Summer Sun Chemical Hair Protection

Get in the habit of using styling aids that contain UV protectors and anti-oxidants. They'll help prevent damage and keep your haircolor looking fresher longer. Opt for sun hats at the beach or coat your hair with a protective oil, like Phyto-Plage, which is formulated for sun protection.

Whether a hair care product will actually protect your hair from UVA or UVB rays depends on the following factors:

1. Type of hair care products you use

Hair care products are designed in different ways to interact with the cuticle of the hair, which is the outer layer. Some of the hair care products that contain sun filters will work better than other hair care products because of the design of the products.

Leave in hair conditioners are designed to penetrate or settle down into the layer of the cuticle. In other words, hair conditioners soak into the tiny little overlapping scales.

Other hair care products like hair sprays and other types of hairsetting sprays may not be designed to soak into the shaft, but to float over it. This makes them less durable for any extended period of time. That is why some hairspray requires touchups during the day. Hair care products that float on top of the cuticle and not down into it will offer less protection. For a complete listing of types of hair care products see our Hair Care Glossary of Terms.

2. Strength of the hair care product
           
Some hair care products actually have SPF agents that are listed on the bottle. Other products list a specific chemical component that is known to be a sunscreen agent. Aveda's Styling Curessence leave-in heat protection spray and conditioner has Octyl Methyoxycinnamate listed in the contents. This is a known sunscreen ingredient.

If you are serious about sun protection for your hair, make sure the products you use list an actual SPF. Most hair care products will not use more than 10 SPF or the formula will be too heavy for the hair. Hair care products with actual SPF formulas do work to protect the hair... they have been proven to protect the hair from UVA and UVB damage. It is important to keep in mind that all hair care products with sunscreens are not the same. You may find that you have to pay more for a product with a strong SPF or 8-10.

Warning: If a hair care product says that is has sun protection but does not list an actual SPF or does not list a specific known sunscreen like Octyl Methyosycinnamate, there is a possibility that the product does not really have sun screen protection and it could be a marketing ploy. Unfortunately, some hair care companies will advertise that their product will protect against UVA or UVB rays and they don't. It is very important to read the labels and to understand what you are buying.
           

3. Amount of sun exposure your hair will have

Hair products with listed SPF factors that are designed to penetrate the hair cuticle (like leave in conditioners) will serve you well is daily short periods of sun exposure. If you are going to the beach or will be out in the sun for an extended period of time it is best to supplement your sun protection product with a full blown SPF type of product or a product designed specifically for heavy or prolonged sun exposure.

The surface of the hair can grab a leave in conditioning product for an extended period, but it may be best to supplement for added protection. An example of a supplemental product would be the Phyto Plage Sun protection oil.

The level of SPF is a factor in hair care products, as it is in lotions to protect the skin. Most SPF formulas in hair care products will not be much above a level of 10 to prevent the hair from getting flat and heavy. 

Some hair care products will have sunscreens in the form of actual ingredients, but will not have an SPF factor added. To get the maximum protection for your hair, use a product with an SPF. These have been proven to work. Which products are best? This is a personal choice. A lot of the best products are also the most expensive. It is possible to find a moderately priced hair care product with added SPFs, but the only way to find them is to read the labels.

Some companies will advertise that their product does have UV filters when in reality they do not. If a product claims to have UV filters, but you don't see an SPF factor, move on to the next product. What's the point of buying a sun protection product if you are not sure you are getting the benefits?

Phyto's summer hair products are specifically designed to protect against sun, salt and chlorine. They offer several that work in conjunction with each other to give complete sun protection coverage. Other hair care products with SPF and Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream, a sheer styling cream formulated with pure olive oil, which eliminates frizz & increases moisture, shine to hair, helps revitalize dull, lifeless hair.  It leaves hair smoother & more radiant, and is suitable for all hair types,

Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream (7 oz)

The Bottom Line

If you are planning to stay long in the sun, use a protective sunscreen on your hair before stepping out.

1. Use a leave-in spray sunscreen after shampooing.

2. After drying your hair, use a hair crème or pomade containing sunscreen.

3. Finish with a hair spray containing sunscreen.

Deep condition your hair at least once a week and to keep you hair color fresh and bright, use a color-enhancing shampoo during every other shampoo.

Being careful to use preventative measures will guard your hair against summer hazards and assure you of continuously beautiful hair.