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.
Let’s delve into this topic, and find out how you make most of the UV protection products available.
Table of Contents
Best UV Protection For Color-Treated Hair – Comparison Table
| Brand | Image | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray |   | . Easy to apply . Moisturizes hair . Can be used as a detangler |
| Paul Mitchell Locking Spray |   | . Keeps the color bright . Can be used daily . Doesn't leave any build-up |
| Oribe Power Drops Booster |   | . Preserves hair color . Conditions hair . A little goes a long way |
| Coola Scalp & Hair Mist |   | . Has antioxidant properties . 80-minute water resistance . Plant-based ingredients |
| Aveda Sun Care Hair Veil |   | . Water-resistant formulation . Doesn’t leave any residue . Reduces frizz |
| Rita Hazan Protective Spray |   | . Eliminates frizz . It's not greasy . Helps hair stay in place |
| Sachajuan Hair In The Sun |   | . Can be used on dry or wet hair . Can be used daily . Doesn't leave residue on the hair |
The Effects Of Dye On Hair Structure
When you color your hair, it can actually change the structure of your hair.
The chemicals in the hair dye need to penetrate the outer layer of your hair, called the cuticle, to reach the inner part of your hair, called the cortex.
But when you color your hair, these scales can become lifted or damaged, making your hair more vulnerable to things like UV rays from the sun or harsh styling tools.
Hair color can also change the natural proteins in your hair, like keratin.
Keratin is what gives your hair its strength and elasticity.
When you color your hair, the chemicals can break down some of the proteins, making your hair more fragile and prone to breakage.
Related Post: Is Keratin Treatment Good For Hair Loss?
This is another reason why it’s important to take extra care of your colored hair and protect it from things that can further damage it, like too much sun exposure or using heat styling tools without heat protection.
Why Colored Hair Needs Protection From The Sun
The sun contains different types of rays, including UVA and UVB rays.
These rays can go through the cuticle and reach the cortex.
When the UV rays touch the colored molecules in our hair, they can break them apart or change their shape.
Color Fades
When the molecules are broken apart, this can cause the dye to fade 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.
Hair Feels Dry And Rough
Just like when we stay in the sun for too long without sunscreen and our skin can get sunburned, our hair can also get “sunburned” by UV rays.
This can make our hair feel dry and rough.
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 also have the ability to hydrate the hair.
This is key to keeping the hair healthy and strong when it’s colored.
Here are seven of my recommendations:
Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray
With this leave-in spray, you not only protect the hair against fading but also 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 the strands by sealing much-needed moisture.
This relieves dryness that can affect dyed hair and increases shine and softness.
The sunscreen that is part of its formulation absorbs UV rays.
This helps to keep the hair and scalp safe.
You can also use this product to detangle your hair.
For the best results, wash your hair and towel dry it.
Spray the product evenly from mid-length to the roots then brush or comb for even distribution.
No harmful products – like paraben, salt, sulfates, and phthalates – are part of its formulation.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Moisturizes the hair
- Can be used as a detangler
- Can be used daily
- Doesn’t contain harmful paraben, salt, sulfates, and phthalates
Cons
- Results in excess build-up if a lot of product is used
Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray
Once you apply dye to your hair, you have every intention for it to last for a long time.
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 which 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.
Not only does this spray leave your hair soft and shiny, but it also helps to lock in color and you end up with a vibrant and beautiful color.
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
- 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
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 a 2% Vitamin C Complex which 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 on the palm of your hand and apply it to your hair.
To use it on its own, apply it 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
- Conditions hair
- Can be mixed with any Oribe hair product
- A little goes a long way
- Reduces frizz
- Color lasts longer
- Safe for keratin-treated hair
Coola Scalp & Hair Sunscreen Mist
When you are outside during summer or go swimming, the sun can make your scalp and hair dry and worst-case scenario – damage your tresses.
This product is an SPF 30 special spray that you can use on your hair and scalp to protect them from the sun.
The mist is made from natural ingredients that come from plants.
This product is color-safe and therefore keeps your hair from fading, so if you have dyed hair, this mist will keep it looking nice for a longer time.
If you go swimming or get wet, this mist is still effective.
It keeps working for up to 80 minutes when you’re in the water.
That means you can enjoy swimming without worrying about your hair and scalp getting damaged by the sun.
To use this mist, you just need to spray it on your scalp and any other parts of your head that are exposed to the sun.
It’s a good idea to do this about 15 minutes before you go outside.
This way, the mist has enough time to start protecting your scalp and hair before you go expose yourself to the sun.
Pros
- Has anti-oxidant properties
- 80-minute water resistance
- Protects both hair and scalp from the sun
- Easy to use
- Plant-based ingredients
Cons
- Can leave hair looking greasy if too much is used
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
This is a water-resistant product that guarantees you complete UV protection even when in contact with water.
It’s very light and doesn’t leave any residue.
The liquid formulation alleviates dryness by moisturizing the hair evenly.
This way you don’t have to worry about an itchy scalp and dry hair that tends to be quite brittle.
You can use this product on both dry and damp hair.
For the best results, spray a small amount of the product on your hair without over-saturating the locks.
You can use it even after swimming in the open.
Using this product constantly will help reduce frizz as well.
Pros
- Water-resistant formulation
- Doesn’t leave any residue
- Lightweight formulation
- Moisturizes hair, therefore, relieves dryness
- Can be used on dry or damp hair
- Reduces frizz
Rita Hazan Lock Plus Block Protective Spray
When you have colored hair and intend to be out in the sun for long periods of time, UV protection must be a priority for you.
In comes this Rita Hazan spray that protects your hair against 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 keeping your hair frizz-free.
The spray contains ProVitamin B5 which 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 of dyed hair, it also protects your natural hair color which can be affected by the sun just as much as 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
- Eliminates frizz
- 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
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 for a while.
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
- 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 fragrance
Tips for Effective UV Protection
There are a few things you can do to ensure that these UV protection products work effectively.
They include:
Applying UV Protection Products Correctly
When it comes to protecting your hair from the sun’s harmful rays, it’s important to use UV protection products correctly.
Start by choosing the right product.
Look for hair care products, like leave-in sprays or serums, that specifically mention UV protection on the label.
Before using any UV protection product, make sure to read the instructions carefully.
They will tell you how much product to use and how to apply it correctly.
Take a small amount of the UV protection product and rub it between your palms.
Then, gently apply it to your hair, making sure to distribute it evenly from the roots to the ends.
As mentioned above, your scalp can also get sunburned, so it’s important to protect it too.
If you have hair that’s parted or thinning, you can use a spray or powder sunscreen specifically made for the scalp.
Apply it along your part or where your hair is thinning to keep your scalp safe.
Reapply Product Throughout The Day
Sun protection doesn’t last all day, so it’s essential to reapply UV protection products to keep your hair shielded from the sun.
Most UV protection products work for a specific period of time before you need to reapply them.
Check the product label to see how often you should reapply the product.
If you go swimming or play sports that make you sweat a lot, it’s important to reapply UV protection afterward.
Water and sweat can wash away the product, leaving your hair vulnerable to the sun’s rays.
If you’re going to be outside for a long time, it’s a good idea to carry a small bottle of UV protection product with you.
That way, you can reapply it whenever you need to, even if you’re away from home.
Take Breaks In The Shade
When you spend a long time outside in the sun, like when you’re at the beach or playing sports, it’s important to give your hair a break from the sun’s rays.
One way to do this is by taking regular breaks in the shade.
By spending time in the shade, you give your hair a chance to rest and recover.
You’ll be giving your hair a little break from the sun’s strong rays.
Taking breaks in the shade also gives your UV protection product a chance to work better.
Conclusion
Exposure to the sun, when you have dyed hair, can result in color fading and your locks experiencing dryness.
You have to take certain measures to protect your hair.
Covering it with a hat might not be enough.
Invest in a good product that has UV protection qualities and moisturizing properties.
This way, your hair is protected and nourished at the same time.
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 and leave your hair exposed.
In case you’re out on the beach, you can cover your hair even after using products with UV protection.
Remember, protecting your hair from the sun is just as important as protecting your skin.
By applying UV protection products correctly and reapplying them throughout the day, you can keep your hair safe and healthy, even on sunny days.
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