Summer is on it’s way and while it might be the best time of year in Berlin, those long summer days can spell doom for that silky head of hair you’ve been working on all year. Excessive sun exposure, with its high concentration of UVA and UVB radiation, is extremely damaging to the hair. Pair that sunshine with summer’s beloved water activities, and that salty or chlorinated water can leave your hair feeling rough, with a lacklustre colour, brittle or split ends, and an overall loss of strength. While some have used this look to project a nonchalant beach babe vibe, most of us just want to make sure our ‘do survives the summer. Here’s how.

The skinny on UV and hair

The summer sun’s high-energy radiation can be divided into two subsets, UVA and UVB light. Each type of sun exposure affects the us in different ways: UVA, which is causes our skin to tan, is associated with fading and hair colour loss, while higher-energy UVB rays can cause split ends and breakage. Our hair’s outermost part, the cuticle, is responsible for giving our hair its unique structure, strength and shine, and protecting the cuticle is vital in preserving and protecting one’s hair. So the next time you step outside consider the following tips to help you protect your luscious locks this summer.

The cover up effect: Perhaps the easiest and most obvious way to protect your hair is to simply cover it when you’re out in the sun. Hats, scarves, umbrellas, or swimming caps (when swimming, otherwise you just look silly) can be more than just a stylish accessory—they will physically protect your hair. Use these to your advantage, especially during the midday sun.

Extra protection: Some products contain UV filters which work to block harmful UVA and UVB radiation before it penetrates the cuticle. UVB filters are more effective and prevent breakage because they contain antioxidants. Rahua’s Finishing Treatment is infused with the potent antioxidant green tea and all Less is More products, like the Lindengloss-edition, Lavender Smooth Balm, and Herbal Tonic, provide similar protection to help mitigate the sun’s rays and prevent damage to your hair.

Intensive hair care

Sometimes, summer-stressed hair is unavoidable. In these cases, it’s best to use weekly mask treatments, paying special attention to your hair’s fragile ends. Additionally, remember to always rinse your hair after swimming to limit its exposure to damaging salt and chlorine. One treatment of Rahua’s Voluminous Shampoo followed by a 10-minute soak in Rahua’s Omega 9 Hair Mask, will give optimal results.
Pro tip: To ensure extra protection when swimming, apply Rahua’s Finish Treatment before getting in the water, then cover your head with a professional swimming cap. When you’re done swimming, simply remove the cap and rinse your hair.

If your hair is already vulnerable to breakage because it’s coloured, bleached, chemically permed or straightened, or is usually styled with heat, then it’s extra important to take care not to unduly stress your hair more than it already is. Use natural treatments and products with gentle nourishing properties as to not over stress the hair. Protecting the cuticle is the best way to keep your hair strong and shiny this summer.

Resources
K. Sebetic et al. UV Radiation and Hair, Coll. Antropol. 32 (2008) Suppl. 2: 163–165

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