Hair that is windswept by ocean breezes and kissed by the sun might seem as much a part of summer as cut-offs and flip-flops, but these elements can dry out and damage our hair, unfortunately.

Our hair is made up of keratins and melanin, which naturally protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Unlike your skin, if your hair is burned by the sun's rays it doesn't just repair itself naturally. Overexposure can eventually break down the keratin leaving your hair dried out and discolored.

Other elements that cause damage to the hair include heat, salt and chlorine -- all summer staples, of course.

Unfortunately repairing your hair isn't as easy as combing in moisturizing conditioner. Once your hair has lost its elasticity, it becomes brittle and easily breakable, resulting in split ends.

So, how do you protect your locks from scorching during the summer months? Preparation, of course.

Just like the rest of your body, your scalp needs to be protected from the sun. A quick, simple solution? Spray-on sunscreen. Grab a bottle and spray down the top of your head. This will protect your head from burning and flaking. It will also protect the roots of your hair from sun damage.

Wetting your hair before you take a dip is also recommended. This makes it harder for chlorine and salt to penetrate your hair. If you're at the beach or pool where rinse-off showers are accessible, wet down your hair before diving in. Otherwise, use your water bottle. Another easy fix is to comb olive oil through your hair. The olive oil protects your hair's cuticles.

There are a boatload of brands out there that sell gels, sprays, mattes, etc., specifically for your summertime hair, including haircare standards Biolage and Redkin.

If you've unfortunately sizzled your hair, here are a few things you can do to repair it.

It's important to replenish the moisture in your hair once it's been fried by the sun. You might have to incorporate a treatment mask or purchase a specialty shampoo for dehydrated and damaged hair. Use it once or twice a week, depending on the level of damage to your hair. Leave it in for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Spray-on conditioners are another quick-fix option.

But, remember: Nothing protects your hair like wearing a hat.

Select ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome

No votes yet