Are you suffering from issues like dryness, brittleness, colour fading, and even breakage? Are you finding it difficult to fight these problems no matter how much effort you I vest into it? Well, then, your issue may not be malnutrition or other scalp issues. Knowing or unknowingly, you may be suffering from hair damage from sun exposure. Protecting your hair from sun damage is essential to maintain its health. So, how does one do that? We have sunscreen lotion, gel or cream to protect our bodies from the harmful, ageing effects of the sun. But what about our hair? How can you protect your hair from sun damage?

How to protect your hair from sun damage?

Wear a hat or scarf

One of the simplest ways to shield your hair from the sun is by wearing a hat or scarf. Choose a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf made of a light, breathable fabric to provide shade and protect your hair and scalp from direct sunlight. This is one of the easiest solutions to the question of how you can protect your hair from sun damage.

Use UV protection products

Look for hair care products that offer UV protection. These can include leave-in conditioners, serums, sprays, or styling products specifically formulated to shield your hair from the sun’s harmful rays. Apply these products before heading out, and reapply as needed throughout the day.

Limit sun exposure

Try to avoid excessive sun exposure during peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. If possible, seek shade or cover your hair during these hours to reduce exposure to damaging UV radiation.

Apply a leave-in conditioner

Sun exposure can dehydrate your hair, leading to dryness and damage. Applying a leave-in conditioner with moisturizing properties can help keep your hair hydrated and prevent it from becoming brittle. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.

Protect coloured hair

If you have colour-treated hair, sunlight can cause the colour to fade more quickly. To protect your hair colour from sun damage, use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for colour-treated hair, wear a hat or use UV protection products, and consider getting touch-ups or refreshing your colour regularly.

Hydrate your hair

Proper hydration is crucial to maintain healthy hair. Drink plenty of water to keep your body and hair hydrated from within. Also, regularly use hydrating hair masks or deep conditioners to nourish and moisturize your hair, especially after sun exposure.

Avoid excessive heat styling

Excessive heat styling, such as blow-drying, straightening, or curling, can further damage sun-exposed hair. So, if you are wondering how to protect your hair from sun damage, minimize using heat styling tools. Instead, opt for heat-free hairstyles or air drying whenever possible to reduce additional stress on your hair.

Rinse after swimming

Chlorine and salt water can be harsh on your hair, especially when combined with sun exposure. After swimming, rinse your hair with clean water to remove any chlorine or salt residues and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to replenish moisture.

So, I hope you have learned how to protect your hair from sun damage. But do you know how to repair your already sun-damaged hair? Well, oil treatment is considered one of the most effective ways to repair your damaged hair. So, why don’t we explore that?

How to repair your sun-damaged hair using oil?

Treating sun-damaged hair with oil can help restore moisture, nourish the strands, and repair some of the damage caused by sun exposure. Here’s how you can use oil to treat sun-damaged hair.

Choose the right oil

Opt for oils that are known for their nourishing and reparative properties. Some popular options include coconut, argan, jojoba, olive, and almond oils. These oils are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that can help repair and moisturize sun-damaged hair. If you ask me, the perfect oil will be Nutriplus VCO. Want to know more about it?

Nutriplus Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)

Nutriplus VCO is the product for you. This cold-pressed, pure, and natural oil is highly beneficial for you. Compared with other refined coconut oils available in the market, this unrefined coconut oil is the storehouse of MCFAs or medium-fatty chain acids.

Additionally, Nutriplus VCO, because of its unrefined and natural state, contains a lot of antioxidants, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with the natural aroma and taste the oil adds to your dishes, this makes VCO the perfect cooking oil for a healthy you. As a member of a society that consumes fat mainly through oils, this is the ultimate solution for you. Now, you can use oil in your food without any concerns. But moreover, this pure coconut is excellent for your skin and your hair. That’s why I recommend you to use it for your oil treatment.

Prep your hair

Before applying the oil treatment, gently wash your hair to remove any residue or impurities. Pat your hair dry with a towel, leaving it slightly damp but not soaking wet.

Apply the oil

Take a small amount of your chosen oil and rub it between your palms to warm it up. Then, apply the oil evenly through your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, where the damage is typically more pronounced. Be careful not to use an excessive amount of oil, as it may weigh down your hair.

Massage and distribute

Once the oil is applied, gently massage your scalp for a few minutes. This helps to stimulate blood circulation and promotes the absorption of the oil. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to distribute the oil evenly from roots to ends.

Wrap or cover your hair

To enhance the effectiveness of the oil treatment, cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in a warm towel. This creates a warm and humid environment that allows the oil to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.

Leave it on

Leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes to an hour or overnight for a more intensive treatment. The longer you leave it, the deeper the penetration and nourishment.

Rinse and wash

After the desired time has passed, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow up with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to remove any excess oil and ensure your hair is clean and manageable.

Repeat regularly

For best results, repeat this oil treatment once or twice a week or as needed, depending on the level of sun damage and the condition of your hair. Consistency is key to gradually restoring and revitalizing your hair.

So, what are you waiting for? Start taking proper care of your hair before it’s too long.