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Fun in the Summer Sun Means Extra Care for Your Child's Hair

Summer is a great time for family fun like hanging out in the sun by the pool, at the beach, at the park, or in your backyard. We all know we should put sunscreen on our skin to prevent getting sunburn, but did you know that UV rays also damage hair?

Summer is a great time for family fun like hanging out in the sun by the pool, at the beach, at the park, or in your backyard. We all know we should put sunscreen on our skin to prevent getting sunburn, but did you know that UV rays also damage hair?

That bleached out summer look can be cute, but it means your child's hair is damaged. UV rays affect the hair cuticle in a similar way to bleach. It breaks hair down making it weak and dry. The effect shows up as light streaks in the hair. Once the cuticle has been damaged, it cannot be repaired. Hair care should be aimed at preventing injury in the first place.

When hair cuticles are healthy, they lie flat and overlap tightly to protect inner layers of the hair from heat, sun, chlorine and other hair hazards. Hair appears shiny because the flat cuticle reflects light. As the hair is damaged, the cuticles may separate and hair becomes dry, dull and prone to breakage.

Because of the added stress to your child's hair, you need to be gentler with their hair in the summer. Clean hair well and condition regularly and thoroughly. This will help keep the cuticle intact.

Using conditioner with Dimethicone, Panthenol and protein extracts will help protect hair. Dimethicone attaches to the part of the cuticle where damage is most likely to occur and reduces hair's resistance to brushing, combing and styling.

Panthenol and protein extracts work to smooth the outer layers of the cuticle by increasing hair's moisture content. Styling products can also help to seal the hair cuticles protecting them from heat damage. And, of course the most efficient and easiest way to protect your hair from sunlight is a simple hat. Please don't forget to take hats with you when your family goes to the beach. Avoid sunlight during peak sun hours when the sun is at it's hottest and stay in the shade when possible.

Remember to protect your child's hair this summer.