The Best UV Hair Protectant

Buying Guide

It’s almost impossible to completely avoid harmful ultraviolet rays. A little sunlight each day is good for you, but even small amounts can damage your skin and hair, particularly around the midday hours. You can cover your skin in sunscreen and UV-protectant moisturizers and lotions, but the hair suffers from sun exposure, too.

Sun exposure is hardest on the cuticles of your hair strands. Similar to bleaches, sun exposure lightens the hair while also damaging the proteins that give it strength and luster. The result is frizzy, hard-to-control hair and even potential thinning. Those with fine or light-colored hair are most vulnerable, as well as those who have flat or tightly coiled strands.

The best protection against UV damage is to cover your hair or stay in the shade when you’re outdoors. If you plan to swim in a chlorinated pool, wash the chlorine out as soon as possible. But even with proactive measures, your hair can suffer UV damage from the exposure it naturally gets while you’re walking from your car to buildings or working in the yard.

That’s where UV hair protectant can help. Simply work a couple of drops through your hair strands after showering or drying your hair, depending on the directions specific to your chosen product, and enjoy a shield against those harmful UV rays. But many of the best products both protect and strengthen the strands, giving you bonus benefits.

The best thing about strengthening hair protectants is they typically use nutrients and natural oils to do the job. By depositing essential vitamins, these products naturally boost your hair’s properties without including harmful chemicals. Search for UV protectants with oils that add luster and shine to your hair. This will keep you looking good while you’re repairing and safeguarding.

• UV hair protectants come in various types of tubes and bottles. You might prefer a squeeze bottle over a flip top or vice versa. If the directions call for only a drop or two, a flip top that dispenses a small amount will make things easier.
• Pay close attention to the application directions before buying. It might seem like serum bottles are small, but when you only apply a drop or two once a day, even one measuring only one or two ounces can last a while.
• Some products use fatty acids and oils to achieve benefits. If possible, find a product with cold-pressed ingredients. When heated, oils can lose some of those essential nutrients.
• If you plan to travel with your UV hair protectant, look not only for one that’s small enough to tuck into your luggage but also in a container that’s leak-resistant and sturdy.
• Typically, you’ll use your UV hair protectant on freshly washed hair. In some cases, you can use it on either wet or dry hair, but check the label to find out the specific instructions for your chosen product.
• For already damaged hair, more intensive therapy might be necessary. You can buy products that you wear overnight as a hair mask for hours of treatment.
• The fragrances built into hair protectants can vary. Some are unscented, while others are heavily perfumed. Check the scent of any protectant you’re choosing.
• For some, a hairspray-based protectant works better. They apply lightly over a wider surface area. You may still need to massage it into the strands, though, to make sure you’re getting even distribution.
• If you swim, even occasionally, UV rays aren’t the only concern. Since all pools have at least a partial chlorine concentration, a swim cap is necessary for safeguarding your strands while underwater. Make sure you get one with a secure fit that will keep chlorine from making its way inside.