A recent survey by the beauty store Lookfantastic found that 49% of women use hair care products every day to wash and style their hair, though this may not be as true for those who like to spend a lot of time in nature. If you work outdoors or spend your weekends adventuring outside, t is important that you spend a little extra time looking after and protecting your hair, as it can get easily damaged by Mother Nature's many elements.
Cuticle and cortex damage caused by wind and bad weather can make your hair look fried and frizzy, which means lots of split ends. Hot weather and outdoor pollution can also damage cuticles, making your hair look dull and unruly. If you look after your hair properly, then you are more likely to have beautiful hair every day no matter if you're indoors or outdoors.
Avoid sulfates
If you are working regularly outside, your hair can be prone to damage. You don’t want to exacerbate this even more by using shampoos that damage your hair further. There are many hair products that contain ingredients that are actually toxic to your hair. Sulfates are one of the main culprits - these are added to shampoos to make them froth and bubble. You don’t need foam for a shampoo to clean your hair properly though. Sulfates may create lovely bubbles, but they are a harsh chemical that strips your hair of its natural oils. Ultimately sulfates dry out your hair, making it more prone to damage.
When you are choosing a shampoo, go for a product with simple, even organic ingredients. Natural shampoos are better for the environment, especially considering that many of the sulfates are made from crude oil and fossil fuels. It’s not worth depleting the earth’s precious resources for shampoo, so choosing an eco-friendly option is an overall better choice.
Heat damage
The sun’s UV rays cause damage to your hair. We always think about applying sunscreen to our skin to prevent sunburn, but very few people think about protecting their hair as well. If you are out in extreme heat, then use a simple, cotton headscarf to protect your hair. It will mean that your head is less prone to dehydration too. It is also a good idea to avoid using hair straighteners and stylers. Many of these go up to 200℃ and can cause further damage to your hair. If you can avoid using a hair dryer and instead let your hair dry naturally too, you will keep your hair in better condition.
Styling your hair
The simplest way to keep your hair protected from the elements is to wear a hat. You will be protecting your hair and scalp from the sun's UV-A and UV-B rays. These not only damage the structure of your hair but also damage the protein and pigment in your hair. The sun’s rays can make yellow hair fade and look dull. Brown hair will develop red tones in the sun.
If you don’t want to wear a hat or have very long hair, then tying it back in a loose braid will help to protect it from the wind, meaning that your hair is less likely to tangle and split. Don’t tie your hair too tightly though, or it can damage your hair follicles, causing hair loss.
Natural hair treatments
If you want to give your hair a natural boost, it is a good idea to use a treatment once a week. You don’t have to buy expensive products though, there are plenty of ingredients that you will find in your home that you can use to look after your hair, making it less prone to damage. You can make a natural hair mask from mashed bananas. Bananas contain potassium and the essential mineral silica. These stimulate collagen production which will make your hair thicker and stronger. All you need to do is mix a couple of bananas with some coconut milk and coat your hair in the mixture, then rinse it out after half an hour. Not only will your hair smell fabulous, but it will relieve a dry scalp and add moisture to your hair, keeping it protected.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it is essential that you take good care of your hair. Use natural products that are free from harmful chemicals to prevent long-term damage and avoid heat stylers whenever you can.
