Must-know hacks for protecting your hair and scalp from sun damage

When the sun shines, it’s only natural to want to step outside and soak it up. Feeling the sun on our skin makes us feel good, but it’s worth remembering how damaging UV rays can be. Here’s how to protect your hair from the sun, and more importantly, how to protect your scalp from the sun.

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Use protective hair care
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A protective hair care routine begins in the shower, so choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is key. Like all aggressors, the sun compromises the hair’s outer cuticle layer, causing its shield-like cells to lift and crack. Dove Hair Therapy Rescue & Protect Shampoo works with Rescue & Protect Serum + Conditioner to strengthen internal hair bonds and protect strands from future heat damage.
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Invest in dedicated heat protection
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Once you’ve selected your strengthening in-shower hair care, it’s time to top up with a heat protectant that doesn’t get rinsed out. Dove Smooth & Shine Heat Protection Spray is designed to defend against the extreme temperatures of heat styling. It’s also infused with nourishing, lightweight conditioners to counteract the frizz many hair types are prone to.
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Don’t forget your scalp
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A hat will offer the best UV protection, especially if your scalp is more exposed due to hair thinning or styles such as box braids. You can also buy SPF protection designed for easy top-of-the-head application. Follow with some hydrating aftercare: Dove Dry Scalp Care Leave-On Treatment is clinically proven to relieve scalp dryness when used as part of a 3-step system.
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Reintroduce moisture
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The sun is drying, and strands that are dehydrated tend to be brittle and more prone to breakage. Haircare designed to boost moisture levels is essential, especially following sun exposure. Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner keeps moisture levels in check, as well as leaving hair 10x more resilient to the daily damage caused by brushing (vs non-conditioning shampoo).
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Be color savvy
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UV rays break down the hair’s essential proteins, leaving hair color (whether salon or box dye) vulnerable to sun fade. If keeping your color is a priority, you may want to invest in a color-specific hair care range, such as Dove Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner. They’re formulated with keratin repair actives (and without sulfates) to maintain color vibrancy for up to eight weeks.
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Think long term
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It’s regular daily damage that’ll impact the long-term health of your hair. If you color, heat-style, brush regularly and sit out in the sun whenever possible, your strands are likely to need a break. Not an option? Invest in hard-working products like the ones we’ve recommended above, designed to condition and protect for short and long-term benefits.