In summer, we must protect our hair from the sun and other external agents to prevent photoaging and keep it healthy, just as we also protect and care for our skin.
The action of the sun's rays, sea salt, sand, chlorine from swimming pools, wind, and heat deteriorate the hair fiber, stimulate the production of sebum, and weaken the hair, causing it to fall out, dry, discolor and make it more porous, opaque, rough and brittle.
One of the secrets of beautiful and healthy hair is in the nutrients we provide to our body through food and in following a series of habits to take care of it.
All your hair needs are foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, biotin, zinc, potassium, iron, selenium, magnesium and copper is the most effective thing you can do to protect your hair from the sun. These nutrients will give it what it needs to defend itself against damaging agents and stimulate healthy growth.
How do these vitamins and minerals translate into food? You'll find them in walnuts, almonds, pistachios, peanuts, and hazelnuts; in pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds; in all oily fish, such as sardines, mackerel, tuna, and salmon; in the liver, legumes, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, watercress, grapes, apples, bananas, papaya, mango, whole grains, and garlic.
Strengthen and nourish your hair from within
Sometimes, the current pace of life prevents us from following a diet rich in all the nutrients that we should provide our body to keep it healthy; health on which also depends on the health of our hair.
Zinc contributes to the normal synthesis of proteins that are essential for hair and nail growth. Vitamin B6 helps in the normal synthesis of cysteine. Biotin and zinc contribute to the maintenance of hair and nails. Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation. Vitamin C, finally, participates in the protection of cells against oxidative damage.
Cover your hair: after the inner 'shield', it's the best protection
Hats act as a barrier against the sun's UVA and UVB rays and, what's more, they flatter! That's why they are the best option to protect your hair from the sun.
Choose a thick, wide-brimmed hat to really protect you (they are more effective than a cap). You can also cover your hair with a turban or improvise one with a scarf.
However, if you are at the beach, avoid wearing them with wet or damp hair after a swim: humidity increases hair damage. If you're spending the summer in the city or going to the countryside, don't do without them either!
Give your hair a break: it wants a vacation too!
Hair is subjected to a lot of stress throughout the year: hairdryers, straighteners, pollution, the frenetic pace of work that we lead and that also affects it... give it a break! Whenever possible, let it dry in the open air and, as you are going to wash it more often, choose a milder shampoo and apply nourishing masks afterward.
If you use a flat iron, make sure it's a quality ceramic one, and don't forget to use a heat protector first. It is also important to avoid any aggressive products, such as hair sprays containing alcohol, as they dry out the hair.
After each swim in the sea or pool, rinse your hair with fresh water: saltpeter acts like a magnifying glass attracting the sun's rays and chlorine bleaches the hair. Finally, hydrate your hair by drinking plenty of water and natural fruit juices.
By following these tips to protect your hair from the sun, your hair will come back from the vacation radiant, just like you!
Ayelen
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