When summer hits, the harmful exposure to the UV rays, humidity, and sweat can wreak havoc on your strands. The Hair Foundation warns us by stating “the ultraviolet wavelengths break chemical bonds in the keratin proteins that constitute most of the bulk and strength of the hair shaft.” Large doses of exposure to the sun can leave your relaxed ends dull, dry and weak!
I make it a habit to wear hats in the summer. Honestly, I’m not a fan of “hat hair” but my hair has benefitted from wearing them. If I’m spending a lot of time outside, the best option for my relaxed hair is wearing a hat. Wearing a wide brimmed fedora gives me larger coverage and protection from the scorching sun. There are tons of styles to play with i.e. baseball caps, small and large fedoras, cowboy hats etc. Hats have been my “go-to” style for my relaxed strands, not to mention, it’s a wonderful accessory for bad hair days!
For ladies with relaxed-color treated hair, the sun can cause fading and dulling of the hair along with dryness, so be careful! If hats aren’t your thing, opt for trendy turbans or sophisticated scarves for an easy stylish look to extend the life of your color! Remember, incorporating hats with simple buns give your hair a much-needed break from the heat.
Quick tip: When product shopping, look for items with Benzophenone-4. It’s a water-soluble ultraviolet light absorber that prevents the sun’s harmful rays from damaging the hair. Are you a hat lover?
What kind of hats, scarves or turbans do you incorporate into your summer hair regimen?
Valerie Bremang founded Hairlicious Inc. Social Network in 2008 as a platform to educate, inform and encourage women that they can achieve healthy hair.
