Tips for Protecting Dark Hair from Sun and UV Damage

I'm a brunette. I like my natural hair color, but if I don't make the effort to take special care of my hair during the summer, I end up with brittle, dull dark hair. Some of it looks dark while other parts fade in the sun, leaving me with an damaged look.

I spend a lot of time in the sun, sand and saltwater during the summer. In order to protect my hair and keep it looking lustrous and shiny, I have implemented a few tricks, which will help keep your dark hair looking great, too.

Sun damage can leave dark hair dry, damaged and frizzy. The best way to keep dark hair looking lustrous and beautiful under the summer sun is by taking preventive measures.

Take steps now to stop sun damage to hair and build a head full of voluminous, rich, shiny hair.

A cute hat can protect your hair from sun damage.

Cut down on the direct sunlight beating down on your hair by choosing a variety of cute hats to wear during the summer. Not only will hats help protect your dark hair, maintaining the dark luster, but hats serve double duty by protecting your skin from sun damage. They are also a cute accessory. So the next time you are out, grab a cute hat.

Oral hair supplements to repair sun damaged dark hair.

What you eat and how you care for your body has a major impact on the condition and color of your hair. Dark hair, both brunette and red, can be enhanced by eating foods with trace amounts of copper. Copper helps keep your hair dark, shiny and healthy by aiding the production of collagen and melanin, the dark pigmentation in your skin and hair.

Liver and oysters are the two best sources of copper, but they are also two of my least favorite foods. I needed different choices for adding copper to my diet. I learned that artichokes, avocados, bananas, nuts and beans all contain trace amounts of the element. My favorite choice for adding a copper rich food to my diet is keeping my diet full of beans, because they are a healthy food choice in so many ways.

The FDA recommends 3mg of copper daily.


Omegas keep hair smooth, silky and shiny, even in summer heat.

You may already be taking omega supplements for heart and mind health. You may not know that omegas also help keep your hair smooth and shiny.

During the summer, it becomes important to protect your hair with adequate amounts of omega oils. I take omega 3,6 and 9 supplements to help keep my hair supple and manageable during the summer.

If you choose not to add supplements to your diet, eat adequate amounts of mercury-free fish to provide your body with essential omega oils.

Choosing hair-care products to protect dark hair during the summer.

There are a number of commercial hair-care products that help protect and repair sun-damaged hair.

One of the easiest ways to prevent and manage sun-damaged dark hair is by using a leave-in conditioner. Purchase a leave-in conditioner for daily use, but consider leaving in some of your regular conditioner when you will spend extensive hours in the sun, especially in the sand, saltwater and wind of the beach.

Apply a double portion of conditioner to wet hair and comb it through. Leave it in to help provide protection and all day conditioning for your hair.

When drying dark hair that has been exposed to the sun and heat for long periods of time, consider using a product that will help seal the cuticle of the hair. This will help prevent further damage from split ends caused by dry hair.

Additional recommendations for caring for sun-damaged dark hair.

Brushing and combing my hair is usually not on my mind on a hot day out in the sun. It is easiest to pull my hair up in a small hair band keeping it out of my face and off my back when I enjoy the sun.

The problem with that mentality is that it can lead to further damage. I have learned that whenever possible, it is better to wear my hair down. The more I pull my hair back into a ponytail in the sun, the more hair is tugged and stretched. This wears down the hair shaft.

Wear your hair down, when you can. Brush and comb your hair gently to keep it tangle free and prevent further damage. If you want to wear your hair up, make sure that it is pulled back loosely, not tightly.

Post a Comment

0 Comments