Have you ever looked in the mirror after a long summer day and wondered why your hair is looking lighter or less red? This phenomenon doesn’t only happen to redheads, it can happen to any hair color and there’s actually a scientific reason why. Red hair fades in the sun during the summer because the UV radiation from sunlight breaks down the pigment molecules in the hair, particularly the melanin responsible for its color. This process, called photobleaching, can cause red hair to appear lighter or even turn a coppery hue. Similarly to how your skin changes color when you’re exposed to the sun, your hair does too. Overexposure to the sun can lighten your hair and make it appear faded. This is a big issue for redheads ‘by choice’, but also for natural redheads. Here are some tips to keep your hair vibrant this summer:
To prevent fading in the sun, redheads can:
1. Wear a hat or scarf: The best way to keep this from happening is by wearing a hat and covering your head while out in the sun. Wearing a hat is also a good idea for extra face, neck, and scalp protection from UV rays, so it’s a win-win! Covering your hair with a hat or scarf provides physical protection from direct sunlight.
2. Use sunscreen for hair: Some hair products contain UV filters to shield hair from the sun’s rays.
3. Avoid prolonged sun exposure: Limiting the time spent in direct sunlight can help reduce fading.
4. Opt for hair products with UV protection: Look for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products formulated to protect hair from UV damage.
5. Rinse hair after swimming: Chlorine and saltwater can exacerbate fading, so rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to remove these elements.
6. Moisturize hair regularly: Well-moisturized hair is less prone to damage from UV exposure.
7. Consider hair treatments: Some salon treatments, like glosses or color-protecting treatments, can help maintain the vibrancy of red hair.
Remember that chlorine can lighten your hair too:
Another factor that comes into play is chlorine. If you’re spending a lot of time in pools, you’re being exposed to chlorine. Chlorine contains the same chemical as bleach, and when your hair is exposed to a lot of chlorine, it may cause it to lighten and even appear blonde. Chlorine plus sun exposure can enhance the results and cause even more lightening. It should be noted that this is not an effective or healthy way to try and lighten red hair — it can cause dryness and damage.
The best way to prevent this lightening from happening is to wear a swim cap or avoid putting your hair in the water. Alternatively, swimming in natural bodies of water like oceans, lakes, and rivers will leave you chlorine-free. If you do choose to swim in a pool, make sure to wash your hair well as soon as you’re done to avoid further chlorine damage.
To prevent red hair from fading in chlorine:
1. Wet your hair before swimming: Saturating your hair with clean water before entering the pool can reduce its ability to absorb chlorine.
2. Use a leave-in conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before swimming to create a protective barrier between your hair and the chlorine.
3. Wear a swim cap: A swim cap can minimize exposure of your hair to chlorine and other pool chemicals.
4. Rinse hair immediately after swimming: Rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water as soon as you get out of the pool to remove chlorine residue.
5. Use a clarifying shampoo: Use a clarifying shampoo after swimming to remove chlorine buildup from your hair.
6. Deep condition regularly: Deep conditioning treatments can help restore moisture and vitality to your hair, reducing the likelihood of fading.
7. Limit exposure: Try to minimize the amount of time your hair spends in chlorinated water by taking breaks from swimming or choosing natural bodies of water when possible.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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