Do you ever feel like your hair gets drier in the summer? Girl, if you do, then you are not alone.
The summer sun brings warmth and joy, but it can also pose a challenge for Black women when it comes to protecting their hair. Ugh.
The sun’s rays can be particularly harsh on our beautiful locs, leading to dryness, breakage, and faded color. However, fear not! I’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, we will explore four simple and effective ways for Black women to protect their hair from sun damage.
By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can ensure your hair remains healthy, vibrant, and radiant all summer long.
Here are 4 things you need to do to protect your hair:
#1) Wear a Protective Style
One of the easiest ways to shield your hair from sun damage is by wearing a protective style. Braids, twists, buns, or even a stylish hat can provide a physical barrier between your hair and the sun’s rays. This not only helps to prevent dryness and breakage but also reduces the exposure of your scalp to harmful UV radiation.
#2) Use a UV Protectant
Just like your skin needs sun protection, so does your hair. Yes, did you know that?
Look for hair care products that contain UV protectants or SPF (Sun Protective Factors). These products create a shield on your hair strands, preventing UV rays from penetrating and causing damage. Apply a UV protectant spray or leave-in conditioner before heading out in the sun to ensure your hair stays protected throughout the day. But, just to be super safe, always check with your doctor and/or dermatologist before doing this.
#3) Hydrate and Moisturize
Sun exposure can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and dullness. Combat this by keeping your hair hydrated and moisturized. Deep condition your hair regularly using a moisturizing hair mask or treatment to replenish lost moisture. Additionally, remember to drink plenty of water to hydrate your body from the inside out, which will also benefit the health of your hair. Drinking water is essential to your hair health.
#4) Limit Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can exacerbate the effects of sun damage on your hair. During the summer months, try to minimize the use of heat styling tools such as flat irons and curling wands. Embrace natural hairstyles and air-drying methods whenever possible. If you do need to use heat, apply a heat protectant spray beforehand to minimize the damage caused by high temperatures.
Protecting your hair from sun damage is essential for maintaining its health and vitality. By incorporating these four simple and practical tips into your hair care routine, you can enjoy luscious and protected locks throughout the summer. Remember to wear a protective style, use a UV protectant, hydrate and moisturize your hair, and limit heat styling. With these strategies in place, you’ll be able to confidently embrace the summer sun while keeping your hair healthy and radiant.
So, go ahead and enjoy the sunshine knowing that your hair is well-protected!
This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional hair care advice. If you have specific concerns or conditions related to your hair, it is recommended to consult with a hair care professional or dermatologist.
Brandelyn Green is the Founder of VoiceOfHair, a platform to help women of color find the best hair care products, regimens and hairstyles! Since starting VoiceOfHair in 2014 she has grown the social media platform to over 1MM+ on Instagram and Facebook. As a natural who is also a salon goer, she wanted to create a platform where people could find the best products, hairstylists, advice and trends.
