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Home • Hair

3 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Sun Damaged

We tend to associate sun protection with our skin, all while forgetting the effects of prolonged exposure to our hair. It takes a mere eight minutes for UV rays to impact our tresses and the results can certainly derail your #AllSummer17 hair goals! Look out for these three telltale signs of damage and ways to keep them under control. 
By Bukky Ojeifo · Updated October 26, 2020
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01
1. Discoloration

Sun-kissed highlights are goals around the globe, but when your color begins to drastically change under the sun, it’s a major telltale sign that your hair is in trouble. 

3 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Sun Damaged
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02
Aveda ‘Sun Care’ Protective Hair Veil
3 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Sun Damaged
available at Nordstrom $28 Buy Here
03
Shimmer Lights Shampoo

For hair colors that oxidize and become brassy, turn to Shimmer Lights Shampoo to neutralize your tone. This brand also makes one specifically for red heads and brunettes. 

3 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Sun Damaged
available at Sally Beauty $13 Buy Here
04
Dark and Lovely® Color-Gloss Ultra Radiant Color Crème

For strands that feel lifeless and need a color touch-up, reinvigorate them with Dark & Lovely’s Color Gloss. It’s infused with coconut oil and pomegranate, so you don’t have to worry about losing moisture as you alter the tone.

3 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Sun Damaged
available at Target $4 Buy Here
05
2. Brittle Strands

If you are out in the sun for long periods of time without SPF, expect your hair to become dry and brittle. It is imperative that you moisturize often! Invest in a leave-in conditioner to use outside of your normal cleansing routine. 

3 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Sun Damaged
Adam Hester/Blend Images
06
Curls™ Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave In Conditioner
3 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Sun Damaged
available at Target $12 Buy Here
07
Carol’s Daughter® Sacred Tiare Anti-Breakage and Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner
3 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Sun Damaged
available at Target $11 Buy Here
08
Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Repairing Hair Masque
3 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Sun Damaged
available at Nordstrom $20 Buy Here
09
3. Change In Texture

Change in texture can occur for a myriad of reasons, but can be exacerbated by spending long hours in the sun. How this occurs is quite science-y, but can be broken down simply! Essentially, the sun’s UV rays disturb the top layer of your hair, also known as the “cuticle.”

 

Once the cuticle is disturbed and no longer lays flat, the inner layer called the “cortex” is then exposed, leaving it susceptible to damage. In short, added protection outside of your product lineup is essential! If you haven’t already, incorporate hats into your wardrobe.

3 Telltale Signs That Your Hair Is Sun Damaged
Peathegee Inc/Blend Images
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