7 Ways to Protect Hair from Sun Damage During Summer

Protecting your skin from the sun, especially during the summer months, is an obvious choice for the sake of your skin and your overall health. But have you ever wondered if you should be protecting your hair, too? Heat from hot tools can damage your hair and cause your hair color to fade faster and the same can be said for the sun. 

While there isn’t a standard SPF you can slather on your strands for protection (yet), there are things you can do to protect your hair from summer damage. Ahead, learn how to keep your hair moisturized during the summer months and how you can protect hair from the sun.

How to Keep Your Hair Moisturized During the Summer

Dry hair results from a myriad of reasons. Hot tools and frequent bleaching are common and obvious causes, but weather and sun exposure can also contribute. Here are seven ways to hydrate and protect your hair during the summer months. 

1. Wash and Style With a Hydrating Hair System

Shampoo and condition your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free. This system contains hyaluronic acid to replump dry, dehydrated strands to create noticeable body, bounce and volume. Think of it as skin care for your hair and scalp. If you have dry skin, using a hyaluronic acid serum is an obvious choice to boost hydration and moisture retention, so if you have dry hair, use hyaluronic acid-infused hair products. 

On days when you don’t wash your hair, use the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum, Paraben-Free to reshape and rehydrate the hair. 

Editor’s tip: If your hair is damaged, wash with the L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment, L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Shampoo with Citric Acid and L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Conditioner with Citric Acid. This bonding system works to strengthen hair from the inside out by reinforcing weak hair bonds. Apply the pre-shampoo treatment and leave it on for five to ten minutes before washing your hair with the shampoo and conditioner.

2. Use a Hydrating Hair Mask

If your hair is dry, a conditioner may not be enough to add moisture back into your strands, which is why we recommend using a hydrating hair mask. 

L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free Signature Masque, Color Care Hair Mask

This nourishing hair mask restores smoothness, enhances shine and provides intense hydration for dry, brittle hair. The fresh floral scent envelopes all hair types for a clean, soft and moisturized feel. Use it three times a week on damp hair, leave it on for five minutes, then rinse. 

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Savior Fiber Mask, Paraben-Free

Created with fiber concentrate and collagen peptides, this hair mask targets damaged strands to aid in the repair process. In a three-minute application, the caring formula smooths and revives dry, damaged hair for a noticeable improvement. The cream-to-fibrous texture does a good job of coating each strand with moisture and the pomegranate, orchid and caramel scent leaves the hair smelling extra yummy. Use it two times a week on damp hair (avoiding the roots) and rinse after two to three minutes.

3. Avoid Extra Heat When Possible

Heat from the sun is somewhat out of your control, but heat from your hot tools is an entirely different story. It’s always good to keep it to a minimum, especially during the summer when your hair is drier thanks to the weather (and swimming).

If you do use heat, always remember to prime your strands with a heat protectant, like the L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer, Heat Protectant to shield them from the hot temperatures of your hair tools. 

4. Embrace the Au Naturel Look

Following our recommendation to avoid heat styling is to air dry your hair and sport your natural texture. Doing so is a great way to give your hair a break from heat so it can return to a healthier state. When you air dry your hair, using the right products is a must because this will help to minimize frizz and flyaways. 

If you have straight hair, try the L’Oréal Paris Everpure Sulfate-Free 21-in-1 Color Caring Spray, Leave In. This multi-benefit leave-in treatment manages frizz, serves as a heat protectant, smooths hair, reduces the appearance of split ends and so much more. Spritz it all over damp hair and let it dry. If you want heatless waves, create two even braids and take them out when your hair is dry. 

If you have wavy or curly hair, we suggest the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-In Conditioner. This leave-in conditioner moisturizes curls to create long-lasting hydration and definition without weigh-down. Use a nickel-sized dollop and work it through the length of your wet waves. 

5. Don’t Skip on Trims 

Routine trims are super important in the summer when your hair is drier because if you ignore split ends, they will continue to split further up the hair shaft, which can lead to breakage. If you want to preserve length, consider a hair dusting to remove just the damaged bits of hair. 

6. Wear a Wide-Brim Hat or Hair Scarf 

If you’re spending time out in the sun during peak hours (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you wear a wide-brim hat or tie your hair back in a hair scarf. Not only will this help to protect your skin from the sun, but it will shield your hair and scalp from the sun, which will help with fading color, dryness and hair damage. 

7. Pay Attention to Your Scalp 

A dry scalp can lead to dry hair, so make sure you're taking proper care of it. Look for hydrating products that are free of fragrance to treat this delicate skin. Using products with hyaluronic acid like the aforementioned Hyaluron Plump line is also a good way to give your scalp hydration.

Next: How Much Hair Loss Is Normal?

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Associate Creative Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Associate Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang