We all dream of having sun-kissed hair, but there is a fine line between it and sun-damaged hair. The high temperatures on beach and pool days leave your strands brassy and dull.
Yet, this doesn’t only happen during the summer but also in winter, as the UV index soars, leaving your tresses vulnerable to dryness and hair breakage.
Great, but how can you fix it? Here’s how you can restore your sun damaged hair to life and finally have that sun-kissed look.
Can The Sun Damaged Hair?

Yes, the sun can damage your hair. It can change its color and make it dry and brittle. Maybe you’ve been on vacation and came home with lighter tresses, depending on your hair type. Your hair can get lighter without using bleach, due to the sun.
This is good news for some, but maybe not for you, as your hair has gotten damaged from the sun’s rays. Furthermore, it can cause damage as severe as using a straightener. If your hair feels like straw when you touch it, it’s a sign of damage that can lead to split ends and breakage.
What Does Sun Damaged Hair Look Like?
While the symptoms of sun-damaged hair can differ from one person to another, there are some signs that the UV rays have placed stress on the hair:
- Natural oils keep your hair shaft healthy, but sun exposure can strip them away, leaving your hair brittle and dry. A sign is a lack of moisture at the ends, which the sun, sea, and chlorinated water can contribute to.
- When your strands are stripped of their natural oils, they become dry and problematic, leaving them weak and prone to split ends. You can visit us for regular trims to prevent this from happening.
- The sun can also change the pigment in your hair, changing the color, leaving you with brassy tones. If your hair appears dull or warmer than usual, it’s most likely sun damage.
How To Fix Sun Damaged Hair?

Sun damage can leave hair dry and weak, leading to other problems. If you have healthy hair, warm temperatures can help it bounce back. So to help transform your strands, you must use the right hair care products by following these steps:
- We always advise our clients to wash their hair with a gentle shampoo to help their delicate strands heal, prevent breakage, and follow up with a conditioner.
- Then use an ultimate repair mask to boost your hair repair process after using a conditioner.
- Furthermore, we recommend using leave-in treatments to prolong care for sun-damaged hair, as this will help keep your hair smooth and nourished.
- Lastly, reduce the heat, as the sun has already stressed your hair. By lowering your heat styling, your tresses can recover if you must use heat tools or apply a serum.
- To take a soft approach to hairstyles, avoid tension and friction. Always detangle your hair using fingers, starting at the ends and working out the small knots in sections. It prevents your hair from becoming matted.
- Invest in silk sleep masks or hair ties and try sleeping on a silk pillowcase to reduce overnight damage.
- Another crucial thing is to get regular trims at our hair wellness spa every six to eight weeks to remove your split ends with a micro trim.
- Also, consider your scalp, which can feel dry after sun exposure. We can help you with the best scalp treatment in Boston.
Furthermore, if you have found that your hair appears brassy, we recommend visiting us to remove those unwanted tones and correct your color without causing damage.
3 Preventative Measures to Protect Your Hair From UV Damage

As essential as it is to cure your hair, it helps to take preventative measures to keep your restored locks looking great.
1. Use a Hair Sunscreen
As you use sun protection for your skin, we recommend investing in one for your hair as well. A leave-in sunscreen will ward off UV rays to prevent damage. You can find various hair sunscreens to use. Check it out here.
2. Protect Your Scalp
To reduce damage to your hair follicles and skin, your scalp needs protection from the sun. You can use an SPF applied to the scalp by parting your hair at spots exposed to the sun and applying the spray. We always recommend using an ultra-thin formula and applying it with your fingertips.
3. Cover Your Head
If you are outdoors on the hottest day, we recommend an added layer of protection, such as wearing a sun hat. Doing this will protect your scalp and shield the lengths of your hair against the sun. You can also wear a silk hair wrap or scarf to touch your strands away. At the same time, you can apply a conditioner to leave in your hair to keep it hydrated.
Wrap-Up: Love The Sun, Protect Your Hair
While we all love sunshine, your hair doesn’t have to suffer. Sun damage is real, but with the proper care, you can restore strength, shine, and softness to your hair.
Switching to gentle shampoos and deep-conditioning masks, limiting heat styling, and protecting your scalp can help your hair bounce back, whether it’s summer or winter.
More importantly, don’t wait for the damage to show up. Take preventative measures now, such as applying hair sunscreen, protecting your scalp, and wearing hats or scarves to shield your locks from harmful UV rays.
Our hair wellness spa specializes in healing sun-damaged hair and restoring color, moisture, and strength. Book a consultation with us, and we’ll help you create a custom treatment plan to bring your hair back to life, so you can enjoy the sun without sacrificing your strands.
FAQ
Can the sun damage my hair?
Yes, prolonged sun exposure can dry out your hair, strip it of natural oils, and even lighten its color. The UV rays act similarly to heat tools, causing breakage, split ends, and dullness.
How can I fix sun damaged hair at home?
Start by switching to a gentle shampoo and always follow with a nourishing conditioner. Add a weekly hair mask, use leave-in treatments, and minimize heat styling. Don’t forget to sleep on a silk pillowcase and trim your ends regularly to promote healthier growth.
How often should I get trims if my hair is sun-damaged?
We recommend getting a micro trim every 6 to 8 weeks. This helps remove split ends and keeps your hair looking fresh while it recovers.
Is a scalp treatment necessary for sun damaged hair?
Yes. Dry or sunburned scalps can affect hair growth and health. A professional scalp treatment can hydrate, soothe, and rebalance the scalp, which is essential for overall hair wellness.