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2 min read
If you find your hair feels drier after a long day in the sun, it’s probably down to UV damage. Here’s how to keep your hair protected this summer…
By now, we’ve all had the beauty world’s skin SPF mandate drilled into us: in summer, applying SPF50 on your face (and, advisably, your body), is a must if you want to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. The same ingrained know-how can’t, however, be said for hair.
It may not be as obvious as on the skin, but sun can effect equally damaging change on hair. “UV rays burn both the inside and outside layer of the hair follicle, resulting in brittle and lifeless ends. And just like unprotected skin, hair can get sunburnt,” says Zoe Irwin, ghd UK ambassador. From drying out lengths and damaging protein to diminishing shine and altering colour, the sun’s impact on hair is notable but, happily, the solution is simple: SPF for your hair.
UV protection sprays help to reduce the negative impact of the sun while often adding texture and/or shine. Simultaneously shielding the scalp from otherwise hard-to-avoid sunburn and easy to reapply, these handy sprays are ideal for throwing in your bag to top up protection on sunny days. Ready to give one a try? Here’s our pick of the best UV protection sprays for hair to shop now…
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Hair By Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray
This lightweight spray will create subtle waves on straighter hair textures and provide UV protect for all, while vitamin B5 helps to soften.
Shop Hair By Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray at Space NK, £26
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
With an ultra-lightweight texture, the only thing you’ll notice about this undetectable spray is the luxe scent: neroli and ylang ylang are a match made in heaven.
Shop Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil at Cult Beauty, £24
Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist
With a fine mist that coats hair in a protective veil of high-factor sun protection, this SPF50 spray will save your scalp on warm days.
Clarins Sun Care Oil Mist for Body and Hair
This nourishing texture that feels more like a gloss-adding hair oil than a typical SPF – the mist can be used on both the hair and body for ultimate all-over protection.
Shop Clarins Sun Care Oil Mist for Body and Hair at Sephora, £26
Moroccanoil Prevent and Protect Spray
Created by the brand that brought argan oil to the mainstream, this spray is a saviour for colour treated hair – spray onto the lengths for UV and heat protection.
Shop Moroccanoil Prevent and Protect Spray at Look Fantastic, £23.95
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Coconut Water Heat Shield Blow Dry Spray
With a coconut scent that will remind you of holidays, the peptides in this heat and UV protection spray will strengthen hair over time.
Shop Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Coconut Water Heat Shield Blow Dry Spray, £20
Goldwell Dualsenses Sun Reflects UV Protect Spray
If your hair is fragile, this lightweight yet nourishing mist will help keep damage at bay, whether it’s from UV rays or pool water.
Shop Goldwell Dualsenses Sun Reflects UV Protect Spray at Sephora, £14.25
Coola Scalp and Hair Mist
The salted sage scent will help your hair feel refreshed, the hydrating monoi oil will keep it feeling well moisturised, and the SPF30 will protect colour.
Main image: Unsplash
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