You know that sitting in the sun without sunscreen or other protection can damage your skin, leading to wrinkles, spots and in some cases, cancer. Your hair is just as susceptible to sun damage as your skin. The sun’s rays can dry out your hair, making it brittle and coarse. If you dye your hair, sunlight causes color to fade more quickly.
Step 1
Avoid the sun when it’s at its strongest, usually between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Step 2
Wear a stylish hat or wrap a scarf over your hair and neck to protect yourself from the rays of the sun. Straw hats may seem like the perfect choice for a day at the beach, but keep in mind that the sun’s rays can penetrate through the straw’s weave, according to stylist David Evangelista on CBS’ The Early Show. You may want to wear a scarf under the hat to double your sun protection.
Step 3
Wash your hair with a shampoo that contains sunscreen. Read the label on the bottle to make sure it has ingredients that protect against the sun, such as octyl methoxycinnamate. Usually, shampoos will not have an SPF over 10, which may not offer enough protection for your hair if you plan on being outdoors all day.
Step 4
Use regular sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 to 30; or higher is preferable. Rub it onto your scalp. Place a dime-sized amount of the sunscreen on your hair also and comb it through for an added boost of SPF.
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