How to repair sun damaged hair: complete post-summer guide
Summer is synonymous with sun, sea and freedom... but for our hair it can turn into a real nightmare! With the return from holidays, it is essential to take care of your hair with a targeted and repairing routine. Read our article for a complete guide on how to repair sun-damaged hair.
Why hair gets damaged in the sun?
When we expose the hair in the sun without protection, an alteration occurs in the protein structure of the hair fiber. UV rays damage the external cuticle (the protective coating of the hair) and penetrate to the cortex, teasing:
- Dehydration: hair loses water and becomes dry.
- Keratin loss: the protein that gives strength and structure is compromised.
- Color alteration: Colored or lightened hair tends to become discolored or yellow.
- Breakage and split ends: the weakened fiber breaks easily.
Furthermore, saltiness and chlorine accentuate this damage, creating a cumulative effect, especially if you don't rinse thoroughly after bathing.
Wind and sweat can also contribute to dehydration, opening the cuticles and leaving the hair exposed to atmospheric agents.
How to understand if your hair needs a repair treatment?
Some signs are unmistakable:
- the hair is rough to the touch, like straw;
- they have lost shine and softness;
- they knot easily and break during brushing;
- notice the presence of split ends;
- the color appears faded or altered.
In the presence of these signals, it is advisable to intervene promptly with a complete repair routine, avoiding the use of hot tools and favoring ultra-nourishing formulations.
The routine to repair hair after the summer step-by-step
1. Cleanse gently, but in depth
Evita shampoo aggressive with sulphates or alcohol. Opt for hydrating and nourishing formulas, better if with an acidic pH to close the cuticles and keep the hair compact. The shampoo must cleanse without stripping the skin and lengths of their protective hydrolipidic film.
Recommended products:
- Diego Dalla Palma – Cheraplex – Shampoo rebuilds and repairs: reconstructs and repairs even the most damaged hair. Enriched with keratin, cleanses delicately, without altering the hair fiber.
2. Detox treatment: eliminates summer residues
Once a week, do a deeper clean with a scrub or one shampoo detox. Removes chlorine buildup, saltiness, sand residues, sweat and styling products that can clog the scalp and slow down healthy hair growth.
Beauty advice: try a sea salt pre-shampoo scrub, to massage onto the scalp to stimulate microcirculation and oxygenate the skin.