The Science of Sun Damage to Hair

After what feels like forever, summer is finally heating up. Sunshine, beach trips and garden parties are filling our calendars, and of course, an entire catalogue of new hairstyles and hair accessories to try awaits. Whether you’re filming a fit check, making your way to a festival or simply grabbing your morning coffee, you’ll need to make sure you and your extensions are protected from the sun’s rays. From stylish headscarves and floral bandanas to our trusty heat protection spray, we’ll be walking you through all of the best ways you can keep you and your Remy hair extensions looking luscious all summer long!

Does Sun Damage Hair?

If you’re not careful, the sun can absolutely damage your locks. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause extensions to become dry, faded, and lacklustre. This is particularly problematic for hair extensions as they don’t benefit from the natural oils that your scalp produces to keep hair moisturised and protected.

Signs of Sun Damaged Hair

There are several signs or indicators to look out for if you think you may have sun damaged hair extensions. The first one is excessive dryness or frizz. Having frizzy or hair that feels extremely dry, rough or brittle to the touch is a common indicator that your hair could be damaged by the sun’s UV rays, causing your locks to be stripped of their natural oils. Another telltale sign of sun damaged hair is discolouration. If your hair colour has changed or dulled in any way, this may be due to overexposure to the sun which would have reacted to the melanin in your hair.

Protecting Your Hair From Sun Damage

There are tonnes of effective precautions you can take when it comes to protecting your human hair extensions from the sun. Here’s some quick and easy ways:

Shade

Although it may seem obvious, seeking shade on exceptionally hot days is without a doubt the most fool-proof way to keep sun damage at bay, especially when you’re wearing professional extensions that can’t be removed right away. If you wear blonde extensions or have hair that is bold, vibrant or multicoloured such as turquoise or pastel pink from our funky shades collection, then it is highly advised you don’t stay in direct sunlight for long periods of time. The UV breakage in your tresses’ pigmentation leads to a gradual lightening effect, especially in individuals with lighter hair shades, which may cause unwanted patchiness and discolouration.

Staying in the shade for intervals throughout day will also protect your scalp, preventing any burning, dryness or irritation, ultimately protecting your skin as well as your hair. Want to know more about the science behind your hair lightening in the summer? You can find everything you need to know in our latest blog: Why Does Hair Get Lighter In Summer?.

Bandanas and Headscarves

Scarves, bandanas and other hair accessories such as flower claw clips are another trendy option to protect your hair when wearing it up or down. They come in various styles, fabrics and colours, allowing you to match them with your outfits while keeping your hair extensions safe from the sun. If you’re in need of some hairstyle inspo, here’s 12 Bandana Hairstyles you can try this summer with clip in hair extensions!

Hats

Wearing a hat is a simple yet stylish way to protect your hair from the sun. Not only does it shield your extensions from UV rays, but it also adds a fashionable touch to your summer outfit. Wide-brimmed hats offer the best protection, covering your entire head and shading your face as well if needed. Hats can open up a whole new world of style and can accentuate different hairdos, think straw hats for a Hollywood diva look, trucker hats for a Y2K aesthetic, or a simple baseball cap or bucket hat if you find yourself at the beach or a festival.

Heat Protection Spray

One of the most effective ways to protect your hair extensions from the sun or heat damage is by using a heat protectant spray. This acts as a barrier between your hair and the sun’s harmful rays. You might wonder, can you use heat protectant on dry hair? Yes, you can! In fact, applying a heat protectant to dry hair can be beneficial before stepping out into the sun, as it adds an extra layer of defence.

Cliphair’s Heat Protectant Spray protects hair up to 230°C for worry-free styling, replaces frizz with a silky sheen and adds texture, boosts volume and improves hold for longer-lasting styles.

How Can I Fix Sun Damaged Hair?

The best way to fix or improve sun damaged hair is by using hydrating, rejuvenating haircare such as our Quench The Thirst collection. Our deep moisture shampoo, conditioner and deep conditioning hair mask are sulphate and paraben-free and are designed to make your tresses more vibrant and softer than ever. Taking this step is crucial in improving your hair’s quality in both feel, shine and overall health.

Hair oil is also another great way of restoring your hair’s natural oils, shine, as well as a silkier, softer texture. Many hair oils have different effects and purposes, so make sure you select one that is nourishing and has natural ingredients.

In terms of washing, it’s important that you avoid over-washing your hair. Although it may be tempting to try and restore its moisture as quickly as possible, washing your hair too much will only exacerbate the dryness.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Protecting your hair extensions from the sun is crucial for maintaining their beauty and longevity during hot weather. By incorporating these protective measures into your routine, you can enjoy the summer while keeping your extensions in top notch condition. For more hair hacks this summer, you can read our Summer Hacks For Your Hair Extensions, as well as our full Heat Proofing Your Hair guide.

Shop with Cliphair today for full access to our seamless, double drawn clip-in hair extensions, as well as our luxury collection of permanent extensions, all made from 100% Remy human hair.