7 ways to protect your hair from the sun
Rachael Martin
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 6 minutes
From UV sprays to deep conditioners, here’s how to help keep strands protected & perfected
That first glimmer of sunshine after months of dull, grey weather? There’s nothing quite like it. Warmer days mean more time spent enjoying the great outdoors – think picnics in the park, drinks in pub gardens and holidays by the sea. Dreamy.
While we’re pros when it comes to facial SPF, it can be easy to forget our hair and scalp. To help avoid the summertime brittleness that UV damage can bring about, three top hair experts answer some of our most burning questions. Meet Gorka Arraras and Hanna Karlsson, directors of G&H Hair London and Hannah Gaboardi, a leading trichologist and Viviscal ambassador.
Here’s everything you need to know about how the sun can affect your hair and how you can help reduce its impact.
Can sun exposure damage your scalp?
The short answer? Yes.
“The skin on your scalp is as important as the skin on your face – it’s just as easily damaged by harmful UV rays,” says Hannah. “The health of your scalp reflects the quality of your hair, so it’s extremely important to look after it.”
Can sunlight damage your hair?
While we love a bit of sun in moderation (and always wearing SPF), too much can affect how our hair looks and feels.
“As well as damaging the scalp, prolonged sun exposure can dry out the hair and damage its protein structure, often resulting in low elasticity, breakage and split ends,” says Hannah.
How can you tell if your hair’s sun damaged?
From changes to its texture to even its colour, there are some telltale signs to look out for.
“It’s likely to feel dry, frizzy and brittle,” reveals Gorka. “In turn, this can cause broken ends and, sometimes, an orange-toned discolouration.”
Can you put sunscreen in your hair?
Yes, you can. But if the thought of slathering on your SPF50 over your strands doesn’t sound all that appealing, rest assured that there are some great hair products out there that help protect, without weighing hair down.
“You should treat your scalp and hair like any other part of your body that you expose to the sun,” says Hannah. “Look at brands that offer UV protection tailored to both the scalp and hair.”
Some of our favourites include hair and body SPF mists and sunscreen waters with broad-spectrum protection. They’re super lightweight; almost like invisible shields.
7 ways to protect your hair from sun damage
1. Wear a hat or scarf
“I’d always suggest protecting your hair by wearing a scarf or hat,” says Hannah.
Gorka adds: “It’s especially important to cover your parting – if you get burnt here, it can cause a lot of damage to your scalp and hair.”
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
As well as a good haircare routine, you may be able to eat your way to stronger strands. A healthy, balanced diet including wholegrain foods, fruit, vegetables and plenty of water can help build defences from within, as a lack of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and protein, can contribute to hair loss.
For more support, a hair supplement could be a welcome addition to your regime. “Extra TLC during the hotter months is vital,” says Hannah. One to consider? Viviscal Women’s Max Strength Supplement, which contains biotin and zinc to help maintain normal healthy hair growth from within.
3. Step up your haircare routine
Extra moisture may help prevent breakage. “Use extra moisturising hair products and be generous with their application,” Hannah recommends. “If you’re going to be in the sun without a hat, I’d suggest popping on a shield-like treatment or nourishing leave-in conditioner.”
Check out our product edit below for our top picks.
4. Comb, don’t brush
Swapping your brush for a wide-tooth comb is a good move – it’s much gentler.
“A wide-tooth comb is less likely to cause breakage if hair is feeling a bit dry due to sun, sand and sea,” says Gorka. “Always take your time.”
5. Tie your hair up
If you’re not a hat fan, wearing your hair up in a loose bun or a plait can stop some of your strands getting hit by damaging UVA and UVB rays.
“Always use a silk or satin scrunchie to avoid hair snapping,” advises Hanna.
6. Give your hair a break from heat styling
“If you know you’ll be spending a lot of your time in the summer sun, pause any heat styling,” Gorka recommends. “Heat, combined with the strength of the rays, could be too much for hair to handle, potentially causing brittleness and breakage.”
7. Reduce time in the sun
It can also be helpful to seek shade during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 11am and 3pm.
“Avoiding this time means you’ll avoid most of the damage,” says Gorka.
10 of the best hair products for caring for your hair in the sun
Now that you’ve got the full lowdown on protecting your strands and scalp, here are some of our teams favourite products for nourished holiday and summer hair.
From scalp and hair sunscreens to conditioning and strengthening shampoos, conditioners and hair masks, these products will help boost defences before and after sun exposure.
Shop more great hair products in our full range.
Best lightweight sunscreen
Try: Vichy Ideal Soleil Hydrating Sun Protection Water SPF30
• Size: 200ml
• SPF30 broad-spectrum protection
• Ultra light
As light as water, this sun protect spray works a treat for helping shield the scalp, tops of ears and exposed skin on your parting from harmful UV rays. Fast-absorbing, it’s also enriched with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate.
Best hair sunscreen
Try: Clarins Sun Care Body & Hair Oil Mist SPF30
• Size: 150ml
• SPF30
• For body and hair
This easy-to-apply, dry oil spray is a multipurpose dream. Great for those looking to protect both their body and hair, it sinks in quickly and leaves skin and strands feeling soft and supple.
Best UV-protecting hair mask
Try: Philip Kingsley Swimcap
• Size: 75ml
• UV protection
• Water-resistant
• Sulphate-free
A favourite among beauty editors and influencers alike, Philip Kingsley’s Swimcap is a poolside must have. It’s been formulated to deeply condition, ultimately helping to reduce breakage, colour fade and dryness.
Best pre-shampoo treatment
Try: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Rescue Pre-Shampoo Treatment
• Size: 200ml
We’re all about the power of bond-building treatments right now. This pre-shampoo treatment is a great option for all hair types, thanks to its citric acid complex, which helps strengthen strands.
Best strengthening serum
Try: Rhyme & Reason Plant Protein Damage Repair Serum
• Size: 100ml
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
Fear you may have sizzled your strands? Give this nourishing serum a go – its non-greasy formula contains protein to help hair feel stronger and oils to help moisturise. A little goes a long way.
Best moisturising shampoo
Try: Sheamoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
• Size: 384ml
• Sulphate-free
• Cruelty-free
Curly hair and hair prone to dryness can benefit from extra moisture, especially when it’s hot and bright outside. Whether you’re just taking preventative measures, or suspect your hair may be a little damaged, this sulphate-free shampoo is a great option for hydrating parched lengths, thanks to its infusion of coconut oil and shea butter.
Best strengthening conditioner
Try: Viviscal Strengthening Conditioner
• Size: 250ml
• Promotes thicker-looking hair
Formulated with biotin, keratin, marine collagen and seaweed extract, this conditioner leaves locks looking shiny and healthy, without weighing them down. We also love its refreshing scent that lingers on lengths.
Best hair mask
Try: Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Papaya 3-in-1 Hair Mask Treatment for Damaged Hair
• Size: 390ml
• Silicone-free
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
This clever hair mask can be used in three different ways – as a conditioner, rinse-out hair mask or leave-in conditioner. Aimed at giving new life to damaged ends, we love its generous size and purse-friendly price tag. It’s as kind to hair as it is to our beauty budget.
Best hydrating treatment
Try: Function of Beauty Deep Condition Hair Goal Add In Booster Treatment
• Size: 11.8ml
• Fragrance-free
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
Known for its customisable haircare, Function of Beauty is having a (well-deserved) moment in the spotlight. Enter the brand’s booster treatments that are designed to be added to its shampoos and conditioners, based on your specific hair needs. Just snap, pour and shake – the perfect summer haircare cocktail.
