The Ultimate Guide to Sun Protection for Silver + Gray Hair ☀️

Did you know the lighter your hair is, the more susceptible it is to sun damage?

This post is your go-to guide for protecting your silver strands all summer long.

If you’ve embraced your gray recently, you probably already know that gray hair has its own unique charm...and challenges. One of the biggest? Sun exposure. This is my first summer with lighter hair in need of some sun protection, and it has come with a bit of a learning curve. 

Without the pigment that naturally shields darker strands, gray or white hair is more vulnerable to UV damage, dryness, discoloration, and brittleness. This was one thing I was not aware of-- or prepared for-- before starting my gray hair transition. Even so, I would still make the decision again in a heartbeat for all the other benefits I have seen in my life. And thankfully, we have so many different resources and products that make protecting your hair from the sun very simple. 

This post will share some of my favorite ways to keep having healthy hair all summer long. 

Why Gray Hair Needs Extra Sun Protection

Similar to how sun damage can cause issues with your skin, the same is true for your hair. Gray and white hair contain little to no melanin (the pigment that gives hair its color and helps absorb UV rays). That means your beautiful silver strands are more prone to photodamage from the sun's rays, including:

1. Increased Risk of Yellowing and Discoloration

Gray hair often develops unwanted yellow or brassy tones after excessive sun exposure. This happens because UV rays break down the outer cuticle of the hair, allowing environmental pollutants, minerals from water, or even styling product buildup to oxidize and discolor the strands. The result? Dull, yellowish hues that are hard to remove without toning shampoos or masks.

It was about a month into summer when I started noticing that my natural gray hair was starting to mirror the warmth in my colour-treated hair. (For reference, I had some gray blending done a few months back to blend my natural roots and previously dyed hair-- it is normal for color-treated hair to take on that brassiness, but my cool-toned natural hair color was starting to match it.... long story short, everything began looking like it needed some good toning) 

2. Greater Susceptibility to Dryness and Brittleness

Sun exposure acts like a slow, silent dehydrator. The hair shaft loses moisture over time, leading to rough texture, split ends, and increased breakage. Since gray hair is already more coarse and porous by nature, the sun only intensifies those issues—especially during warmer months or in high-altitude areas where UV exposure is stronger.

Again, about a month into summer, I began feeling like my hair was extra dry and very prone to breaking. Whenever I would have my hair down, I would notice breakage around the level I normally have my hair tie. All the dry hair was in serious need of some extra hydration!

3. Damage to the Hair Cuticle

The cuticle is your hair’s outermost protective layer, and UV rays can break it down over time. Once the cuticle is compromised, it’s harder for your hair to retain moisture or shine. Gray hair can then start to feel wiry, frizzy, or lifeless, even with regular washing and conditioning.

This is another factor that increases your risk of breakage. 

4. Scalp Sensitivity and Sunburn Risk

As we age, many of us experience some degree of thinning hair or a widening part—both of which expose the scalp to the sun. And because the scalp is particularly sensitive, it can burn easily without protection, leading to peeling, flaking, and even long-term skin damage. A sunburned scalp can also weaken the hair follicles beneath the surface.

My pink scalp after a day out gardening 🥴

While I have very thick hair, I do feel like having the lighter hair colour may not protect my scalp as much??? When I had dyed hair, I never remember burning my scalp.. and this year, i have had a couple of scalp burns 😅 Has anyone else experienced this since embracing their silver hair?

5 Easy Ways to Protect Gray Hair from UV Rays ☀️

When I first learned that my silver and gray hairs were extra susceptible to the sun’s rays, I was a little overwhelmed. You mean I have to be good about protecting both my skin and hair?! Thankfully, keeping the damage at bay is really easy when you’re mindful about it. Here are some of the simple ways I have been protecting my hair this summer:

1. Wear a UPF Hat

A wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating is the quickest and most convenient option! I can grab a hat on my way out the door and call it good to go. (although, if I am wearing a baseball cap, I will still add something to the bottom hair strands that are uncovered)

Best picks:

• Wallaroo Hat Company – UPF 50+ sun hats! This style is particularly my fave because it has a ponytail slot in the back, making it super boat-friendly (no lost boats in the water here!)

• Straw sunhat with lanyard- this style is another one of my faves

Look for hats with brims that are at least 3 inches wide and made with tightly woven fabric or built-in sun protection. Protecting against skin cancer and brittle strands one hat at a time 👏

2. Use a UV-Protective Hair Mist or Spray

Much like sunscreen for your skin, UV sprays shield your hair from the harmful effects of the sun. They are basically hair spf 👏 But it is important to note that these are slightly different than the heat protectant you would use with heat styling-- I haven't found one yet that is an all-in-one heat protection product but if you know of one, please let me know!!

My requirements are that a product must be lightweight, non-greasy, and bonus points if it is moisturizing! Plus as always, I am looking for hair products without gross ingredients that can cause even more problems over time.

Top-rated options:

• Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil – Plant-based, water-resistant, and lightweight. I love Aveda products and how they all smell like I am in a swanky spa.. but I don't always love the price. They tend to be more expensive than other options, but they consistently make products that I like using.

• COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30 – Clean, reef-safe, and great for fine or thinning hair. It is also safe for coloured hair and 

3. Avoid Yellowing with a Purple Shampoo

Sun can cause gray hair to turn yellow over time, especially if you're in chlorinated water or exposed to pollution. The good news is that this is another easy fix. Since having grey hair, I have been experimenting with a few different purple shampoos to find the best way to tame the yellowing. Here have been a couple of my faves:

Best clean formulas:

• Innersense Bright Balance Hairbath – this brand truly is one of the cleanest lines of hair care products. While it works good​, I don't love the smell. It is a little bit apple-vinegar-y...

• Milk Shake Silver Shine- While this isn't the "cleanest" option available, it has worked amazing for my hair. It is rated a 4 of the EWG site, I use it only like once a week, so it works great for me! I currently am using it about once a week for 5-10 minutes in the shower, and always notice brighter strands following a treatment!

4. Apply Leave-In Conditioner with SPF or Antioxidants

A little extra love from deep conditioners is always a good idea! Especially in the summertime. UV exposure can strip your hair of natural moisture. A daily leave-in conditioner with UV filters or antioxidants adds a layer of protection and keeps your hair soft and hydrated.

Try:

Me and my little guy driving the boat— featuring my Primally Pure hat and sipping on an Olipop, basically our summertime essentials ☀️

• Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier – This spray smells sooooooo good. I do feel like it leaves my hair a bit oily so it may be a bit heavy for certain hair types. I have pretty coarse hair that is very thick, so it tends to not look as greasy. But if you are looking for a uv protectant that is deeply nourishing and supportive or your hair's health, this is a great option! Oh and I also love that I can use this on damp hair and when it is dry!

• Bumble and Bumble invisible oil— okayyyy, if you only want the cleanest products, this aint it. Normally, I am pretty “hard no” on any fragrances in any of our products, especially since I have 2 kiddos with very sensitive, eczema-prone skin— but I must not have thoroughly checked the label before I bought it?? It’s rated a 6 or 7 on EWG.. normally, it would not be a first choice, but it works really great, so I’m definitely going to finish off the bottle before I probably go back to the Rahua option (or any other great recommendations you have, send them my way!) 🤷🏻‍♀️🤪

5. Protective Hairstyles for the Win

On extra sunny days, consider wearing your hair in a braid, bun, or scarf wrap to minimize UV exposure. Less surface area for the sun = less damage.

One of my fave hair health hacks lately is using a leave-in conditioning product, throwing my hair in a braid, and then tossing a hat on. I feel like it is the extra hair care trifecta ✨

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Scalp!

If your hair is thinning or you part it in the same place daily, your scalp can easily burn (like I mentioned earlier, this has been more of a struggle with lighter hair then I ever had with dark brown hair). Use a scalp sunscreen or powder to protect exposed areas without greasy buildup.

Favorites:

• Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35 – Great for greasy-prone scalps

• Coola Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30 – Doubles for hair and scalp protection 👏 this one has a very light scent, has monoi oil for extra hydration and uv protection. It has an EWG score of 3, making it a choice I feel comfortable using!

Final Thoughts

Going gray doesn’t mean you have to put up with yellow tones, dryness, or sun-damaged hair. With the right combination of physical protection, UV-filtering products, and gentle maintenance, you can keep your silver strands looking shiny and strong all year round. ☀️

Do you have gray hair?! What are some of your favorite products to keep your hair healthy and strong?

Kaelyn

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