From UV sprays to deep conditioners, here’s how to help keep strands protected & perfected
That first glimmer of sunshine after months of dull, grey weather? There’s nothing quite like it. Warmer days mean more time spent enjoying the great outdoors – think picnics in the park, drinks in pub gardens and holidays by the sea. Dreamy.
While we’re pros when it comes to facial SPF, it can be easy to forget our hair and scalp. To help avoid the summertime brittleness that UV damage can bring about, three top hair experts answer some of our most burning questions. Meet Gorka Arraras and Hanna Karlsson, directors of G&H Hair London and Hannah Gaboardi, a leading trichologist and Viviscal ambassador.
Here’s everything you need to know about how the sun can affect your hair and how you can help reduce its impact.
Can sun exposure damage your scalp?
The short answer? Yes.
“The skin on your scalp is as important as the skin on your face – it’s just as easily damaged by harmful UV rays,” says Hannah. “The health of your scalp reflects the quality of your hair, so it’s extremely important to look after it.”
Can sunlight damage your hair?
While we love a bit of sun in moderation (and always wearing SPF), too much can affect how our hair looks and feels.
“As well as damaging the scalp, prolonged sun exposure can dry out the hair and damage its protein structure, often resulting in low elasticity, breakage and split ends,” says Hannah.
How can you tell if your hair’s sun damaged?
From changes to its texture to even its colour, there are some telltale signs to look out for.
“It’s likely to feel dry, frizzy and brittle,” reveals Gorka. “In turn, this can cause broken ends and, sometimes, an orange-toned discolouration.”
Can you put sunscreen in your hair?
Yes, you can. But if the thought of slathering on your SPF50 over your strands doesn’t sound all that appealing, rest assured that there are some great hair products out there that help protect, without weighing hair down, like the Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Protection Sunscreen Powder SPF 30.
“You should treat your scalp and hair like any other part of your body that you expose to the sun,” says Hannah. “Look at brands that offer UV protection tailored to both the scalp and hair.”
Some of our favourites include hair and body SPF mists and sunscreen waters with broad-spectrum protection. They’re super lightweight; almost like invisible shields.
8 ways to protect your hair from the sun
Want to keep hair looking gorgeously healthy all summer long? Whatever colour or style you embrace, go into the warmer months equipped with our favourite lock-loving tips and products.
1. Wear a hat or scarf
“I’d always suggest protecting your hair by wearing a scarf or hat,” says Hannah.
Gorka adds: “It’s especially important to cover your parting – if you get burnt here, it can cause a lot of damage to your scalp and hair.”
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
As well as a good haircare routine, you may be able to eat your way to stronger strands. A healthy, balanced diet including wholegrain foods, fruit, vegetables and plenty of water can help build defences from within, as a lack of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and protein, can contribute to hair loss.
For more support, a hair supplement could be a welcome addition to your regime. “Extra TLC during the hotter months is vital,” says Hannah. One to consider? Viviscal Women’s Max Strength Supplement, which contains biotin and zinc to help maintain normal healthy hair growth from within.
3. Step up your haircare routine
Extra moisture may help prevent breakage. “Use extra moisturising hair products and be generous with their application,” Hannah recommends. “If you’re going to be in the sun without a hat, I’d suggest popping on a shield-like treatment or nourishing leave-in conditioner.”
4. Comb, don’t brush
Swapping your brush for a wide-tooth comb is a good move – it’s much gentler.
“A wide-tooth comb is less likely to cause breakage if hair is feeling a bit dry due to sun, sand and sea,” says Gorka.
5. Tie your hair up
If you’re not a hat fan, wearing your hair up in a loose bun or a plait can stop some of your strands getting hit by damaging UVA and UVB rays.
“Always use a silk or satin scrunchie to avoid hair snapping,” advises Hanna.
Try: Silver Cloud Caramel Skinny Satin Scrunchies
• Size: 5 scrunchies
• High quality satin
• Suitable for all hair types
• Gentle on hair
For a hair tie upgrade, look no further than these super-soft scrunchies. As well as helping protect against breakage, they’re less likely to leave kinks behind. And thanks to their infusion of advanced silver ion technology, they help inhibit bacteria growth to keep your scrunchie fresher for longer.
6. Give your hair a break from heat styling
“If you know you’ll be spending a lot of your time in the summer sun, pause any heat styling,” Gorka recommends. “Heat, combined with the strength of the rays, could be too much for hair to handle, potentially causing brittleness and breakage.”
If you do need to style with heat on occasion, always make sure you use a good heat protect spray beforehand to help shield strands.
7. Reduce time in the sun
It can also be helpful to seek shade during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 11am and 3pm.
“Avoiding this time means you’ll avoid most of the damage,” says Gorka.
8. Protect hair when you’re swimming
If your summer involves splashing around in the sea or spending time in the swimming pool, chances are your hair will feel a little bit dry from the saltwater and chlorine.
A swimming hat is always a good idea to protect your hair – but if this cramps your style, try to avoid getting your hair too wet or give it a good rinse post-swim and follow-up with a super hydrating leave-in conditioner.
10 of the best hair products for caring for your hair in the sun
Now that you’ve got the full lowdown on protecting your strands and scalp, here are some of our favourite products for nourished holiday and summer hair.
From scalp and hair sunscreens to strengthening shampoos, conditioners and hair masks, these products will help boost defences before and after sun exposure.
Shop more great hair products in our full range.
Best lightweight sunscreen
Try: AVEDA Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
• Size: 100ml
• Water-resistant
• Up to 16-hour sun protection
• Naturally-derived UV filters
• Suitable for all hair types
As light as water, this sun protection spray works a treat for shielding the scalp, protecting hair from sun exposure and minimising damage and dryness by forming an invisible screen. Fast-absorbing and lightweight, it’s also enriched with Aveda's own pure-fume™ aroma with organic neroli and ylang ylang.
Best multipurpose hair oil
Try: NUXE Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Hair Oil
• Size: 100ml
• Non-greasy finish
• Can be applied before & after swimming to protect hair
This easy-to-apply, milky oil spray is a multipurpose dream. Great for those looking to shield their hair from the effects of UV rays, saltwater and chlorine, this ultra-light and non-greasy mist repairs the hair and adds shine without weighing it down. And with a sweet orange, Tiare flower and vanilla scent, you’ll be transported to a tropical climate with every spritz.
Best UV-protecting hair mask
Try: Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water-Resistant Mask
• Size: 200ml
• UV protection
• Water-resistant
A favourite among sunbathers and holiday-goers alike, Philip Kingsley’s Swimcap Mask is a poolside must-have. It’s been formulated to deeply condition and protect against the effects of chlorine and saltwater. How? It creates a protective layer on the hair, ultimately helping to reduce breakage, colour fade and dryness.
Best scalp mist
Try: Soltan Clear & Cool Head & Scalp Suncare Mist SPF30
• Size: 100ml
• Transparent & non-greasy
• Tropical fragrance
• Water resistant
• Vegan*
Want a suncare mist that does it all? Give this Soltan one a go – its advanced protection with UVA and UVB filters means you get scalp and parting protection against both short and long term skin damage. And with its instant cooling effect, it refreshes right away.
Best moisturising shampoo
Try: Mark Hill Holiday Hair Sunkissed Shampoo
• Size: 150ml
• Suitable for all hair types
We know that the sun can cause dry hair, so let’s remedy that with an ultra-moisturising shampoo. This one from Mark Hill is a great option for hydrating parched lengths, thanks to its creamy formula that cleanses and quenches locks. Coating hair in a blend of mango and coconut extract, as well as Kerasylium, it helps to prevent breakage and UV-induced colour fading.
Best strengthening conditioner
Try: Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Hydrating Conditioner
• Size: 200ml
• Hydrates hair & reduces frizz
• Weightless formula
Formulated with coconut, argan, grape seed, macadamia nut and sweet almond oils, this multi-tasking conditioner leaves locks looking shiny and healthy, without weighing them down. It detangles to protect against breakage, nourishes dry, brittle hair, and let’s not forget its refreshing scent that lingers on lengths.
Best hydration hair mask
Try: Kérastase Soleil Masque Apres Soleil Hair Mask
• Size: 200ml
• Unique gel texture
Smooth hair from root to tip with this deep recovery mask, enriched with coconut water to replenish hair’s hydration after sun, sand and salt exposure. Designed to give new life to damaged ends, we love its lightweight texture and summer scent of jasmine and tuberose.
Best powder protection
Try: Supergoop! (Re)setting Powder™ SPF 30
• Size: 4.25g
• Ideal for on the go
• Brush is 100% synthetic bristles
What if we told you that you could set make-up, mattify shine and get sun protection all in one? Enter the multitasking powder from Supergoop!. This mineral make-up setting powder is perfect for retouching your look and reapplying your SPF anytime, anywhere, thanks to its handy built-in brush. Simply apply it to your scalp, hairline and anywhere else that might catch the sun!
