Sun, salt water, pools, and hot styling tools can all leave hair dry, dull, and faded. Below are plain answers to the questions people ask most about protecting hair from the sun and from heat.
Can the sun damage your hair?
Yes. Strong sun can dry hair out and make it feel rough. UV light can also fade and change hair colour, both natural and dyed. Blonde, grey, and colour-treated hair often shows sun damage first.
Common signs of sun damage are:
- Dry, straw-like ends.
- Faded or brassy colour.
- More frizz.
- Hair that tangles easily after a day outside.
How do I protect my hair from the sun?
- Cover up. A hat or scarf is the simplest way to protect your hair in strong sun.
- Use a hair product with UV protection. Apply it before you go out and reapply after swimming.
- Condition well. Well conditioned hair handles sun and salt water better.
- Rinse after swimming. Wash out salt water and pool water as soon as you can.
For example, SACHAJUAN Hair in the Sun is made to be used during sun exposure. It contains a UV filter to help protect hair pigments, helps protect natural or artificial colour against the sun, and helps minimize the effects of pool water and mineral buildup.
Does chlorine damage hair?
Chlorine in pool water can dry hair out and change its colour, especially on blonde and light shades. Before you swim, wet your hair with clean water so it soaks up less pool water. After swimming, rinse well, then wash and condition.
Does salt water damage hair?
Salt water can leave hair dry, rough, and tangled, especially when it dries in the sun. Rinse with fresh water after swimming in the ocean, and use a conditioner or leave-in treatment to add moisture back.
What should I do for my hair after a day in the sun?
- Rinse out salt water, chlorine, and sand.
- Wash with a gentle shampoo.
- Condition well, or use a leave-in treatment.
- Give your hair a break from hot styling tools.
Does heat styling damage hair?
High heat from blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can dry hair out and make it weaker over time. Damage builds up the more often you use heat and the higher the setting.
How do I protect my hair from heat styling?
- Use a heat protection product first. Apply it to damp or dry hair before using heat.
- Turn the heat down. Use the lowest setting that still works for your hair.
- Do not use hot tools on wet hair. Unless the tool is made for it, let hair dry first.
- Keep tools moving. Do not hold a hot tool on one section for too long.
- Give your hair days off. Air dry or try heat-free styles when you can.
SACHAJUAN Heat Protection Hair Cream protects hair from heat damage, reduces frizz, and adds shine. It also strengthens and enhances elasticity and provides lasting style hold.
What should I look for in a protection product?
- For sun: look for UV protection and products made to be used during sun exposure.
- For heat: look for products that say they protect from heat damage.
- Moisture: sun and heat both dry hair, so look for products that also add moisture or smoothness.
- A weight that suits your hair: fine hair does best with lighter products.
Do I need protection if my hair is not coloured?
Yes. Sun and heat can dry out and weaken any hair, coloured or not. Natural hair colour can also fade or change in strong sun.
How long does it take to see a difference?
Protection works best as a habit. You may not see a change after one day, but over a summer, or over months of heat styling, protected hair usually stays softer, shinier, and holds its colour better.
How often should I reapply sun protection to my hair?
Follow the directions on the product. As a general habit, reapply after swimming, after a lot of sweating, or after towel drying, since water and towels can remove the product. On long days in strong sun, a hat adds extra protection.
Is it better to air dry or blow-dry?
Air drying gives your hair a break from heat, so it is a good choice when you have time. If you blow-dry, use a heat protection product, keep the dryer moving, and use a lower heat setting. Squeeze out extra water with a soft towel first so you need less time under the dryer.
What temperature should I use on hot tools?
Use the lowest setting that still styles your hair. Fine, damaged, or lightened hair usually needs less heat. Thick or coarse hair may need a little more. If you smell burning or see steam from dry hair, the tool is too hot.
A simple routine for sun and heat protection
- Before going out in strong sun, apply a hair product with UV protection or wear a hat.
- Wet your hair with clean water before swimming.
- Rinse and condition after swimming or a day in the sun.
- Before heat styling, apply a heat protection product.
- Use the lowest heat setting that works.
- Give your hair regular days off from hot tools.
A little protection goes a long way, and steady habits help keep hair soft, shiny, and healthy through sun and styling. Start with the basics: protect before you go out, rinse after you swim, and use heat protection every time you style.