! Although we're now well aware of the need to protect our skin from nasty UV rays, we often overlook the damage the sun causes to our hair and scalp. In summer, our hair's beauty capital is often put to the test. We explain why and suggest some precautions you can take to protect it.
The dangers of the sun for your hair
UV and infrared rays: a devastating hair duo
Drying out:
UV rays alter the hydrolipidic (protective) film on the surface of the hair. When the hair scales are not protected, the rays penetrate the hair shaft and dehydrate the hair, leaving it dry, brittle and rough.
Discolouration:
UV rays break down melanin, the pigment that gives hair its colour. The result is a lightening of the hair, especially for people with coloured or highlighted hair. Hair is also likely to become dull and straw-like.
Dandruff :
Infrared rays are just as dangerous. They dry out the epidermis of the scalp, which, combined with sea salt and chlorine from swimming pools, can lead to dandruff.
Stagnation of fatty acids and weakening of hair :
Over-exposure to the sun's rays causes the fatty acids contained in the sebum to stagnate under the epidermis. This compresses the hair roots and hinders the internal circulation of the trace elements necessary for healthy hair. With poor circulation, hair becomes fine, brittle, split ends and falls out more quickly.
Production of free radicals accelerates hair loss :
The sun encourages the production of free radicals, particularly in the tissues surrounding hair follicles. Free radicals are unstable molecules that react easily with other molecules and damage them. In our case, free radicals attack the perifollicular collagen in the hair. This ultimately leads to a loss of suppleness and increased compression of the hair roots, which accelerates hair loss.
Precautions to take to protect your hair from the sun
Use hair protection with UV filters
There are many hair protection sprays containing UV filters. Some kind of sun cream for hair. So before exposing your hair to the sun, apply your hair protector to preserve the cohesion of keratin and prevent hair loss. We also recommend reapplying every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.
Wear a hat
Hats, scarves, caps... not only do these accessories add a stylish touch to your look, they also protect your hair from the sun. It's the perfect excuse to expand your hat collection!
Rinse your hair with fresh water
Sea salt and chlorine are not your hair's best friends. After each swim, rinse your hair with fresh water to remove any residue. Use a leave-in conditioner to add a layer of moisture and protection. If no shower is available, take a bottle of water with you to rinse your hair on the spot.
Wash your hair with gentle products
In the evening, rinse your hair thoroughly and wash with an ultra-gentle shampoo or conditioner. Twice a week, apply a regenerating mask to soften and repair damaged hair.
Adopt a balanced diet
Before, during and after your holidays, eat a balanced diet and provide your body with all the micronutrients it needs to keep your hair looking beautiful. find out all about it here
Possibly boost with supplements:
Biotin, zinc, special hair growth and anti-hair loss boosts are available. These include here
Extra tips for taking good care of your hair in this summer of (hair) danger
Be careful if you have blond hair:
This is because blonde hair is more sensitive to the sun than dark hair due to its lower melanin content. The effects of the sun will therefore be stronger! So be careful!
If your hair is already damaged by the sun, use a keratin-based hair treatment to repair it.
Keratin is the protein that makes up hair. It therefore helps to strengthen and protect the hair.
Avoid heated styling tools
Let the straightening iron and hairdryer take a holiday too. The extra heat makes your hair more vulnerable to damage. So opt for natural styles and let your hair air dry. Your hair will thank you!
Make a homemade hair mask with olive oil and yoghurt to moisturise and revitalise your hair after exposure to the sun.
Olive oil is an excellent moisturiser, while yoghurt is rich in proteins that help strengthen hair.
Some Klineva hair transplant results
If you had a hair transplant in the summer, remember :
- no swimming for at least a month
- Avoid exposing your new hair as much as possible, especially during the first few weeks (bob or very large hat that can be worn from 7 days).
- avoid sweating as much as possible (so no steam baths, saunas or sports for 1 month)
- find our complete guide to post-transplant sport here and to post-transplant care to maximise results here
Conclusion
The sun can be your hair's number one enemy during the summer, but with the right precautions you can protect and maintain its health. By using UV protectors, wearing hats, rinsing your hair after every swim, washing it with gentle products and eating a balanced diet, you can enjoy the sun without compromising your hair's shine. Take care of your hair this summer and it will thank you!
Similar questions
Why is the sun bad for your hair?
The sun can cause significant damage to hair. UV and infra-red rays dry out the hair and scalp, break down melanin (causing discolouration), and promote the production of free radicals that accelerate hair loss. In summer, your hair's beauty capital is put to the test.
What are the main dangers of UV and infrared rays on hair?
UV rays alter hair's protective hydrolipidic film, making it dry, brittle and rough. They also break down melanin, making hair lighter and duller. Infrared rays dry out the scalp and encourage the appearance of dandruff. Together, they lead to finer, weaker hair.
How do salt and chlorine affect hair?
Sea salt and chlorine from swimming pools are not your hair's best friends. They dry out and irritate the scalp. What's more, they break down the hair's natural and artificial pigments. Your hair is more likely to be damaged and dull in these conditions.
What precautions should I take to protect my hair from the sun?
- Use hair protection with UV filters Apply UV protection sprays before exposure to the sun and reapply every two hours.
- Wear a hat A hat, scarf or cap protects your scalp and hair.
- Rinse your hair with fresh water After swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water to remove salt and chlorine.
- Wash your hair with gentle products Use an ultra-gentle shampoo or conditioner and apply a regenerating mask twice a week.
- Adopt a balanced diet : Eat a balanced diet and take food supplements if necessary
What can affect hair loss in summer?
Ihere is a condition called "summer alopecia" which causes hair loss in summer. This condition is more common in women and children. The exact cause of summer alopecia is not known, but it is thought to be linked to a combination of factors, including stress, hormonal changes and sun exposure.
What advice do you have for people who have had a hair transplant in the summer?
- Avoid swimming for at least a month.
- Protect new hair from exposure to the sun, especially in the first few weeks. Wear a wide-brimmed hat from 7 days after the operation.
- Avoid excessive sweating, so no steam baths, saunas or intense sport for a month. For more details, see our complete guide to post-transplant care.