say goodbye to sun-damaged strands
summer may be wrapping up, but there’s a chance your hair might still be feeling it. you may not realize it, but hair can take a hit from all those days spent lounging in the sunshine. extended exposure to UV rays can leave strands dry, brittle, and in need of some extra love. with fall around the corner, it’s the perfect time to lock in your post-summer hair recovery routine. we’ve rounded up our favorite hydrating and strengthening formulas to bring sun-damaged strands back into balance. keep reading for your strand recovery plan!
in this article:
- why does sun damage happen?
- how to help sun damaged strands
- formulas for hydration
- hydro rush intense moisture shampoo
- water sign hydrating hair oil
- formulas for strength repair + protection
- the kure multi-task strength treatment
- UV protection for hair
- the shield anti-humidity spray
- formulas for nourishment:
- soulfood nourishing mask
why does sun damage happen?
first things first, let’s clear up why sun damage happens (and why it always seems to occur during the summer months). the “why” is all about UV rays—and more specifically—a lack of UV protection for hair. just like with your skin, UV light breaks down the proteins that keep strands strong and smooth, resulting in dull, frizzy strands. this same UV light also targets melanin (the pigment that gives your hair its color), so strands start to look washed out, limp, and dull. UV rays can even dry out the natural oils from your scalp and hair cuticle, leaving strands in serious need of hydration. but deep breath...sun damage doesn’t have to stick around. we’re diving into the best products for sun-damaged hair below.
how to help sun damaged strands
consider these products the equivalent of slathering cooling aloe vera gel all over your skin after a long, sunny beach day. like a post-summer pick-me-up for your hair, these hardworking heroes help to hydrate, nourish, soften, and smooth.
formulas for hydration
hydro rush intense moisture shampoo and conditioner
what it is: a hydration-boosting shampoo and conditioner duo that gently cleanses and drenches hair in 3x more hydration,* leaving it soft, smooth, and moisturized.
why you’ll love it: formulated with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and coconut water, hydro rush gently cleanses and deeply hydrates without weighing hair down.
when to use it: every wash day, especially after outdoor adventures that leave hair dry and desperate for deep hydration
*clinically proven, when shampoo and conditioner are used as a system.
water sign hydrating hair oil
what it is: this rich nutrient-packed hair oil is infused with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and oils that drench thirsty strands in hydration while reducing frizz and boosting shine.
why you’ll love it: water sign helps fight the signs of sun damage—locking in moisture, smoothing frizz, and strengthening strands.
when to use it: smooth a few drops through damp or dry hair anytime you need extra moisture—especially after a day in the sun when hair feels parched. if you have braids, apply directly onto the scalp and work downward.
formulas for strength repair + protection
the kure multi-task strength treatment
what it is: this 60-second multitasking treatment is formulated with bond fortifying technology and vegan proteins to target damage and leave hair with 58% less breakage.*
why you’ll love it: this fast-acting treatment helps target and fortify the bonds in hair most prone to breakage due to environmental stressors, including sun exposure.
when to use it: work it into your routine 1–2 times a week after cleansing with the kure intense repair shampoo and conditioner, or anytime your hair feels extra depleted from too much sun.
*compared to control after 3 uses, clinically proven to reduce breakage and strengthen hair.
UV protection for hair
the shield anti-humidity spray
what it is: a heat and UV-protectant styling spray that is clinically proven to reduce frizz by 72% for up to 24 hours,*all while protecting against humidity and environmental stressors.
why you’ll love it: this lightweight mist not only protects against sun damage and heat styling but also keeps humidity from turning your blowout into a frizz fest. it’s basically your all-weather armor for smooth strands that stay put.
when to use it: mist onto damp hair before heat styling or spritz on dry hair before heading outdoors to keep UV rays and humidity in check.
*clinically proven
formulas for nourishment:
soulfood nourishing mask:
what it is: this ultra-creamy and vitamin-packed hair mask is infused with superfruit sea buckthorn and jojoba seed oil for touchable softness and shine.
why you’ll love it: the perfect thirst-quencher for your strands after a long day in the sun, soulfood helps to soften while leaving hair 11.4x more moisturized.*
when to use it: soulfood can be used as a weekly treatment when hair needs a little extra TLC, or as an everyday conditioner for strands that are particularly dry or porous.
pro tip: blend in 2–3 pumps of water sign hydrating oil for added moisture.
*clinically proven, after one use.
