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As summer approaches, most of us become more aware of the damaging effects of the sun’s rays on our skin. However, we often overlook the harm that UV rays can cause to our hair.
The sun’s rays can cause hair damage, including dryness, split ends, and colour fading. Therefore, it is essential to protect your hair from the sun.
Read on to find out the importance of protecting hair from the sun and some of the best hair sun protection products to help your hair stay protected on your long-awaited holiday!
Understanding the Effects of UV Rays on Hair
As you may already know, ultraviolet (UV) radiation rays can cause skin damage, including sunburns and skin cancer. However, did you know that UV rays can also damage your hair?
According to research, “Excessive sun exposition is the most frequent cause of hair shaft’s structural impairment” causing the hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can also cause hair colour to fade, leaving it looking dull and lifeless, “UVB radiation is responsible for hair protein loss and UVA radiation is responsible for colour changes.”
What to Look For in SPF Products For Hair
When shopping for hair sun protection products, whether that’s shampoos, conditioners, leave-in sprays and hair masks – it is essential to look for products that offer SPF protection.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures the amount of UVB protection a product provides.
Look for products that offer at least SPF 15 protection. These products will provide adequate protection from UV rays.
Also, choose products that are labelled as broad-spectrum, as they offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Top 10 Hair Sun Protection Products
Sun Bum Revitalizing Formula 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner
1/10
This 3-in-1 leave-in conditioner offers SPF 30 protection and is perfect for all hair types.
It moisturises, controls frizz, detangles, and protects your hair from the sun’s rays.
Coola Daily Protect Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30
2/10
The Coola Protect Scalp and Hair Mist Spray protects both the scalp and hair from the sun’s rays.
It offers SPF 30 protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer
3/10
This bestselling product from Bumble and Bumble is perfect for those who use heat styling tools on their hair.
It cuts frizz by 50% and protects hair from UV rays and heat damage.
Davines SU Hair Milk
4/10
This leave-in conditioning milk is perfect for those with dry, damaged and colour-treated hair.
It offers SPF 15 protection and nourishes hair, leaving it soft and shiny.
Kérastase Soleil Huile Sirène Hair Oil
5/10
This leave-in spray which is enriched with Babasu oil is perfect for those who want to protect their hair from UV rays while also achieving and enhancing beachy waves.
It offers SPF 30 protection and adds texture and volume to hair.
Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
6/10
This lightweight conditioning spray offers an instant boost of hydration, UV and heat protection up to 400F/200C and is perfect for those with colour-treated hair.
Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray
7/10
This anti-humidity spray offers UV protection and is perfect for those who live in humid climates.
It helps to protect hair from frizz and humidity.
Sun Bum Revitalizing Dry Shampoo
8/10
This revitalizing dry shampoo is another must-have from Sun Bum that caters to all hair types. Ideal for those who want to refresh their hair while also protecting it from the sun’s rays.
It offers SPF 30 protection and absorbs oil and sweat.
Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray
9/10
Formulated with ArganID™ micro-encapsulated technology, this spray enhanced with argan oil keeps colour-treated hair soft and smooth as well as providing a shield against UV and preventing colour-fading.
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
10/10
The Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is formulated with wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils, which offer UVA and UVB protection for the hair, great for those who spend a lot of time in the sun.
It offers SPF 16 protection for up to sixteen hours.
