Hair loss is a common problem that affects millions of...
When the sun is shining we all want our hair to look its best. However the hot weather, the chlorine in the pool and the salt water can all cause damage to your hair. The last thing anyone wants when letting their hair down is dry and brittle hair, so let’s talk about some important steps to preventing that.
UV rays are usually only spoken about in their danger to your skin. These rays are the key cause of skin cancer and what your sun cream is preventing your skin from absorbing. UV rays from the sun are a hidden danger as they are outside the visible light range, but how do they affect your hair. UV rays are split into UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC is mainly absorbed by the ozone layer and so not a danger. UVB rays can damage the outer layer of the hair, the cuticle. UVB overexposure can leave your hair dull and lifeless. UVA rays are able penetrate deep into the cortex of the hair. These rays will affect the cortex’s strength and elasticity making the hair more prone to breakage and split ends.
For days spent at the beach or by the pool it is very much worthwhile investing in a heat protection spray with a high SPF rating to keep your hair looking its best!
If you’re heading to the pool this summer, over exposure to chlorinated water can leave your hair dry and limp. Chlorine is a cleaning agent used to make sure pools are clean and safe to swim in. The chlorine in the water will also strip your hair of all its naturally occurring oils. These oils are important to your hairs health and its ability to protect your hair from drying out. Chlorine will badly affect naturally thin hair the most. So what steps can you take to protect against chlorine damage?
Before jumping in the pool, rinse your hair first with cold unchlorinated water. And as soon as you leave the pool rinse your hair again of all the chlorine. By rinsing before you get in the pool you reduce the ability of the chlorine water to be absorbed into the hair. At the end of the day by the pool be sure to apply a deep conditioning mask to replenish the moisture that has been lost.
Salt water and salt sprays are every growing popular for their ability to give your hair a natural “beach curl”. While the naturally occuring minerals in the salt water can be beneficial, too much salt water will dry your hair out. The higher salt concentration will draw water out of the hair to try and balance out this concentration. If you are going to be spending a lot of time in the ocean, it is key to make sure you balance with a hair hydrating product as well. Balance is key. Rinsing your hair with fresh water after leaving the ocean will also help to prevent drying out.
Enjoy the sun this summer, but make sure you look after your hair too!