How to Protect Hair from the Sun

It’s summer. The season of shimmery sun kissed skin and pretty painted toenails. Whether you’re jetting across the globe, or basking in your back garden, as the temperatures rise we know to reach for our favourite friend SPF to protect our face and body. 

However, we're all a little too guilty of neglect when it comes to protecting our hair. At RMUK, we know the damage summer can cause, so we’ve pulled together some of our top tips and tricks to  guarantee glossy, shiny and healthy hair all summer long. Nobody is immune to dark circles. The pesky reminders that we’ve not been adopting healthy sleeping patterns can sneak up on us at a moment’s notice. You wake up one day and they’re there, hanging below your eyes; thin, sallow and puffy.

Can the sun damage your hair?

The short answer is yes, it can. 

Overexposure to UV rays can make your cuticles discoloured, brittle and dry, as well as causing split ends, frizz and thinning. The sun can also cause damage to your scalp, which impacts your hair’s roots, and if your roots aren’t happy then your hair won’t be either. 

But don’t panic! Your brand new bouncy hairdo needn’t be dampened by the onslaught of sunny weather, and there are plenty of ways that you can protect it from the sun.

Simply follow the steps below. 

How do you protect your hair from the sun?

Stay on top of your dry ends

In order to keep your hair in the best shape possible for tackling the heat, get it freshly cut every six weeks, or sooner if your hair is particularly prone to splitting. If your hair is already damaged then the sun will only make this worse, so keeping on top of your hair appointments will keep long-term breaks at bay.

Get the fresh salon feel with professional haircuts at RMUK in Leeds city centre.

Wear a hat

It might seem counterintuitive to showing off your freshly blow dried tresses, but covering your hair with a hat goes a long way towards long-term hair health. 

Not only will a wide-brimmed hat protect your hair from UV rays, it will also keep your scalp and roots protected and, as we all know, an unhappy scalp leads to unhappy hair. 

Let’s not forget that wearing a hat can add extra flair to your style. 

Keep shampoo close but conditioner closer

While shampoo is generally thought of as a cleaning tool, it is known to strip the natural oils from your hair and cause dryness. Try to apply a sparing amount of shampoo to your locks and roots, and rinse it well with cool to lukewarm water 3-4 times a week. 

Finish your wash with plenty of conditioner to hydrate and nourish to the very ends of your hair. You may need to use it every day if you have particularly damage-prone tresses. Although this won’t fully protect your hair, it will lock in moisture that tackles any dryness caused by the sun.

Care for your colour

Coloured and treated hair is particularly susceptible to becoming a sun-damage victim. The chemicals used to treat your hair make it vulnerable to substantial colour change and harm. 

Top tip: Use a colour-specific conditioner or hair mask to add vital moisture, and wear a hat wherever possible.

Don’t make things hotter

Avoid excess heat application on your hair during the summer months to keep it healthy and bouncy. When it is already receiving a barrage of heat from sun rays and humidity, heated appliances like hair straighteners, curlers and hair dryers will only cause it more grief. 

When blow drying your hair, apply your favourite heat protective product beforehand, keep your hairdryer on a low heat, and hold it at a safe distance from your hair for ultimate protection. If you’re able to let your hair air-dry, even better! 

Treat your hairbrush with caution

Be gentle when brushing your hair in the summer. Start by removing the tangles from the bottom and then tackle the knots at your roots, making sure you don’t overbrush and cause tears. 

Top tip: Investing in a wide-toothed comb can go a long way to ensuring you avoid over brushing. 

Avoid submerging your hair in water

When your hair is wet it becomes especially brittle and prone to damage, which means the heat can cause even more damage than necessary. 

This is why we’d recommend keeping your hair free of any water that doesn’t come from your shower head - sea and swimming pools included. Instead of submerging your head in the water, keep it covered or above the surface to keep it protected. 

Use sun protection masks

Hair masks are a fantastic way of deeply hydrating your hair and if there was any time to add it to your hair care routine, it’s in the throes of summer. 

Start by doing your research into the best hair mask for your hair type and use it at least once a week, or twice if your hair is looking lifeless. Protein hair masks can promote nourishment and strength. 

It is also worth investing in a leave-in conditioner that will keep your hair packed with moisture throughout the day. 

RMUK recommends using the Kerastase Soleil range.

If you’re looking for further advice on how to care for your hair, take a look at our ultimate hair guide that covers everything from preventing frizz to making hair colour last. Alternatively, visit the RMUK salon in Leeds city centre to get your hair looking summer ready.


0113 243 6842      |      info@rm-uk.com      |     57 Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3BB