Whether it’s burnt partings or frazzled strands, many of us are so preoccupied with putting sunblock on our face and bodies (and so we should), it’s easy to forget that our hair and scalp also need protecting from those damaging UV rays, too.

Our hair can also get ‘sunburnt’ as System Professional Education Expert, Sophie Ruggerio explains. “UVA rays are aging, they penetrate deeper into the hair structure and destroy colour pigment causing colour fade and weakens the protection of the hair. UVB rays burn the surface of the hair, damaging the cuticle layers and breaking down the protein (keratin) and lipids in the hair, causing the hair to become weak and fragile.”

She continues, “Signs of sun damage to your hair include colour fading, hair that feels frizzy and brittle, together with split ends and even thinning of the mid lengths and ends.”

So what can we do to prevent wear and tear? “Products that repair, nourish and protect hair from both UVAs and UVBs are a great place to start,” Ruggerio advises. “Treat your hair how you would your skin! It’s that simple.”

Sunburnt hair is a thing – here’s how to prevent it