Some like it hot… but don’t let the sun ruin your hair

We’re looking forward to warmer weather and holidays in the sun (fingers crossed) and hope you are too. But in the excitement of planning to get outside, don’t forget to step up your summer haircare routine. We love the sun, but our hair really doesn’t.

Why those rays will wreck your hair

The sun will very quickly alter the structure of hair, making it weaker, much drier and far more prone to breakage and split ends as it becomes less elastic. And just as the sun can burn our skin, it can also burn our hair – but we don’t think about it because we can’t feel it in the same way.

Colored hair will fade in the sun while hair that isn’t colored may become lighter – but this is just another sign that your hair is being damaged by UV rays, so try not to be tempted by the idea of ‘natural highlights’. Professional color is far kinder to your tresses.

Don’t forget your scalp

And of course, the sun can burn the skin on our scalp leaving it sore and red just like the skin on the rest of our body.

We advise wearing a hat to protect your scalp if you can. If you have thinning hair or a receding hairline, then remember to apply your sunscreen over the exposed part of your head and also along your parting line.

It’s not all bad…

More sun means more vitamin D is absorbed by the skin which is good for us and can give our hair cells a healthy boost. Plus sunny weather and a relaxing break is good for de-stressing – which will also contribute to healthier hair.

How to protect and care for your hair in summer

Here’s our seven-point plan for sun-sational summer hair:

[1] Switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner for the summer months. We recommend our KEVIN.MURPHY HYDRATE.ME WASH and HYDRATE.ME RINSE or our Eleven Hydrate My Hair Shampoo and Hydrate My Hair Conditioner.

[2] If your icy blonde is looking a little ‘brassy’ after being in the sun, grab a bottle of our KEVIN.MURPHY BLONDE.ANGEL treatment to remove the brassiness and yellow-tones.

[3] In the same way as you apply sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging UV rays use a sun protector for your hair. Our KEVIN.MURPHY UN.TANGLED leave-in treatment has kakadu plum that shields hair from damage caused by hot tools and the sun.

[4] Hats are underrated! When out in the sun wear a hat or scarf – it’s a simple but very effective way to protect your hair.

[5] Book in for a regular cut or trim during the summer – it’s the best way to banish those dry and split ends.

[6] Deep conditioning treatments are king when it comes to summer hair. Treat yourself to an in-salon professional hydrating and repairing treatment – your stylist will recommend the right one for your hair. They will also advise you on which home-use self-care treatments will be best for you.

[7] Finally, it’s especially important in the summer to go easy on heated styling tools Try turning the temperature down a notch or two and always use a thermal protectant. And, when you can, air dry your hair naturally after washing if possible.

Plan ahead: book your pre-holiday appointments

Remember: book your pre-holiday color appointment for three to four weeks before you go away and also reserve a slot for when you return. Let your stylist know you’re going away so they can make any necessary adjustments to the treatment and recommend suitable products to keep your holiday hair in tip-top condition while you’re soaking up the sun.