After the chill of winter has gone and all I have schlepped all of my winter hats down to the basement, all I want to do is have my head space expanded. However, that all changed once I found out about the affects sun has on our hair. Now, that hat wearing idea sounds so much better. What? Hair can get a sunburn? Now that I’ve got your attention….this is not possible since hair is not alive.
However, sun exposure will damage your hair’s natural protective film. In fact, a study put out by the Renee Furtere Research Center discovered that after three days of sun exposure, the scale-like cells that cover each individual hair shaft begin to pull off. Without those scale-like cells, hair becomes dry, dull, and straw-like. If you want “run your fingers through my hair” quality this summer, take these simple precautions before you “head out into the sun.
Hats, scarves, and bandanas, oh my. The colors and patterns out this year are so much fun, I’d even where these at home in the middle of winter. Make sure that these head coverings aren’t so tight, otherwise it will restrict circulation in your scalp. If hats, scarves, and bandanas aren’t your thing, apply a leave in hair conditioner with sun screen before heading out into in the sun. You can also apply regular sun screen to your hair as well.
Keep it cool and natural. avoid washing your hair too much during the summer months, which can take the moisture out of your hair. Also, do not wash your hair in hot water, use warm or cool water instead. Believe it or not, the heat from the water can dry out and/or damage your hair and skin. If you are a hair straightening fanatic, summer is the time to limit your use of blow dryers and curling irons. If you can’t leave the house without using these items, use a leave in conditioner before to keep these smooth.
Speaking of water, hydrate. Staying hydrated is key for healthy hair and your overall health, so make sure that you are drinking enough water this summer. Read the ingredients in your bottle of shampoo and avoid hair products with formaldehyde or alcohol in your hair because it will dry it out. Personally, I am a big fan of natural hair products like Jason Tea Tree Scalp Normalizing Shampoo, which smells amazing and is gentler on your hair and scalp. If possible, try not to wash your hair every day because it will strip the moisture out of your hair.
How will you combat the hot, warm sun on your tresses this summer? Hat? Scarf? Conditioner?
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I have known it wasn’t good to wash your hair every day but I didn’t realize the sun could dry out your hair as well. I’ve never heard of leave in conditioner with sunscreen in it but it is definitely something I am going to try and get as hats in the summer are not my thing!
interesting article- def very hot outside!
I have heard that using a different shampoo after14 dyas of use can be benefitial to hair. Also, using alternative shampoo and conditioner i.e. volume and hydrating.
Wearing a sheitel and having very thick hair is something I am trying to deal with- wothout shaving off all my hair, too!
I love wearing tichels, pre-tieds, and caps in the summer, keeps my neck cool, (head, too, since wigs can be heavy), look stylish, and protect my hair.
I went to a baseball game this past Sunday. I wanted to wear a team cap, but it didn’t cover all my hair. I wore a headband upside down to cover the bottom of my hair, then put on the cap. Protected my head in the intense sun, showed team spirit, and covered my head.
WOW never realized it can do that to your hair
Thnx for the info
Having very long and thick hair, summer was also very hot. Getting married about a year and a half ago, and covering my hair, has alleviated this. My hair was quite thick, and no one could get it into a sheital. So I had it cut shorter, and thinned out. I find the Israeli tichels to be very comfortable, and I don’t even notice I am wearing them out in the hot sun. My falls don’t really bother me either.
The not washing too often thing kills me. I have fine hair and have to wash it or it gets dull very quickly. Plus, it’s so hot in summer. It was 103 here yesterday. I wanted nothing more than to jump in the shower.
I use conditioner a lot more in the summer. That’s my main defense. That and carrying a water bottle with me when I go out so that I always have enough water on hand.
wow, i never knew the sun could do all those things to your hair! and i’m out in the sun all the time!! guess i ought to get some wide headbands or something not too heavy
On those hot summer days that are soon to come I plan on cutting out the blow dryer and straightener! Instead I take a little mousse (enough to look good!) and scrunch my hair so that I don’t have to worry about it going frizzy after slaving over it with the hot blow dryer!!!! Great blow post by the way!
Thanks,
princess.ella@live.ca
I love wearing the Israeli tichels in the summer. They are so light and thin you don’t even feel them. And they come in so many colors to match all my outfits.
I will wash my hair in cool water and the info was great.
I have very long thick curly hair and putting on a pretied in the summer is the best thing, even though before i got married I just wore a bun
Having curly hair I don’t use shampoo more than once or twice a week, just because shampoo can dry hair out as well. But I didn’t know that the sunlight can mess up hair… interesting.
I actually only wash my hair once a week or so. I ‘wash’ it with conditioner every day though. Makes it so nice and soft and so much more manageable!
Guilty!!!!!!!!! I know I should be doing better in the summer. But when it get’s that hot. It’s hard to do right.
I wear a hat anyway to protect my face and neck from the sun and since my hair is always covered outdoors, I don’t worry too much about sun damage. Instead, I worry about bringing out the dandruff shampoo because all that sweaty, covered hair makes me prone to dandruff. And FYI, dandruff isn’t just “dry flakes,” it’s often caused by a fungus, so think on that for a second!
I tweeted this article.
It’s extremely hot here in FL! Guess I need a few more hats!!!!!!!!
I think a bandana will be my first line of defense.
And a hat for the days that are worse.
I love to wear headband in the summer. The sun can still lighten my hair.
My hair is always frizzy and dry! There are some great tips here…thanks!
http://twitter.com/stephifrsweeps/status/17136775561
Tweeted 1
http://twitter.com/stephifrsweeps/status/17136775561
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I love to wear the pretieds in the summer! I have thick, curly hair and I regularly wash it only every other day to keep it from getting too gross!
I’ll use some scarves, lots of conditioner, and sunblock. I don’t spend nearly enough time outside. I’ve been trying to spend at least a little time outside every day, but it’s been over 100 so even when we go out we try to stay in the shade!
This summer I will wash my hair and use a little more conditioner. My hair tends to get more frizzy in the summer. So I keep it up with a big barret and a bandana over my hair as well. It keeps my scalp from burning.