The summer brings with it long days out in the sun, whether you're lying on a beach or hitting your local park. However, like your skin, hair can quickly become damaged when it's exposed to the sun's harmful rays and can end up feeling dry and brittle. Luckily, Hairtrade.com have shared their tops tips for repairing sun-damaged hair with us…
© Photo: iStockThere are easy ways to repair sun-damaged hair
Rinse with cool water
After you've washed and conditioned your locks, rinse with a blast of cool water. This will seal up the hair cuticles, locking in that much-needed moisture gained from conditioning.
Stick to sulfate-free shampoo
Sulfate is a common ingredient in shampoo but can cause problems for damaged hair, as it strips beneficial oils. Minimise additional frizz by avoiding this ingredient as much as possible.
Go for regular trims
Making sure you get rid of split ends is the key to shiny hair, especially important if your hair is dry from heat damage. Cutting off the ends will get rid of the most damaged parts of your hair.
© Photo: iStockAvoid sitting out in the sun too much
Wash hair after swimming
Leaving chlorine in your hair after swimming is a definite no, as it dries it out further. Make sure you wash your hair before sunbathing to avoid additional damage.
Try a DIY avocado mask
When blended with oil, avocado is a fantastic ingredient that adds nutrients to the hair, making the ends less frazzled and hair shinier.
Use aloe vera
Although we tend to associate aloe vera with skincare, its repairing effects are also beneficial to your hair. This is a wonder product if your scalp and hair are sun damaged – apply it to both and let it sooth and revive.
© Photo: iStockTry rinsing your hair with cool water to lock in moisture
Try warm coconut oil
Heating up coconut oil until it’s a liquid consistency can make a fantastic natural repair mask for your hair. Run this through the ends but avoid the roots as much as possible to avoid greasy looking hair.
Apply deep conditioner before sun exposure
If you're heading to the beach, avoid worsening the damage by applying deep conditioner before you go out. This will soak in to your hair, rather than sitting on the surface like other products do, so will help to protect it.
Use black tea in dark hair
If your dark hair colour is looking a little lackluster, rinsing it in dark tea will help to bring back the colour that the sun has taken away.
Avoid ponytails
Wearing your hair down as much as possible will prevent the additional breakage that using a bobble can create. If you do go for a ponytail, make sure you wear it at slightly different heights each day to avoid too much pressure.
For more information head to hairtrade.com
