While the sun works wonders for our skin, immune system and wellbeing – it’s less sympathetic when it comes to our hair.
“UV rays are oxidising agents and act on the hair very much like bleach does,” says Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at Philip Kingsley.
“They oxidise the pigment cells in the hair, which is the reason why your hair lightens. The sun’s rays can degrade the actual protein structures within your hair and weaken the bonds, making hair brittle, dry, more prone to breakage and split ends.”
As the long, hot months draw to a close, you may be seeing the effects on your hair in the form of split ends, breakage and dryness. So, here are five ways to recover your summer-scorched hair, according to experts.
1. Exosome treatment
You may have heard of “exosomes” after Kim Kardashian went viral for having them injected into her skin. Known to promote the production of collagen and elastin, these particles have long been used in skincare – but what about hair recovery?
“Exosomes work at the cellular level, enhancing the cellular communication and stimulating new hair growth by regenerating damaged strands,” says trichologist Natalia Souza, “Therefore, investing in an E-50 exosome treatment for your hair can lead to significantly improved hair health and vitality.”
Like any beauty regime associated with Kim Kardashian – this treatment will set you back anywhere between a few hundred and £2,000. But don’t worry, there are more budget-friendly treatments that can be just as effective that you can test out from the comfort of your own bathroom.
2. SPF and coloured hair
Our hair and skin are more similar than you might think. Just like UV rays can damage our skin barrier, they effect the structure of our hair too. “Exposure to sun can alter hair proteins in the hair shaft,” says hair specialising dermatologist, Dr Ophelia. “It damages hair lipids causing hair to become dry and dull while harming the protein that creates the elasticity in the hair.”
If you have colour-treated hair, this makes it more susceptible to becoming brittle and frizzy after prolonged exposure. “Fortunately, there are now a number of products available that can be applied to the hair and scalp that contain SPF,” says Ophelia, “But the best protection for hair and scalp is to wear a hat or use a sun umbrella when out and about.”
Celebrity stylist and Bellissima hair ambassador, Alicia Dobson, says to “look for specific hair-SPF water sprays, that have a high factor and contain UV filters.” These attributes can be found in many hair oils and heat-protection sprays.
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil 100ml, £25.60 (was £32), Look Fantastic
Olaplex Nº.7 Bonding Oil 30ml, £28, Space NK
3. Hair tonics
In western society, it’s exceedingly rare to have vitamin deficiencies that cause hair loss or thinning. However, over-styling and sun exposure can lead to depleted hair. “To optimise luscious and beautiful looking hair, there are specific vitamins that need to be introduced in relatively high levels for the optimal maintenance of hair growth,” says Ophelia.
“Hair tonics can contain these vitamins and ingredients which help promote hair growth. For example, melatonin – the sleep hormone – isn’t just to regulate the circadian rhythms, it is a great antioxidant synthesised in hair follicles.
“Melatonin has long been given to cashmere goats to promote the yield of wool! This has led to the development of topical melatonin.”
The Nue Co Supa Thick Hair Health, £40, Healf
Dr Ophelia Hair Growth Elixir, £260
4. Keratin treatments
Keratin is a protein that helps form hair, nails and your skin’s outer layer. It’s integral in repairing and recovering damaged and protein-depleted hair. “Using bond-building products can help repair broken keratin bonds from within,” says Kingsley. “Using a bond-building treatment one to two times a week can repair sun-damaged strands that are weaker and more porous.
Kingsley recommends minimising your use of tools when styling your hair, as this can cause further damage: “anything like hot hair dryers, straighteners, curling tongs and boar bristle brushes I’d advise limiting.”
Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Restructuring Treatment 150ml, £29, Look Fantastic
5. Hydrating masks
Finally, adding in that much-needed hydration after a summer of sun is imperative to repairing dry and brittle hair. “Take some time to use a hydrating and moisturising hair mask at least once a week,” advises Dobson. “Having a moisturising hair mask applied during your trip to a hair salon, while you are having your hair washed, can help to repair damage from the sun. Other treatments such as in-salon Olaplex or K18 treatments can help repair the hair bond.”
If high-end hair masks are out of your budget, leave-in conditioners can be just as effective, notes organic beauty expert, Charlotte Vøhtz. “A post-sun conditioner is ideal for smoothing sun-damaged hair that’s been left dry, frizzy and fragile after sun exposure. Apply it to the ends of freshly washed hair or use it as a reparative post-sun hair mask for more intense conditioning action.”
Green People Protein Boost Conditioner 200ml, £19.00
OUAI Fine-Medium Hair Treatment Masque 236ml, £27.20 (was £34), Look Fantastic
