For years now, I’ve experimented with different colors on my hair. One of the things I always do is to take measures to protect my hair against the effects of too much exposure to the sun. This has made me know the best UV protection for color-treated hair.
I’m honestly fascinated with hair dye and I keep changing it up.
Having done this for so long, I’ve come to learn what works for my hair and what doesn’t.
Hair has different requirements when it’s colored.
I’ve learned several lessons with this type of hair, especially when it comes to swimming with dyed hair.
I like to be ready for summer, starting with getting effective UV protection for my colored hair.
Yes, sunblock for hair is a thing and we all need to learn about it.
We prioritize the skin but forget about the hair.
UV rays can completely wreck your colored hair.
Why Colored Hair Needs Protection From The Sun
For one, the dye fades faster when the hair is not protected.
The worst part is, it’s not a stylish fade that you can still rock. No.
It looks quite hideous.
The weird-looking patches all over make the hair quite unattractive.
This is why once you dye the hair you need to get the right products with UV protection.
They’ll help you block the sun’s powerful rays from penetrating the hair and fading the color.
Another important reason your hair needs protection is that the sun can really dry out dyed hair.
Once you dye it and you don’t give it proper care, hair tends to dry out and become quite brittle.
And then when you’re exposed to sun rays, both the scalp and hair become extremely dry.
This can result in weak hair that breaks easily and an itchy scalp that can be really irritating.
Products With UV Protection For Color-Treated Hair
If you have dyed hair, you should pick products that not only have UV protection, but those that also hydrate the hair.
This is key to keeping the hair healthy and strong when it’s colored.
Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray
With this leave-in spray, you not only protect the hair from fading but keep brassiness at bay.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can result in fading and extreme hair dryness.
Use this spray daily as long as you know you intend to be out for long hours. It hydrates it by sealing much-needed moisture in which relieves dryness that can affect dyed hair.
The sunscreen that is part of its formulation absorbs UV rays keeping the hair and scalp safe. You have the added benefit of thermal protection guarding against excessive heat.
Also, you can use it to detangle your hair while increasing shine and softness.
For the best results, wash your hair and towel dry it. Spray it evenly from mid-length to the roots then brush/comb for even distribution.
No harmful products are part of its formulation like paraben, salt, sulfates, and phthalates.
Pros
- Contains no harmful paraben, salt, sulfates, and phthalates
- Comes in the form of a leave-in conditioning spray
- Moisturizes the hair
- Can be used as a detangler
- Softens and adds shine to your hair
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Results in excess build-up for some users
Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray
Once you apply dye on your hair, you have every intention for it to last longer. Using the right products such as this locking spray is important.
This is the leave-in conditioner that I first used when I dyed my hair red and I instantly fell in love with it!
The main ingredient in this spray is sunflower extract that works to block the sun and keep the color from fading.
This is also great at hydrating your hair strands, effectively restoring moisture to the hair.
In this way, the harmful rays of the sun won’t dry out your hair further.
Not only does this spray leave your hair soft and shiny, but it also helps to lock in color and you end up with that perfect look.
For the best results, you first need to wash your hair with a color-friendly shampoo and follow it up with a conditioner that’s also color-safe.
You’ll then spray this product onto the hair while it’s still damp. It’s a leave-in so there’s no need to rinse it off.
Style the hair as desired. This spray can be used daily especially if you’re constantly exposed to the sun.
The leave-in spray is vegan and free from parabens.
Pros
- Provides sun protection
- It helps prevent color fade
- Hydrates the hair
- Leaves hair soft and shiny
- Keeps the color bright
- Can be used daily
- Doesn’t leave any build-up
- Can help to hold your style all day
- Has a nice fragrance
Rita Hazan Lock Plus Block Protective Spray
When you have colored hair and intend to be out in the sun for long periods, hair protection must be a priority for you.
In comes this protective spray that protects your hair against the harmful UV rays.
It contains UV absorbers that shield dye from oxidizing and fading as a result of exposure to the sun.
If you’re tired of walking around with frizzy hair, well, this product is great at blocking out humidity and keeps your hair frizz-free.
The spray contains ProVitamin B5 that helps in conditioning your hair and leaves it looking all smooth and shiny.
Vitamins A & E – the other ingredients found in this product – are rich in antioxidants that protect hair from harsh environmental conditions.
Not only does this spray protect the color on dyed hair, it also protects your natural hair color that can be affected by the sun just as much dye.
For the best results, style your hair as desired and then spray this mist evenly – all over your hair.
If you’ll be in the sun all day, it’s advisable to reapply this product periodically.
This product is free from sulfates, parabens, and sodium chloride.
Pros
- Provides instant UV protection
- Eliminates frizz
- Protects hair dye
- Safe for all hair types
- It’s not greasy
- Protects your natural hair color as well
- A little goes a long way
- Helps hair stay in place
Cons
- You may need to reapply the product if you’ll be in the sun all day.
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
At times you might want to head for the beach and take a dip in the ocean but need to retain the UV protecting product on your hair. To do so might mean forfeiting the dip.
Well, by using this protective hair veil, you don’t have to worry about this. This is a water-resistant product that guarantees you complete UV protection even when in contact with water.
It’s very light and results in no residue. The liquid formulation alleviates dryness by moisturizing the hair evenly. This way you don’t have to worry about dry hair that tends to be quite brittle and an itchy scalp.
The good news is you can use it on dry or damp hair. Spray a small amount without over saturating the hair.
You can use it even after swimming out in the sun. Using it constantly can help reduce frizz as well.
Pros
- Water-resistant formulation
- Offers UV protection coating the hair with a protective film
- Doesn’t leave any residue
- Lightweight formulation
- Moisturizes hair relieving dryness
- Can be used on dry or damp hair
- Reduces frizz
Cons
- Doesn’t completely protect the scalp from sunburns
Oribe Power Drops Color Preservation Booster
This Oribe product is a dermatologist-tested hair serum formulated for color preservation as well as protection against the sun’s powerful rays.
The oil-based treatment contains bioflavonoids that are found in fruits. They help to preserve dye and keep the color bright by blocking the penetration of UV rays.
Another core ingredient in this serum is 2% Vitamin C Complex that is rich in antioxidants that work to protect hair dye from fading.
Quinoa protein- another ingredient in this product – is rich in amino acids that strengthen the hair strands and protects them from breakage.
Since the serum has conditioning properties, it helps to moisturize the hair and as a result, shields it from becoming too brittle due to extreme dryness.
You can use this serum alone or by mixing it with other (preferably Oribe) products.
To combine with another product, mix 3-5 drops of the serum with another product in the palm of your hand and apply on your hair.
To use it alone, apply to damp hair.
This product is vegan and hasn’t been tested on animals. It’s also free from gluten, parabens, sulfates, or sodium chloride.
Pros
- Protects hair from UV rays
- Preserves hair color
- Conditions hair
- Leaves hair looking shiny
- Can be mixed with any Oribe hair product
- A little goes a long way
- Reduces frizz
- Color lasts longer
- Safe for keratin-treated hair
Cons
- Isn’t very moisturizing for some hair types
Fekkai Pr-Soleil Hair Radiance and Protection Mist
Anyone that has colored hair understands the effect continuous sun exposure can have on it. With this product, you get to protect against the harmful rays.
It offers a sun-blocking effect once applied and hydrates the hair as an added benefit. The results are a radiant glow and shine of healthy and strong hair.
It’s a dual-phase spray that can be used before you step out to the sun and after for the best results. Shake the bottle and spray the solution all over your clean and wet hair. Brush your hair thoroughly to get it evenly distributed and on the scalp.
The product is a liquid mist that you spray on wet hair for better penetration. This way it’s light and leaves no residue on your hair. A nice smell is left on your hair that lasts for the better part of the day.
Pros
- Maximum protection from the sun
- Hydrates dry hair
- Restores shine
- Softens the hair
- Easy to use
- Can be used multiple times, even daily
- Doesn’t leave residue
Cons
- Leaves hair too oily
Sachajuan Hair In The Sun
This leave-in serum is perfect for protecting your hair when you’re spending countless hours out in the sun.
It has a great formulation for protecting color-treated hair from the fading effects of UV exposure.
You can opt to use it before stepping out in the sun and after getting back from a long day outside.
This product has a UV filter that stays in the hair even after you’ve showered.
The UVQ filter protects your hair and remains in your locks until it’s washed out with shampoo.
The leave-in serum can also be used as a styling cream to keep your hair in place while in the sun.
Not only do you get protection from the sun, but the serum also nourishes your hair and leaves it looking lustrous.
For best results, apply this serum before exposure to the sun.
Pros
- Offers maximum UV protection
- Preserves hair color
- Can be used on dry or wet hair
- Can be used daily
- Nourishes the hair
- Can be used as a styling cream
- It’s light and doesn’t leave residue on the hair
- It has a nice smell
Conclusion
Anyone that intends to be out in the sun for long periods with colored hair needs to read this review. The sun is quite beneficial to the skin but exposure on dyed hair results in fading and dryness. You have to take certain measures to protect your hair. Covering with a hat might not be enough.
Invest in a good product that has UV protection qualities as well as hydration properties. This way, your hair is protected and nourished at the same time covering two issues with one solution.
If you intend to swim while out in the sun, ensure the product you use is water-resistant as well. This way the water doesn’t rinse it off leaving your hair exposed.
In case you’re out on the beach then cover your hair even after using products with UV protection. This reduces exposure by a large margin.