After slogging through the long, tough winter months, people can’t wait to get outside in the spring and summer sunshine. Unfortunately, there is a downside to the warm weather, as those rays not only make it warm outside, but they can also cause severe damage to your hair.
That risk to your hair can be reduced without sacrificing time outside. There are strategic ways to style your hair that can create fun looks while still creating a barrier between the sun and your scalp. Below are nine different hairstyles that look great and protect your hair from sun damage.
1. Afro Puff
Styling your hair in an afro puff not only allows for a bit of fun but also allows you to celebrate your natural hairstyle. Another nice aspect of the style is that it provides for so many different varieties, like an afro puff ponytail, afro puffs in pigtail style, or even corn rows.
In addition to highlighting individuality, afro puffs also help to protect from the sun; the tight coils help create a barrier so that the sun can’t hit the scalp. The style helps to preserve the hair’s ends by preventing sun exposure.
2. Finger Coils
Ensuring your head and hair are protected from the sun doesn’t necessarily mean it will take a long time. The finger coil hairstyle is not only easy to do, but it requires minimal product and can be done with haircuts of various lengths.
Finger coils reduce frizziness and are an incredibly low-maintenance way to maintain hair. Well-done finger coils can last for as long as a week. There are also some serious benefits regarding heat protection. No heat is required to create finger coils, and the tight style also means that there will be fewer split ends.
3. Pineapple Updo
When going to the beach in the summer, people look for protection from the sun’s rays while also trying to keep their hair out of their faces. And of course, they want to look nice as well. The pineapple updo allows wearers to achieve all three goals in one shot.
The style is easily accomplished by combining all the curls at the top of the head to create a pineapple-type shape. Another benefit of this hairstyle is that it is gentler on the hair than some of the tighter looks on this list, but it still protects hair from the sun while still reducing breakage and frizziness.
4. Frohawk
People often think of protective hairstyles as basic and not all that exciting. On the other hand, the frohawk flips that idea on its head. The Frohawk offers protection while allowing the wearer to sport a bold, eye-catching look.
The frohawk is fabricated by pinning or braiding the sides of the hair. One significant benefit of the style is its ease of maintenance, especially if the sides are shaved or tapered and the cut can be worn daily.
5. Goddess Braids
Goddess Braids are a sleek and cool style that fits perfectly during summertime at the beach. Once the oversize braids are done, they require very little maintenance and can last for several weeks, making them perfect for vacation wear. They are also smart for women who want to maintain their natural hair and keep a protective element.
When hair is styled in Goddess Braids, the ends are tucked inside, limiting any damage from the sun or other factors. The look is also quite versatile, as wearers can do something quite simple with them or create a dramatic and detailed crown.
6. Wavy Weaves
One of the best ways to protect hair from sun damage is to incorporate weaves that are not affected by the sun. A perfect look for the summer season is the wavy weave. They create veracity and style, showing the benefits of straight and curly hair.
The wavy weave is an especially strong look for beach weather, as the style makes it look like the hair waves are being created by the gentle ocean breeze. It will require a little more effort than most styles, but the way your hair looks can make it more than worth it.
7. Cornrows
Cornrows are one of the oldest hairstyles in the world and can be traced all the way back to Africa in 3000 BC. There is a reason the style has been popular for thousands of years. Cornrows offer tremendous protection to the hair and scalp while offering a look requiring very little maintenance.
In addition to being cool and stylish, cornrows also do a great job of keeping hair out of your face. This can be especially important in the summer months when hair is sticky and wet. The look also protects hair from the heat by reducing any kind of frizzing or tangling. Best of all, the look is completely versatile and could be styled into a variety of different patterns.
8. Crochet Faux Locks
Crochet faux locks are the perfect style for ladies who want to protect their hair from the summer sun while still rocking a fashionable and on-trend style. Like wavy weaves, the look is partially created with synthetic hair, which can’t be damaged by the summer sun. Best of all, the edgy look will help you stand out in a crowd.
Crochet faux locks are an especially great hairstyle for women who want to take a dip in the pool. Since they are made of synthetic fibers, they won’t be damaged by the ocean’s salt water or the chlorine in the pool.
9. Bantu Knots
Many styles that will help to shield the hair from summer damage can do damage during the styling process, but that is not a problem with Bantu knots. The knots, which will keep hair off the face and neck, can be created without heat, saving hair from that process.
The knots are also known for allowing the hair to retain moisture. This is especially important as drier hair is easier to damage. Lastly, the knots present a hip and fresh look that is perfect for summertime.