Every beauty aficionado knows that SPF is non-negotiable. As well as packing a high-powered sun cream when you go on holiday, if you’re looking to maintain youthful, radiant skin well into the future, as well as avoiding the well-known medical consequences of too much sun, you should be religiously applying an SPF moisturiser every morning as well.
But what about your hair? If you’re lucky enough to have spent some time on a beautiful beach recently, you’ll probably have noticed your locks became drier and less manageable after a few days in the sun. The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, exposure to UV rays weakens the protein structure of hair, leading to breakage, split ends and dullness.
While these effects can be reversed with a good quality hydrating conditioner or hair masque, or may even just grow out on their own, it is actually the skin of the scalp that can suffer prolonged damage to sun exposure. While your hair does provide some protection for the scalp, it is not enough to prevent sunburn when the skin is exposed to sunshine for extended periods, such as when you’re on holiday. The long-term effects of this can be damage to the hair follicle, leading to a permanent effect on the strength and shine of hair, as well as more serious consequences such as skin cancer.
All of which is to say, hair SPF should not be overlooked. But protecting your barnet doesn’t have to mean thick, greasy applications that leave you looking permanently in need of a shower. Just as high-end skincare brands have been putting serious R&D into creating top-quality protective moisturisers, so haircare brands have been turning their attention to mists, oils and serums promising to protect your locks from sun, sea and sand. These are the best hair sun protection products to invest in for your summer holiday.
Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel Protective Fluid
Thanks to its cult protection and anti-pollution products, like All Day All Year, Sisley-Paris has become a go-to for full spectrum sun protection – and its range doesn’t end at skincare. The Hair Rituel line contains a number of UV-focused products but our favourite is the Protective Fluid. This textured hairspray is scented with citrus and peach blossom and is best applied to damp hair for protection against UVA and UVB rays, as well as chlorine and salt water.
EVY Technology UV/Heat hair mousse
Another brand with a full line of suncare products, EVY Technology’s UV/Heat hair mousse is a lightweight leave-in formula enriched with a blend of UV filters, vitamins and oils that promise to leave hair nourished and soft while shielding from sun damage. Even better, it’s perfectly sized to slip in your hand luggage.
System Professional Solar sun oil
Cult science-backed haircare brand System Professional has long been known for its reliable salon-quality products and its suncare range, Solar, is no different. Formulated with avocado oil, coconut oil and cationic polymers, mix with your conditioner or apply to dry hair to create a fine veil that keeps hair nourished and defended.
Philip B Thermal Protection Spray
Philip B claims its thermal spray is ‘the first ever time-released hair perfume – with benefits’. In practice, this means that hair smells gorgeous and is protected from heat and UV rays from the very first spritz, while the formula’s safflower oleosomes, monogogo oil, artichoke leaf extract and amino acids nourish and repair locks throughout the day. As well as being perfect for the beach, it can also be used before heat styling or anytime hair is feeling a little frazzled.
Cloud Nine Magical Quick Dry Potion
Cloud Nine is best known for its range of top-notch hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons – which means it knows a thing or two about how hair reacts under heat duress. Its Magical Quick Dry Potion was initially conceived to protect hair during blow dries while reducing drying time by up to 50 per cent to minimise the amount of heat hair is exposed to. It didn’t take long, however, for the brand to realise that its UV filtering and quick drying properties are also ideal for minimising the drying effect of the sun’s rays.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV protective primer
Designed with holidays in mind, this multi-purpose product (also available in a travel-size bottle) from New York City-based brand Bumble and Bumble promises 360-degree protection for your tresses. Run the lightweight Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer through locks to detangle, smooth and protect from UV rays and the effects of heat styling.
Aveda Sun Care Protective hair veil
Professional haircare brand Aveda needs no introduction – you likely see its products every time you pop into the salon for a trim. If you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, it’s worth considering investing in the entire Sun Care range but if there’s one product that’s a must it’s the Protective Hair Veil. Enhanced with green tea extract, Vitamin E and organic sunflower seed oil, this ultra-lightweight, non-greasy spray can be reapplied as needed to prevent drying from sun, chlorine and seawater while leaving hair soft and glossy.
Aveda After-Sun Hair Masque
Just as the skin needs an extra boost of hydration after a long day in the sun, so your hair will thank you for offering up something a little more powerful than your standard conditioner after a trip to the beach. As with its protecting veil, Aveda’s after-sun hair masque contains green tea extract, organic sunflower seed oil and Vitamin E to nourish, strengthen and repair tired locks.
Read more: Summer’s must-know beauty and skincare trends
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