WHETHER OR NOT YOU SUFFER FROM HAIR LOSS CONDITIONS, PROTECTING YOUR HAIR FROM THE SUN IS VITAL.
Exposure to the heat and sunlight can leave your hair dried out, damaged, and dull. To keep your locks looking their best and in tiptop shape, you should cover your hair if you are going to be spending prolonged periods in direct sunlight. By covering your hair with a hat or other head covering, you can protect your hair and scalp, as well as shade your ears, neck and face.
This summer, choose headwear that is cool, comfortable and chic. Here are some stylish suggestions.
Cool and comfortable headwear for summer
Straw Sun Hat
A straw hat is a fashionable and functional choice for women. A wide-brimmed hat is especially glamorous when paired with a pair of oversized sunglasses. This blue straw sun hat from L.L.Bean provides cool, stylish sun protection. Created from natural raffia, this hat also has a moisture-wicking CoolMax sweatband to keep you dry and comfortable. You can find it online at LLBean.com and at L.L.Bean retail stores for just $34.00. It also comes in natural or rose-colored straw. If you want to splurge a little more, Eric Javits’ Squishee line of hats are fabulous for traveling. These stylish hats come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The material looks like natural straw but can be folded and packed without losing its shape. You can find Squishee hats at Neiman Marcus priced between $150 and $200.Â
Cotton Floppy Hat
Big, floppy hats with extra-wide brims come in all colors and fabrics. This season, cotton floppy hats in white, pink, and yellow are popular choices. You can find these large, glamorous hats at most department stores. The large brims offer maximum sun protection. Juicy Couture makes a selection of cotton floppy hats with fun details like ribbon trim and charms.Â
Panama Hat
For men, the Panama hat is an optimal choice for summertime. If you are strolling along the boardwalk or relaxing poolside, these brimmed hats are a stylish choice. The Panama hat was originally made in Ecuador, woven from the leaves of the toquilla straw plant. They come in various colors but white or natural are the most popular choices. You can purchase Panama hats from online retailers such as VillageHatShop.com or BrentBlack.com.
Beachy Headwraps
Instead of a hat, you can cover your hair stylishly with a wrap or scarf instead. Online retailer e4hats.com offers its Beach Series Headwraps for men and women that are perfect for summertime. You can wear these headwraps under a baseball cap or alone. They feature a three-panel crown covered in 100% cotton. This headwrap has a thick forehead band and a tail to protect your neck. These wraps come in a variety of colorful prints. You can also create your own headwrap with a cotton scarf or bandana.
Preparing for the Beach or Pool
Hats and headwraps will protect your hair when you are out of the water, but you can also take additional steps to protect your hair when you take a dip. Chlorine, sea salt, and the sun can add up to damaged, dry hair.
Protect your hair from the sun: The bottom line
Most people know that you should rinse your hair with clean water as soon as you get out of the pool or ocean. But did you know that you should actually rinse your hair before you get in? If your hair is already wet, it will soak up less chlorine and salt than dry hair. If you can, spray your hair down or rinse it with water before taking a dip.
You can also protect your hair by mixing a little sunscreen into your leave-in conditioner and applying it generously through your hair before heading to the beach or pool. This will create a protective barrier between your hair and the sun’s harmful rays. Some people slick back their hair with coconut oil or even olive oil before spending time in the sun. The heat will cause the oil to penetrate the hair shaft, giving your hair a deep conditioning treatment rather than drying it out.
Also, look for styling products with built-in sun protection. Clairol Condition 3-in-1 products have vitamins and sunscreen to keep your hair healthy and protected. This line can be found at most drugstores. Frédéric Fekkai’s Summer Hair Collection (available at Sephora) can also help reduce the damaging effects of the sun, salt water and chlorine.
