It's easy to sip on a piña colada, slap on a bikini, and forget about the worries of the world. With summer in session, the sun is like Mother Nature's double-edged sword — at the same time we are blessed with sunshine, we are also plagued with sun damage. Everyone and their mothers already nag you about the importance of SPF for your skin, but what about sun damage for your hair? Your tresses deserve a dose of love too.
The age-old question of "does the sun damage my hair?" comes into play here. Let's be realistic however — if the sun can wreak havoc on skin and sight (hellooo, sunscreen and sunglasses) then hair is probably fair game. According to Mind Body Green, hair follicles are essentially "specialized skin cells" and therefore undergo the same effects as skin to sun exposure.
Hair follicles function as the first line of defense between the skin and the sun; without proper care, follicles too can succumb to the negative effects of sun exposure and lead to serious issues. We're talking dryness, color change, frizziness, and limp, lifeless strands. While there are other methods to combat against the sun (for one, getting creative with your accessory game and opting for hats or showering before and after with fresh water) nothing will be quite as powerful as actually investing in haircare products with a punch.
Whether you're heading out for the pool or beach, make sure to pack an extra something for your hair — protection starts today. Not sure where to begin? I've got you covered with these seven must-haves for sun damage control.
1. Coconut Oil
Cococare 100% Coconut Oil, $6.99, amazon.com
Don't forget to share a little slice of paradise with your hair. Without a doubt, coconut oil is the miracle in a jar — use it as body lotion, face wash, highlighter, chapstick, and of course, hair mask. Massage raw coconut oil into hair to repair damaged strands and moisturize dead ends. Bonus powers include shine, dandruff protection, and tropical vacation vibes.
2. Argan Oil
Moroccanoil Treatment Original, $44, moroccanoil.com
Meet the cult product that started it all — Moroccan argan oil, the magic elixir of hair everything. Argan oil contains plenty of antioxidents and vitamins for hair nourishment, leaving strands vitalized and silky smooth. If beach day has left your hair dry and lifeless, count argan oil as your knight in shining armor.
3. Moisturizing Conditioner
ALTERNA Haircare CAVIAR Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Conditioner, $32, sephora.com
Sunshine may be a blessing when you're crafting up that summer glow, but when it comes to hair, exposure to UV rays can vacuum up the moisture and fade color. The number one fix? Investing in a quality conditioner to hydrate and restore moisture. Your shower routine will never be the same.
4. Leave-In Conditioner
Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray, $20, sephora.com
For days when you need that instant hair pick-me-up, leave-in conditioner is the (time saving) answer. This spray contains the same capabilities of regular hair conditioner — only it takes a few seconds to work its magic. Simply spritz on damp hair and watch as your tresses are softened and moisturized to perfection.
5. Hair Masks
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, $9, sephora.com
If weekly face masks are on your beauty menu, then by law so should weekly hair masks, right? Don't be quick to rule out hair masks just yet — all it takes is one night of the week to whip your 'do back into shape. This hair mask comes armed with B-vitamins, argan oil, algae, and biotin to combat damaged hair and return it to its glorious state.
6. Anti-Frizzing Oil
Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Oil, $20, sephora.com
Death by humidity exists, and unfortunately, hard to avoid during the summer months. Protect your hair from baking oven conditions with anti-frizz oil — your coarse tresses will thank you and rest assured, your beach waves will stay intact, smooth, and frizz-free.
7. Hair Sunscreen
Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray SPF 30, $36, sephora.com
Yes, there is indeed sunscreen for your precious mane. Luckily, hair sunscreen requires no complicated application (how many times have you had to ask for extra hands to reach those nooks and crannies?) and instead just requires a few mere sprays. This sunscreen oil spray is water-resistant, grease-free, and guards hair from drying heat, salt, and chlorine. And that's not even the best part — the spray also doubles as a sunscreen for your body, so there's no excuse in sitting this one out.
Images: Courtesy Brands
