Best Sun Protection Hair Products of 2011
By Meredith Berg
, last updated July 12, 2011
While the dangers of sun exposure to your skin are commonly known, many do not realize that you need to protect your hair from sun damage with the appropriate products as well. Color-treated hair can lose its luster, and all types of hair are at risk for drying, breakage, and damage. Protect yourself from solar rays with the latest and greatest products. Here are the best sun protection hair products of 2011.
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Prevention
Whether you simply have highlights, or a whole head of color, you will want to be careful in the sun. Exposure can change your precious, and expensive, color and turn your follicles into brittle, inflexible hellions. Redken has developed an extraordinary product, the Color Extend Sun Solar Screen which is SPF 12 and made specifically for color-treated hair. The soplexyl within it helps to prevent UV damage, the mango oil replenishes your hair and adds volume, and the creamide repairs and resurfaces your abused locks. Another important benefit of this product is that it protects the skin on your scalp as well, preventing skin cancer and hair loss. Pureology Spray Gel is also formulated for color retention and thermal protection. Two ounces are only $8 and includes sunscreen and antioxidants.
If you want to protect your hair during summer activities like surfing and swimming, then you should consider Rene Futerer's Waterproof Protective Summer Fluid, for $23. Spray this formula into your hair to help combat UV rays no matter how much fun in the sun you have. Nioxin Scalp Guard Sunblock SPF20 offers even more sun protection and is designed for those who burn easily. This product is more about staying safe, but the fun minty smell and the non-sticky formula keep your hairstyle attractive as well.
One of the best ways to prevent sun damage is to purchase protective shampoos, like Paul Mitchell's Color Protect Daily Shampoo, which retails for about $25. This product strengthens and adds shine while providing effective sun protection.
Restoration
Despite your best efforts, your hair can still pick up rays and become damaged. There are plenty of restorative products for sun-afflicted hair as well. Rene Futerer offers a fantastic product in their sun care collection called Shampooing Reparateur Apres Soleil, meaning Shampoo Repair After the Sun. Five ounces will set you back $23, but this creamy shampoo battles effects of UV rays, chlorine and salt water. Bring back bounce and shine to your hair with this intensive treatment. If the damage is severe, consider using Rene Futerer After Sun Repair Mask as a conditioner. Rub this shea-butter-rich cream into your damp, but not wet, hair after shampooing, let it sink in for a few minutes and then rinse. The essential oil of sesame in this product will bring your hair back to life naturally and effectively. Typically, a jar costs $42. After showering, follow up with the Phytoplage Hydrating After Sun Mist with Sugar Can Extract spray. Keratin Hydrolysate coats your strands, protecting them and bringing back volume. You'll feel the moisture return to your poor abused follicles after this Pro Vitamin B5 treatment.
