Dyed and highlighted hair, exposed to the sun is especially prone to damage.The UV rays destroy the cells and film covering the hair strands and the hair becomes fragile and dried out.

The hair that will be exposed to sun has to be protected. Products that contain Shea butter and sunscreens and which moisturize the hair are recommended.

In the newer hair care products, sunflower oil is used as a sun filter. These products also contain jojoba wax which give a protective coating to the hair and protect it.

Actually, keep the hat on! The best way to protect your hair from the sun's rays is to block the exposure to the sun. Whether you decide to put on a baseball cap or any other, most hats provide 100% protection from the sun's rays. Of course, if portions of your hair hang out of the hat, you'll want to protect that in other ways!

UV Protection Shampoos & Conditioners
While I think the idea of shampoos and conditioners with SPF are pretty great, in reality they just aren't the best option. Anything that you rinse off your hair cannot leave behind enough SPF to protect your hair from the sun.

Do not forget these final tips Half the battle of protecting your hair from the sun happens when you're not even in the sun!

- If you're using a UV protection in your hair, don't forget to use a clarifying shampoo once a week. SPF will build up on your hair shaft.

- Use full strength SPF directly on your scalp where you part your hair. The scalp's direct exposure to the sun in that manner can burn and peel! Hit your ears with the sunscreen as well!

- Weekly deep conditioning treatments will help keep the damage by the sun at a minimum. Because the sun breaks down the hair's protein (keratin) its important to use a deep conditioning treatment with protein or keratin.

However, scalp massage is the most convenient and usual method for maintaining hair from the harmful rays of the sun. It improves blood supply to the scalp, thus helping the passive follicles to yield new growth. This is traditionally done manually, however, today, even electrical massagers are available which can be used once in a while. A good massage either with water or some hair oil will help to recover minor problems and is an ideal solution.

A natural hair tonic providing much needed moisturizing and nutrients to the hair follicles is relatively easy to prepare at home. Simply mix, almond oil, olive oil and castor oil in equal proportions and apply to the hair once a week. Massage and wash off with a mild herbal shampoo to find new life in the hair. This will also protect the hair against sun damage in summers and damage due to extreme cold in winters. This is an all the year tonic for the hair.

If you find it time consuming and tiring to prepare these mixtures at home, you may take the help of a hair care specialist, specifying what you want. Many products available in the market also contain these natural ingredients and provide much needed protection. Go ahead and choose with care, after all, your hair is worth the effort.