As the days get hotter, our skincare routines shift to prioritise sun protection. But what about our hair? While there is a lot of information available on protecting our skin from UV rays, the effects of sun exposure on our hair are often overlooked.
Let’s explore how sunlight impacts your hair and discover a simple, restorative routine to keep it healthy, glossy, and strong this season.
How Sun Exposure Impacts Your Hair
1. Breaks down hair proteins (Keratin)
UV rays degrade keratin, the structural protein that maintains hair strength and elasticity. This leads to brittleness, split ends, and increased breakage.
2. Fades hair colour
Sunlight breaks down melanin in your hair, causing colour to fade, dull, or develop brassiness (especially in coloured hair).
3. Causes hair & Scalp dryness
Heat and UV exposure strip away the natural oils (sebum) that protect the hair shaft and scalp, leaving hair dry, rough, and more prone to frizz.
4. Weakens the hair cuticle
Prolonged UV exposure can cause the outer protective layer of hair to lift and erode, making it porous and more vulnerable to environmental, chemical, and heat damage.
5. Triggers oxidative stress
UV rays produce free radicals, leading to oxidative stress, accelerating signs of hair ageing, such as thinning, loss of shine, and texture changes.
6. Irritates the scalp
Your scalp can burn just like your skin, resulting in inflammation, redness, peeling, and increased hair shedding if severely sun-damaged.
Your restorative 5-step hair care routine to prevent sun damage
Here’s a simple and restorative routine using mineral-rich hair care essentials to soothe, strengthen, and restore sun-stressed hair & scalp:
Step 1: Shield your hair from UV rays
Start with a UV-protectant hair spray or leave-in conditioner before heading outdoors. It creates a lightweight barrier around your hair strands, protecting them from the harmful effects of UV rays, heat, and environmental stressors. For beach or pool days, combine it with a hat or scarf for maximum protection.
Step 2: Gently cleanse and remove build-up
Use a nourishing, sulfate-free shampoo paired with our Scalp Massager to gently clean and exfoliate product buildup, sweat, and environmental residue from sun exposure. A few minutes of scalp massage not only relieves tension but also boosts blood circulation and supports healthy hair growth.
Step 3: Soothe sun-stressed scalp
Once a week, treat your scalp to our Purifying Mineral Mud Mask. Apply a small amount to the scalp after shampooing, leaving it for 5–10 minutes. The mineral-rich Dead Sea mud soothes irritation, removes impurities, and helps balance oiliness after a long day in the sun.
Step 4: Restore moisture and nourish strands
After rinsing, deeply hydrate and nourish your hair using our Glowing Hair Mask as a conditioner. Apply generously from mid-length to ends. Leave it for 10 minutes to replenish moisture, smoothness, and shine.
For a more intensive post-sun recovery, leave it on for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Boost your scalp and hair health regularly
Include our Scalp Massager in your daily wind-down ritual. It keeps your scalp stimulated and healthy, promoting stronger, more resilient hair, while offering a moment of soothing relaxation.