10 Natural Remedies for Repairing Sun-Damaged Hair This Summer

We are all aware of how crucial it is to protect our skin from harm during those long, hot summer days by wearing sunscreen. However, did you know that the sun can harm your hair as well? 

Sun damage can result in thinning of hair and frizziness, split or broken ends, dry and brittle strands, and discoloration.

How Does The Sun Damage Hair?

• The harmful UVA and UVB rays that the sun emits can be extremely harmful for the hair. The sun also weakens the hair’s protein structure, de-moisturizes it and reduces elasticity, making the hair break more easily.

• When the hair is exposed to high levels of UV radiation, the layer of lipid in the hair can be damaged, and the result is dry, frizzy hair and an increase in the number of split ends.

• Sunburn on the scalp can cause dry, unruly hair. 

The following natural remedies are some of the best solutions to repair sun-damaged hair and also effective home solutions for hair fall at the same time. 

1. Hot Oil Hair Massage

Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba aid in covering the exterior layer of hair, or cuticle, with moisture, thereby mending the damage. 

To prepare this home remedy: 

• Warm about half a cup of oil
• For a few minutes, gently massage it into your hair. 
• Give the hair a warm towel covering. 
• Leave the hair for about 30 to 45 minutes, or overnight.
• Once that’s done, wash your hair with shampoo and rinse 

2.  Coconut Oil

To protect hair strands from damage such as sun exposure, pollution, and heat styling tools and other chemical hair treatments, coconut oil develops a protective barrier on them. This shield lowers the chance of hair damage by assisting in moisture retention and protein loss prevention.

3.  Aloe Vera Gel

The thickening substances present in Aloe gel can gently stiffen your hair and treat the frizzes effectively. It also acts as a magical shield protecting your skin and hair from the damage caused by the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Coating your hair with Aloe Vera juice or gel can prevent the protein degradation caused by the sun’s UV radiation.

4. Beer Shampoo/ Conditioner

A protein found in beer helps to restore the cuticles in hair, leaving it glossy and silky.  After shampooing your hair as usual, apply a few drops of beer to it and let it air dry. This will act as a good conditioner without giving your hair an unpleasant smell. You can also try beer shampoo for better results. 

5. Neem Oil

Fatty acids that hydrate and nourish hair such as oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, are abundant in neem oil. Additionally, neem oil also has vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the hair from harm and stops it from losing moisture. Hair that is dry, frizzy, or brittle can be hydrated and softened using neem oil.

6. Rice Water

Rice water has inositol, a carbohydrate that aids in fortifying the hair strands, and amino acids that build the hair roots. By using rice water regularly, hair becomes stronger and healthier and is less likely to break. Rice water is thus one of the most effective remedies against sun damage. 

7. Onion Juice

Onion juice has anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help calm an irritated scalp and lessen redness and irritation in the summer heat. By enhancing blood circulation and enabling a consistent supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, applying onion juice to the scalp aids in hair growth too. 

8. Avoid Everyday Hair Wash

Shampoo cleans the hair of dirt and sweat, but it also depletes the natural oil called sebum, which helps to keep the hair manageable but also produces greasy-looking hair when in excess quantity.

Hair should be washed every other day to prevent sebum from stripping away; if this isn’t feasible, try using shampoo for dry hair. These gentle shampoos protect all of the natural oils in the hair while also cleansing it.

9. Choose Chemical-Free Hair Treatment Options

Selecting the appropriate shampoo can significantly help in repairing sun-damaged hair. Choose sulphate-free shampoos that are gentle for the hair and scalp. It is better to opt for shampoos infused with moisturising ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. 

10. Nourish From Within

It takes more than just external care to repair hair; our diet plays a significant role too. Growth of strong, healthy hair depends on a well-balanced diet full of vitamins and nutrients, which promote hair health. Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as biotin and omega-3 fatty acids, can prevent UV damage and encourage the growth of healthy hair.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-dry-hair
2. https://www.wearecentred.com/blogs/centred/5-ways-to-recover-hair-from-sun-damage
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321850
4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-ways-to-protect-your-hair-from-sun-damage
5.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19138021/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8906293/
7. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/neem-oil-for-hair#purported-benefits
8. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324179387_Rice_Water_A_Traditional_Ingredient_with_Anti-Aging_Efficacy
9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352561846_A_FORMULATION_OF_FACE_PACK_AND_HAIR_PRODUCTS_OF_RICE_WATER_FOR_THE_USE_OF_SKIN_AND_HAIR_PROBLE
10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11253462_Onion_Juice_Allium_cepa_L_A_New_Topical_Treatment_for_Alopecia_Areata#:~:text=Re-growth%20of%20t