Did you know? While the effects of UV rays on the skin are well known for causing redness, burning, and accelerating aging, they also have a proven effect on the hair and scalp.

The sun's rays, especially UVA rays, penetrate the hair fiber and oxidize it; this, in the long term, dries out the hair, weakens it, and makes it duller. This is called oxidative stress!

Protecting your hair is the key to keeping it in good condition for much longer! Unlike skin, hair isn't alive; however, it's not dead; it's biochemically active. This means we can influence its structure and protect and strengthen it, but not in the same way we protect and strengthen skin!

Swimming, mopping, and windy weather all tangle hair, causing even more damage! Proper hairstyles can help protect your hair this summer and prevent tangles.

Welcome bonus: tying your hair up will also help prevent heatstroke and sweating around the neck!

To help you look your best on vacation and keep your hair healthy, LAO is sharing its tried and tested selection of the trendiest hairstyles that will protect your hair this summer!

1- The braided crown

Source: Pinterest - @amoureads

The braided crown will hold and protect your hair for all your summer activities, as well as keep you cool by freeing up your neck!

To make it, nothing could be simpler! Section your hair into two separate sections to create two braids. Then, lift the two braids so that they meet on top of your head and secure everything with pins.

For a less sophisticated look, you can loosen a few strands of hair from the front of your head and the nape of your neck! Remember to apply sunscreen to the nape of your neck.

2- The bubble ponytail

Lisa, founder of LAO, shares her best hairstyle to protect your hair while swimming!

" I'm an amateur diver and freediver. With my very long hair, it's a real challenge to avoid tangles and headaches during the post-dive shower! After trying out a multitude of hairstyles, I adopted the bubble ponytail which was recommended by a well-known freediver and which really makes a difference when detangling! "

To replicate Lisa's hairstyle, pull your hair into a high ponytail, but don't pull it too tight or you risk damaging your hair.

Then, take clear elastics and tie your hair in different sections to create the bubbles! Tip: You can play with the density of the bubbles by tightening the sections more or less.

3- The wheat ear braid

Source: Pinterest - @ocxsauvage

The cornrow braid is perfect if your hair isn't too short!

Take all your hair and separate it in two, unlike with a traditional braid. Then, take tiny strands from the outer side of one of the two sections and add them to the opposite side. Do the same for the opposite side and continue alternating. At first, this won't look like much, but keep going and you'll see the results!

LAO recommendations

Be careful not to tie your hair up too regularly, though. While the heat can be difficult to bear, keeping your hair tied up all the time can be detrimental to your hair's health and well-being. Too much tension on your hair can damage it, making it more dry and damaged.

Furthermore, to ensure your hair is fully protected this summer, we recommend choosing a hair care product that provides sun protection. However, make sure that brands that offer products to protect your hair from the sun have conducted tests or studies to prove it!

Both LAO cleansing treatments have an exceptional feature: they protect the hair fiber from UV damage, right from the very first wash! By using LAO shampoos, you'll keep your hair protected from the sun and healthy for longer.

The results of tests carried out by LAO on strands of hair exposed to a UV level similar to that to which you are exposed on a daily basis even led to the filing of a first patent in 2021!

So don't wait any longer to protect your hair, order LAO treatments before going on vacation!

Also discover our new Conditioner , which is a perfect detangler for fine or normal hair that struggles with knots!