With days growing longer, and the weather getting warmer and warmer, we’re gearing up for summer. Bathing suit season means getting
into shape and jumpstarting our summer tans (which are – hopefully - fake). But before we can talk about what we need to do to get
our hair ready for summer fun, we should look at what are considered the biggest summer hair problems:
Sun Damage:
Dry/Scorched Hair
85% of women in the U.S. (with similar figures in other countries) have color-treated or
chemically-processed hair. Processed hair is already depleted of moisture and is susceptible to serious sun damage. The combined
effects of the heat and UV radiation from the sun can leave you with dry, brittle hair. This means that while you are sitting there
on the sand (or poolside), or playing in the water, your hair is being bombarded and the moisture is leeching out.
The heat of the sun can swell the cuticle of the hair and open it, causing the hair to release
moisture. So to combat this effect, you need to use a leave-in conditioner, which along with restoring moisture, will help to seal the
cuticle and protect the hair from sun damage.
Women and men should also consider the use of SPF sprays, particularly if you have fair skin
and/or lightly-colored hair. The SPF sprays can be used as a pre-treatment, before the use of leave-in conditioner. These SPF sprays
should be used in whatever strength can be found (15, 30, etc.) as skin cancers can occur on the scalp, and the SPF sprays not only
help protect the hair, but they guard against these cancerous effects as well.
Color Loss:
Another thing that the SPF sprays can assist with is the loss of color due to prolonged and
repeated exposure to the sun. The SPF sprays can help protect against the color leeching effects of the UV radiation.
You can also look at having a clear gloss application performed on your hair. These colorless
treatments deposit shine enhancers and sealants which help to protect the hair, add shine and seal in the color of the hair.
In addition to these options, you should use a color-enhancing shampoo and conditioner to help
you maintain the integrity of your color treated hair. These products contain color enhancing agents that help you to keep the
vibrancy and richness of your color for as long as possible, maximizing the life of your color service.
Of course there is a simple way to help protect your hair from the effects of the sun in summer. You just wear a hat. These can be
stylish, and fun, but may make you susceptible to the dreaded “hat head”.
85% of women in the U.S. (with similar figures in other countries) have color-treated or
chemically-processed hair. Processed hair is already depleted of moisture and is susceptible to serious sun damage. The combined
effects of the heat and UV radiation from the sun can leave you with dry, brittle hair. This means that while you are sitting there
on the sand (or poolside), or playing in the water, your hair is being bombarded and the moisture is leeching out.