Ask Color Wow Chief Chemist Dr. Joe: How Do I Protect My Hair from Sun Damage?

Most of us apply sunscreen daily to protect our skin — but did you know your hair needs UV protection too?

You won’t see a sunburn on your strands, but that doesn’t mean that damage isn’t happening. According to Color Wow Chemist Dr. Joe Cincotta, prolonged UV exposure can silently rob your hair’s strength, change the colour, make the texture dull and dry.

And it doesn’t take a beach day. Just like curtain or upholstery fabric fades in a sunny room, your hair can suffer UV damage from everyday sun exposure — even through closed windows.

In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how the sun affects your hair — and the best Color Wow products to help protect it.

Sun vs. Your Hair: What Really Happens Under UV Rays

According to Dr. Joe, “Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage your hair’s natural protective lipid layer, degrade the internal protein structure of your hair, AND change the pigment of your hair.”

Let’s break that down:

1. Hair’s Outer Lipid Layer

When it’s in optimally strong, supple healthy-looking condition, your hair strands have a super-thin layer of naturally-occurring, fatty-acid based coating on the surface (known as the 18-MEA or lipid layer).

This lipid layer performs 3 key functions to preserve the integrity of the hair strand:

1. It acts as a moisture barrier, sealing in hydration and helping to seal OUT humidity. 

2. It creates a polished surface that delivers highly reflective shine. 

3. It provides natural lubrication and slip, so strands are friction-free and have “swing and sway”. 

When UV rays break down this layer, a slew of negative consequences happen to your hair: dehydration, frizz, dullness, and stiffness. Hair loses its easy mobility, becoming dry and straw-like.

2. Hair’s Inner Proteins

Hair’s internal protein structure (mostly keratin) gives strands strength and elasticity. UVB rays weaken these proteins, leading to frail, brittle hair, breakage and split ends. 

This damage is permanent, but hair can be fortified with products that reinforce strength, promote resilience and flexibility. There are even some great products that can temporarily smooth the look of broken ends, but eventually only a trim can fix the problem.

3. Hair’s Colour (Natural and Dyed)

UV rays degrade melanin in your hair  (your natural pigment) AND chemical hair colour molecules. Dark hair is rich in melanin so it has more natural UV protection.

Blonde and light brown hair has less, making it more prone to lightening and damage.

Colour-treated hair is especially vulnerable—UV rays act as a catalyst to create chemical reactions with colour molecules deposited in hair, leading to brassiness and/or fade.

What Does Sun-Damaged Hair Look Like?

Here are 5 signs your hair might be sun-damaged:

1. Dryness and Brittleness

Hair feels rough, straw-like, or fragile to the touch.

2. Split Ends

Increased breakage or fraying at the tips.

3. Colour Fading or Brassiness

Natural or dyed hair appears lighter, dull, brassy, uneven in tone.

4. Frizz and Flyaways

Hair becomes harder to control or style, especially in humid conditions.

5. Lack of Shine

Hair looks matte, flat and dull instead of glossy.

If you're noticing any of these signs, your hair would definitely benefit from  immediate damage control plus some special attention to preventing future sun damage.

How to Protect Your Hair from Sun Damage: Top Color Wow Picks

While there is no standardised or regulated  “sunblock system” for hair, there are certain hair products that can help minimise sun-related damage to hair fibers. 

Formulas that include UV-absorbing ingredients — like Ethylhexyl Salicylate or Octyl Salicylate — can help slow down the breakdown of hair proteins, lipids, and pigments caused by UV rays. 

While they won’t completely prevent sun damage (especially with prolonged exposure), they can offer a helpful layer of defense as part of a broader hair-protection routine.

BEST COLOR WOW FORMULAS UNDER THE SUN

1. Pop & Lock –  Smoothing, glossing + UV protection

This unique oil-serum hybrid formula works both inside and outside your hair to help counteract UV damage. On the surface the serum wraps strands in a crystal clear, UV-protectant “guard” that seals the cuticle and helps keep hair colour molecules and moisture from leaching out. Inside, the oil goes deep into strands to restore elasticity and suppleness to the hair.

2. Texas Hold ‘Em -  Bold hold that won’t fold + UV Protection  

Got a big date and want your style to stay just the way you want? Hit up your hair with this high-performance, strong-hold spray that keeps your style locked delivers 82% style retention in high humidity* and helps shield hair from both UV and heat damage.

* Independent study. Average results recorded after 8 hrs in 60% Relative Humidity.

3. Cult Favorite - Flexible style-shaping favorite + UV protection

Celeb stylists love this fool-proof “can’t use too much” spray that makes hair so easy to control and style. Made without any typical ingredients that can yellow or darken your colour, this lightweight, brush-able spray keeps colour tone true, gives a glossy finish to every look and helps shield hair from UV damage. 

4. One-Minute Transformation – On-the-spot defrizzing + UV protection

Help protect hair from sun damage AND undo unruly frizz with this nourishing styling cream, rich in Avocado Oil and Omega 3’s.

Just a pea-sized amount of this lightweight, non-greasy formula instantly absorbs for sleek, shiny, frizz-free results in a minute!

5.  Shook – Glossy, defined curls + UV protection 

Breakthrough styler for curly/coily hair delivers hydration and frizz control without crunch. 

Shook enhances natural texture, boosts shine, and offers UV protection for hair — making it perfect for curls that need definition and defense.

From lazy poolside lounging to running everyday errands, your hair is hit with more UV rays than you think. That’s why many Color Wow formulas (in addition to those above!) have built-in UV protection for your hair.

Whether you're treating, styling or finishing, every layer of UV protective ingredients for hair is another proactive step to brightest colour and glossiest, strongest strands.

The Sun vs. Your Hair: Frequently Asked Questions

Does the sun make your hair lighter?

Yes, the sun can make your hair colour lighter. UV rays break down the melanin in your hair, causing it to fade and appear lighter over time.

Is the sun good for your hair?

While a bit of sun can give you the look of sunny, natural highlights, prolonged exposure can damage your hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to split ends. Protect your hair with a hat or products that contain UV-protectants.  

Can the sun change your hair colour?

Yes, the sun can change your hair colour. The UV rays interact with pigments in your hair, leading to lighter and sometimes brassy, uneven tones, especially if your hair is already colour-treated.

Can you go in the sun after dyeing your hair?

It's best to limit sun exposure after dyeing your hair. UV rays can cause your new colour to fade faster and may also lead to brassy tones, dryness and damage. Use a hat or products with UV protection for hair to preserve your colour.