Hair in the sun - how to keep it healthy and shiny

Every summer the same problem, one must protect the skin from the sun, but without forgetting the hair. They too, like the skin on the face suffer from excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, only that the damage does not manifest itself immediately, they cannot get burnt, but reveals itself after the summer, when the hair becomes dry, brittle, fragile and often has split ends. They can also lose their shine, becoming dull and taking on a messy appearance. In addition, the colour may fade or take on a straw effect, especially if the hair has been exposed to the sun, chlorine from swimming pools or salt water from the sea without adequate protection.

Not only that, in autumn, a fall can also occur. The reasons? The change of season and the result of incorrect exposure to UV rays, which causes stress on the hair follicles and an increase in the production of free radicals, leading to more hair loss than usual. However, there is no shortage of remedies. If you protect your hair properly, you can expose yourself to the sun without any problems, counteracting degenerative processes and enjoying the benefits of Vitamin D - sunlight increases its production, which is indispensable for the body, including the hair.

An important premise: the sun's rays, and ultraviolet rays in particular, damage the hair shaft, but do not spare the scalp either. "At the level of the hair shaft, we observe thinning, dryness, dehydration, loss of colour and poor shine," explains Matteo Orlando, hairstylist at the Mastromauro Beauty Salon in Milan. "If we stay in the sun for many days, the hair also tends to become more fragile and split ends form. In addition, these effects are accentuated if we repeatedly wet our heads, a very common action to find refreshment. Water increases the porosity of the hair and the sun's rays are able to reach deep into the hair, increasing the drying and weakening effect. This is why adequate protection is needed for all hair types, whether curly or straight, and whether we are at the seaside or in the mountains'.

Protect, repair, brighten, these are the three key words to keep in mind. "To protect your hair from the sun's rays, you can use a product with UV protection, there are several on the market," continues the hairstylist. "These products work in a similar way to what they do on the skin. The UV filter is contained in a spray that you spray on your hair. The important thing is to apply it often enough, which is also useful to carry in your bag. You can also choose nourishing products with an after sun effect to breathe new life into sun-stressed hair. To further strengthen the hair, a pack with almond oil and shea butter is ideal to provide moisture, while a pack with castor, argan or coconut oil nourishes the lengths and ends. And the styling tools? If you can avoid them, it's better because they cause additional stress on the hair. If you can't do without them, apply a heat protector before styling. To keep the hair colour vibrant and prevent fading, there are pigment masks that not only soften the hair but also tone it, but in this case you have to follow your hairdresser's advice.

Nourishing oils, protective sprays, regenerating masks and nourishing shampoos are the best allies for keeping hair healthy, soft and shiny during the summer. Cosmetic companies have developed effective, high-performance products that do not weigh hair down. Since 2018, Hair Rituel by Sisley has reinvented the way of caring for hair and scalp. The shampoo formulas combine essential oils, minerals, vitamins and proteins, The formula of Soin Lavant Fortifiant Densité contains principles that strengthen the scalp and hair fibre. The Italian company Framesi has created the Morphosis Sun line, with shampoo, spray&Leave-in and conditioner. The formula contains over 97% natural ingredients with moisturising and nourishing properties, such as shea butter and glycerine, to defend the hair against dryness and fading. Defy Damage by Joico is a professional product line for hair protection at home as well as at the hairdresser. It protects all hair types from the harmful effects of hairdryers and straighteners, exposure to UV rays and environmental pollution, which dull and dry the hair. A multitasking treatment? Coco Monoï Hair Mask 3in1, three functions in one: mask, conditioner, leave-on treatment: it repairs damaged hair thanks to lauric acid, contained in coconut oil, with proteins similar to those in the hair. It also gives shine and softness to the hair and preserves it thanks to the presence of vitamin E. The formula is enriched with the pleasant scent of coconut.