Combating the Sun’s Damage to Your Hair…
I’ll admit it, I’ve had the thought once or twice. “Maybe I should put a lightener or lemon on my hair and sit out in the sun… They’re like natural highlights!”
Most people have had this same thought unfortunately. Just like your skin, hair can be seriously damaged by the sun. The process of these natural hair highlights is oxidation. Since it occurs on a molecular level, we can only see large scale effects. Oxidation causes the surface to break away; and once the surface (or skin) has been broken, the individual cells come in direct contact with air and oxygen molecules start burning these cells. The result is a form of rust that can be seen as brown spots or blemishes. [Mainly seen on skin]. Natural highlights is where the hair shaft is damaged and cannot retain its natural pigment. These highlights are actually damage to your strands.
However, fret not! There are solutions to prolonging the health of your hair even on a sunny day or an afternoon on the beach.
Combating the Sun:
* MOISTURE: The sun breaks down the hair’s protein, known as keratin, so adding protein back to your strands will help keep damage at bay.
My favorite product? DEEEP!!!
Deeep is a once-a-week protein feast to repair, soften, smooth, revitalize, add shine & increase elasticity – a must for the chemically treated, sun-damaged & undernourished.
*UV Protection: The golden ticket to preventing oxidation is to assimilate a barrier of protection. Therefore, the same sunscreen you use to protect your skin can also be used as protection for your strands. I would recommend using an SPF of 25 and diluting the UV protection with water. An easy travel tip is to mix 3 teaspoons of UV protection with a cup and a ½ of water and place in a spray bottle and shake. This way if you need to reapply the water bottle comes in handy. However, this can add some unwanted grease to your hair, the same way your skin feels a little greasy after sunscreen application. If you prefer a product there is nothing better than Color Minded UV Protective Polish.
Color Minded is an illuminating finisher that weightlessly seals, defines, adds shine and showcases color.This protective polish provides definition and illuminates hair color. UV filters, heat protection and our very own Color Preserving Complex protect and keep tones true.
*Stay away from Peroxide, alcohol and lemon based products: Peroxide, alcohol and lemon based products will cause your strands to dry out at a much faster rate and trigger or aid in the oxidation of your strands at higher levels.
*Updo or Wrap it Up: Protecting those strands by wearing a headwrap or updo style such as a bun can prevent major damage from the sun. Remember the ends of your hair are the oldest and weakest part of your strand which are more susceptible to the process of oxidation so don’t give the sun and excuse tuck your hair away.
Although the sun can damper your hair while having a day on the beach, nothing is sexier in the summer than beachy waves!
This look is flirty, chaotic, and gives the effect you were on the beach all day, even if you’re landlocked! To achieve this look I would recommend using Surf Spray.
Sexy, salty, sun-dried, windswept styles – whenever, wherever. Who: Anyone (not just landlocked surfers). Adds body, has light hold and a matte finish; excellent for all hair types.Can be applied to dry or wet hair, and if used on damp you can just let air dry or dry with a defuser.