Don't Forget To Use Protection

Oh, how we love this time of the year... long summer days with the sun shining bright and the breeze blowing through our hair while spending some much needed "me time" by the pool, the ocean, or the lake with family and friends. As blissful as it is, this season can wreak absolute havoc on our precious strands. While most of us know by now how important it is to protect our skin from the sun's rays, it is also crucial to shield our tresses. Luckily, we've got you covered - literally!

Just how important is sun protection for your hair?

Hair — unlike skin — can't get sunburn, wrinkles, or cancer, but dermatologists acknowledge that the sun has a potent effect on hair. "Ultraviolet radiation damages and structurally changes the protein in the hair." The sun causes the hair cuticle, the outside layer of the hair, to open, allowing moisture and even melanin to be removed. Sun exposure breaks down the proteins in the hair, causing breakage and split ends. UVB rays oxidize the hair and break down the proteins in the hair that assure that it stays healthy.

The sun can and will wreak havoc on your hair, with effects that range from dry, frizzy hair, and fading of dyed color or lightened natural color. Whether it’s prevention from damage to your precious locks, or the consideration of spending extra dollars to color hair more often or color correct the effects of the sun, prevention is at the top of our list to protect the outside skin of your hair, so that the inside health shines from within.

What is the science behind EVOLVh UV protection?

#1 and most important on our UV hit parade is a special blend of raw lecithin. Besides adding softness and suppleness, it adds liposome stability. #2 is Sunflower/Safflower to boost the raw lecithin efficacy. Our ingredients also include natural UV protection from red raspberry seed oil which makes a great addition to an organic sunscreen because of its abundant amount of antioxidants, including Vitamin E, which helps to block free radicals. Not to mention plenty of the incredibly beneficial micronutrients called polyphenols.

Which products in the EVOLVh lineup provide UV protection?

Our 3rd step, as we refer to it, aka our leave-in conditioners, are somewhat magical as they provide long lasting impact on your hair including locking in moisture, a priority for keeping your hair healthy and preventing sun damage, plus natural heat and UV protection. Additionally, all of our stylers include the same UV protection, making them the perfect finishing touch on your hair routine all year round.

Checklist For Optimal Hair Sun Protection

It's all about “prevention” and “protection.”

Switch to more moisturizing shampoos and conditioners during the summer. When hair is more moisturized it will help reinforce the structure of the hair, making it stronger and more resilient against the sun. It buffers the dehydrating effect of the sun, which is key because prolonged exposure to both the sun's heat and radiation will dehydrate the hair, in much the same way that repeated use of a blow dryer, straightening iron, or curling iron will.

During peak sun hours (noon to early afternoon) when the sun is highest in the sky and the most intense, your best bet is to stay out of the sun altogether. Your hair, like your skin, is going to be happier when you don’t bake it in the sun during this time of day.

Wear a hat. Bonus points for opting for a covering with UV protection built in. There are many SPF options, and we love Coolibar as they have hats and scarves for just about every activity. Eric Javits also has some really stylish SPF 50+ hair coverings that are great for travel.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, and then hydrate some more! Water will delight your body and your hair. If you would like a little flavor to go with it - DripDrop makes some of our fave hydrating products, and the new flavors are perfect for summer.

EVOLVh Routine For Optimal Prevention & Protection

1. Moisture, simply put, protects your hair – so you'll want to comb in your EVOLVh conditioner to reach every single strand.

2. Then spray in your choice of leave-in to lock in the moisture and benefit from the UV protective ingredients.

3. Add an EVOLVh styling product for added heat and UV protection.

Happy (protected) sunning this summer, EVOLVhers! We'll see you poolside!!