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Product Spotlight – UV Protection

May 23, 2026

Product Spotlight – UV Protection

When we think about sun protection, skincare naturally takes priority. But while you’re protecting face and body, your hair is left exposed to the same damaging UV rays. The result? Dryness, fading colour, brittleness, frizz, and a noticeable loss of shine and elasticity.

We believe beautiful hair starts with protection. Just as you wouldn’t skip SPF for your skin, UV protection should become an essential part of your haircare routine too, especially during spring and summer when sun, salt water, chlorine, pollution and heat styling all combine to stress the hair fibre.

Here are the most frequently asked questions in salon about UV protection for hair and how to keep your hair healthy, glossy and resilient all season long.

Why does hair need UV protection?
Hair is extremely vulnerable to UV damage and prolonged exposure to the sun weakens the hair structure, depletes moisture, roughens the cuticle, and accelerates colour fading. Over time, this can leave hair feeling dry, coarse, fragile and difficult to style, not to mention a completely different colour to the one you paid for at the salon!

UV exposure breaks down proteins within the hair, particularly in chemically treated or coloured hair, which is why hair often feels noticeably more dehydrated after summer holidays.

What exactly do UV rays do to the hair?
UV rays set off free radicals that attack the outer cuticle layer, the protective shield of the hair. Once compromised, moisture escapes more easily and the internal structure becomes weaker. This can lead to colour fade or brassiness, a dry and rough texture, increased frizz and flyaways, loss of elasticity, shine and vibrancy. It also causes breakage and splitting which also makes it harder to manage and style your hair.

Is UV damage worse in summer?
Absolutely. Summer creates the perfect storm for hair damage because UV exposure is often combined with heat, humidity, chlorine, sea salt, wind and more frequent washing. Even on cloudy days, 80% of UV rays can still get through. Pollution and UV exposure together create oxidative stress, which weakens the hair over time and accelerates colour fade and dryness. That’s why a dedicated UV-protective hair routine becomes especially important from spring onwards.

Click the image below to read more about SPF for Hair.

Does hair colour fade because of the sun?
Yes, UV rays are one of the biggest causes of colour fade, which is very frustrating for clients when they have spent considerable time and money perfecting their colour in the salon chair.

Blondes may become dull or yellowed, brunettes can turn warmer or reddish, and grey hair may appear discoloured or brittle.

UV-protective products helps preserve tone, vibrancy and gloss for far longer between your colour appointments.

What does “UV protection” mean in haircare?
UV protection in haircare refers to ingredients and technologies that help shield the hair fibre from oxidative and environmental damage caused by UV exposure. 

Which ingredients help protect hair from UV damage?
Not all UV protection works in the same way. At Van Clarke, our formulas combine protective antioxidants, plant actives and strengthening proteins that help minimise oxidative stress caused by UV rays, heat, pollution and environmental exposure.

In products like Eureka Blowdry Balm, additional antioxidant protection comes from Tara Tree Tannins and Sunflower Sprout Extract, which help defend against free radicals generated by UV and environmental stress. These ingredients help support smoother cuticles, better colour retention and improved resilience in the hair.

LifeSaver Sun Leave-In Styling Treatment combines hydration, conditioning and environmental protection in a lightweight silicone-free formula that helps shield the hair from sun, sea, chlorine and heat without heaviness or build-up.

How were the Van Clarke UV protective products tested?

Michael tested the final UV-protective formulations in some of the harshest environments like the Maldives and the Negev desert, to ensure they genuinely performed under real-world conditions, not just in the lab. 

The result is a collection designed not only for holidays and beach destinations, but for everyday protection against modern environmental stress too.

How can you protect your hair from UV damage?
Protection should start before damage occurs. A few simple habits make a huge difference.
- Use UV-protective haircare daily whether you are on holiday or at home
- Apply leave-in protection before sun exposure
- Avoid excessive heat styling on already sun-stressed hair
- Rinse chlorine and salt water out quickly
- Replenish moisture and proteins after sun exposure
- Wear hats in the sun where possible

Consistency is key, especially if your hair is coloured, highlighted, fine, curly or chemically treated.

What is the best product to use before sun exposure?
A leave-in treatment is one of the most effective ways to protect hair throughout the day. LifeSaver Sun Leave-In Styling Treatment was specifically designed to protect hair from UV exposure, heat and environmental stress whilst simultaneously styling and hydrating the hair. It helps smooth the cuticle, control frizz, improve manageability and defend against dryness caused by sun, sea and chlorine. Because it’s lightweight and silicone-free, it protects without coating or weighing hair down. Apply before heading outdoors, to the garden, to the beach, or before styling your hair for daily protection.

How Does a UV Protective Shampoo & Conditioner Work?
These gently cleanse and condition the hair, whilst helping reinforce the hair’s natural protective barrier. The result is hair that feels softer, smoother and more hydrated, with better shine, improved manageability and longer-lasting colour vibrancy.

Used consistently throughout summer, they help keep hair healthier, glossier and far more resilient against daily UV and environmental damage.

Can styling products also help protect hair from UV damage?
Absolutely. Protective styling products can act as an additional defence layer against environmental stress. Eureka Blowdry Balm contains antioxidant-rich ingredients that help defend hair from free radical and UV-related damage while supporting smoother, healthier blowdries. 

How do you repair hair after sun damage?
Repair starts with restoring hydration, strengthening the hair structure, and replenishing lost proteins. If hair feels dry, rough or brittle after sun exposure, focus on:
- Pre-wash treatments
- Protein-rich restorative care
- Reducing heat styling temporarily
- Using nourishing leave-ins and protective styling products

Our silicone-free formulations enriched with cashmere proteins help support the hair internally rather than simply masking damage on the surface. The sooner you begin repairing summer-stressed hair, the easier it is to restore softness, shine and elasticity.

Final Thoughts

Healthy summer hair is all about prevention, protection and repair. UV rays, pollution, chlorine and heat styling can quickly compromise even healthy hair, but the right routine helps maintain softness, shine and colour all season long. By combining intelligent UV protection with restorative, silicone-free formulas, you can enjoy hair that feels healthier, stronger and more manageable, whether you’re in the city, by the pool, or on the beach.


Michael Van Clarke

 


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Email: reception@vanclarke.com



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