What happened to your lovely hair that is now in the sun damaged hair category?

Your precious hair. You know it has to be healthy, luscious and manageable to feel confident and beautiful year round.

You played in the surf at every chance you had, and never missed an opportunity to play in the pool. But has all that sun and fun left your tresses looking stressed, tired and with damaged summer hair?

At the same time you’ve worn hats, deep conditioned, and “protected it” on those scorching hot days. You are finally ready for school, work or fall fun activities and what happens?

You look in the mirror, and you see dull, damaged, sunburnt hair. No shine, no life, no bounce or vitality…

It’s enough to send the most avid hair care guru into a deep depression and wipe out motivation to keep caring for that great hair or prevent hair loss.

Think you need to spend another 50 hours perfecting your hair? Probably not.

Actually, the solution may be a lot easier than you expect. Using less chemical laden products, flat irons, and harsh hair dyes so your hair could be all you want to feel confident, healthy and well– let’s face it; Sexy! We all know that a bad hair day can dampen anyone’s mood.

So, how can you fix summer damaged here?  I am here to share with you natural, simple, practical solutions, plus the expert tips from Madison Reeds top professionals. With these 7 expert tips, you’ll be on your way back to those rich, luscious locks in no time!

1. Yikes, Stripes!

The Problem: Your sun-kissed highlights have turned unnaturally stripey.

The Fix: When your hair has frequent contact with chlorine and saltwater it can lift color. Additionally,  and excessive amounts of UV exposure can strip the glossy coating and change the composition shade of your hair. But there’s a secret for touching up sun-saturated highlights: hair gloss. It will return silkiness and shine to your lackluster locks. It works because a gloss seals the hair and cuticle very tightly, which results in a very smooth texture that reflects more light and has a much softer feel to it. Glassa, Madison Reed’s clear gloss, is a great choice for bringing your faded highlights back to life.

2. Fading Away!

The Problem: You finally managed to get an all­-over color treatment, and it’s fading away… fast!!!

The Fix: It is important to choose a hair color that doesn’t dry or damage your hair is key to color longevity. This is because if your hair is damaged, the color will fade faster. Madison Reed’s healthier hair color is packed with protecting and hair-­fortifying ingredients, including argan oil, ginseng root extract, and keratin, It will make your hair much stronger, allowing it to hold color longer.

Expert Tip: If you’re going away on a vacation where you’ll be spending most of your days at the pool or beach, wait a week after you’ve color­-treated and apply a deep conditioner. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse. This will make your hair less porous, which will then helps prevent damage from the effects of ocean water and chlorine.

3. Splitsville

The Problem: Those pesky split ends are become more noticeable by the minute…

The Fix: Chlorine, Sun, salt water, and wind are all great, except when it comes to keeping split ends from spreading.  Oh and don’t forget…  you should also avoid over­-brushing your hair. Huh? Keeping a messy hair?? Not like that but… Here’s how it works. When you brush your hair, it stretches, causing strain. This strain will most likely and eventually lead to split ends. It’s good to remember that the ends of your hair are the oldest section, and they can break at the slightest bit of strain. Your ends require much more attention and love, so remember to pay special attention to them when you deep moisturize and condition. Try this quick hair mask for deep moisture and shine:

• 1/2 very ripe avocado (brownish- overripe ones are the best)
• 3 tbs coconut oil
• 3 tbs olive oil
• 1 cup of yogurt (organic preferably)
• 2 tbs of raw honey

Mix all ingredients, then apply with either a spatula or wear gloves and use your hands. Grab strands, and start from the ends to the roots (if you have oily hair skip that step). Put a plastic cap or a deep conditioning heat cap (I like this one).
Leave in for 20 minutes, wash, and style as usual.
You will immediately notice how amazing your hair feels and looks.
Note: This recipe is for someone with long hair (mid-back). If you have shorter hair, adjust the rations. Enjoy!

Expert Tip: Try not to brush your hair when it’s wet. Always use your fingers or a wide-­toothed comb, which will gently glide through the hair, and loosely manage your locks without as much breakage.

4. Fried, Dried… No Bueno!

The Problem: Saltwater and chlorine = very dry and brittle hair.

The Fix: When you go for a dip in the ocean or the pool, all of the moisture is literally gets sucked out of your hair.  If you have long hair, in particular, or dry hair in general, can turn into straw-­like strands.  An essential part of healthy hair is by restoring its natural proteins. So, in order for your locks to return to optimum health, I recommend a sulfate­-free shampoo and conditioner. Madison Reed’s Shampoo and Conditioner set is great for hydrating, softening, cleansing, and strengthening hair—with UV protection to prevent further damage. The best part is that it protects your color, too- win-win!

Expert Tip: If you spend a lot of time swimming in the ocean or in a chlorinated pool, make sure to rinse your hair with clear water as soon as possible.

5. Sun Damaged Hair… No Sexy 🙁

The Problem: You stayed away from the ocean and the pool, but your hair got sun damaged anyway.

The Fix: Your hair, just like your skin can age prematurely from hours in the sun, Often times, your hair can take on that unpleasant weathered and worn look from taking on too many UVA/UVB rays, which damages the cuticle (the outside layer of the hair strand).  One of the most susceptible types of hair to sun damage is Light­-colored and fine hair —dark and coarse hair has more built­-in pigment to protect it.  That’s why you should keep an eye for the signs of sun damage which include:  frizziness, unmanageable textured, discoloration, dry and brittle strands,  and unusually quick drying. To fight sun damage, it’s best to use a shampoo and conditioner that offers UVA/UVB protection. Madison Reed’s Shampoo and Conditioner set helps to cleanse, hydrate, soften, and strengthen hair, and it includes lupine flower protein, which offers natural UVA and UVB protection.

Expert Tip: Wearing a hat, or cap is the best way to protect your hair from sun damage. Plus, it can help protect against heat stroke and sun-­induced headaches. If you’re a fashion rebel, you can also wear a bandana or scarf that coordinates with your bathing suite ha!

6. Lifelesstown

The Problem: You were too busy during your beach vacation so… too many hours in the pool + tons of seawater = Your hair is literally dead.

The Fix: If you don’t protect your hair, the sun can actually change your hair color and texture by drying it out,” says Frédéric Fekkai colorist Daniel Sanchez, who has worked with clients such as Kate Hudson. The sun can actually bring unwanted warmth to the hair, on Brunettes, and on blondes, the sun can make the color fade faster and create severe dryness.”

According to this article. Those without color-treated hair aren’t off the hook, either. As Daniel Sanchez explains, “uncolored hair still breaks down from chlorine, sun, salt and the cuticle becomes damaged creating a rough, dull outside on your hair which then doesn’t reflect light and shine in the same manner.

Expert Tip: As usual wear, a hat or you can also use some of natural sun protection products. Here are some of the best product for sun damaged hair. I personally love and use this amazing Argan oil protector or my favorite Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Spray Not only do these oil-based detangling sprays moisturizes hair, but also add a shield that fights heat from both the sun and styling tools.

7.  Change in Texture

The Problem: You spent way too many hours under the sun without any type of protection or even up in a bun, now brittle hair is what you’ve got.

The Fix: Change in texture can occur for a myriad of reasons, but can be exacerbated by spending long periods of time in the sun. In a nutshell, the sun’s UV rays disturb the top layer of your hair, also known as the “cuticle.”Once the cuticle is disturbed and no longer lays flat, the inner layer called the “cortex” is then exposed, leaving it susceptible to damage. In short, added protection beside your natural product lineup is essential!

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Expert Tip: If you haven’t already, incorporate hats into your wardrobe as mentioned before, and use a natural leave-in conditioner, hair protecting oils or mists, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.

Over to you:
What’s your weapon of mass protection for your hair in the summer? Please share your tips with us below.

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