Excessive sun exposure causes our skin to become tanned, lose elasticity, prematurely age, and may result in sunburns. What about your hair, though? Your hair may become dry, dull, discoloured, fragile, and prone to split ends as well! That is why you should treat your hair like skin and protect it from potential damage. We’re here to share a few home remedies to protect hair from sun.
Effect of sunlight on hair
The harmful sun rays are damaging your hair and scalp too! It sounds shocking to many, but it is the truth. While the summer sun brings out the highlights of your luscious locks, it also makes the hair dry and brittle.
Health Shots spoke to Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist, and Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, who says, “Harmful UV rays can cause damage to the hair follicles and even cause sunburn on the scalp.” You can easily maintain the colour and hydration levels of your hair with a little care, especially during the summer months.
The best way to protect hair from sun damage, according to Dr Kapoor, is with hair sunscreen. Yes, just like before you step out into the summer and you slather your skin with sunscreen. In the same way, you need to protect your hair as well! She says, “You should use hair sunscreen every day. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before stepping out. Reapply every three hours.”
Here are simple homemade hair sunscreen and hair mask recipes
1. Grapeseed essential oil hair sunscreen
- You’ll need 10-20 drops of grapeseed essential oil and 200 ml of rose water.
- Mix grapeseed essential oil with rose water in a bowl.
- Transfer it in a spray bottle and store it in the refrigerator.
- Spray this mixture on your hair before stepping out.
- You can also use it before washing your hair. Keep it on for at least 30 minutes and then rinse off with mild shampoo to reduce the sun effect.
2. Coconut oil and lime juice
- Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with ½ cup of water and a dash of lime juice.
- Mix well and store in a spray bottle. Place it in the refrigerator.
- For the coconut oil to blend well, you can microwave it for a few seconds.
- Spray this mixture on your hair before stepping out.
3. Aloe vera and avocado hair mask
- In a bowl, add 30 ml of coconut oil, 15 ml of avocado, 10 grams of aloe vera gel, and 40 ml of water.
- Make sure to thoroughly combine all of the ingredients and to remove any lumps.
- Once the ingredients are completely dissolved, you can add a few drops of chilled rose water. Stir the concoction well.
- Once all of the ingredients have been thoroughly combined and dissolved, transfer the mixture in a spray bottle and place it in the refrigerator.
- It is then ready for use.
- Now, spritz your hair whenever it feels dry and rough. Comb through the hair and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- After that, use your regular shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair.
- Repeat the process every two weeks, and every three weeks for dry and damaged hair.
4. Melon and olive oil mask
- Blend 50 grams of melon with 20 grams of extra virgin olive oil.
- Use this mix as a conditioner after shampooing.
- Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
5. Shea butter and avocado hair mask
- Blend half a cup of shea butter with half an avocado to prepare a mask for your hair.
- Just heat them for a few seconds, let them cool down, and apply them to your hair (about a teaspoon should be enough).
- Leave it on the hair before entering the pool or beach during the day.
Here are some simple tips for summer hair care:
1. Wear a hat when outdoors. It is the most natural protection for the hair and scalp.
2. Invest in a good conditioner. Regular conditioning brings back the moisture to your hair and it also offers protection when you go out swimming in a pool or at the beach.
3. Use coconut oil before getting into water.
4. Avoid using extra heat in the form of straighteners and dryers. The hair is already exposed to UV rays, and the dryer heat will only suck more moisture out of it. If you have to use styling equipment, then make sure you use it at a cold or minimum heat setting and apply a serum to protect your hair before use.
5. Choose products that protect your hair colour. This will help protect your hair and effectively moisturize it.