Weathered Hair
A person who has had their skin damaged by the weather such as the sun and wind is said to be “weathered-looking”. Well the same can be said about somebody’s hair if it has been damaged. A good example would be someone whose hair is exposed to weather conditions. For example, a surfer will eventually have hair damage that is caused by the prolonged exposure to the sun, saltwater, wind, and rain. The result is hair that is bleached of colour and is brittle and frayed.
If your hair is weathered, it can make you appear older then you really are and can also make your hair very unmanageable and hard to style. It can cause minor hair loss but is not a leading factor in hair loss. It just means that your hair does not look as healthy as it could.
What causes weathered hair?
Obviously, the weather is the biggest contributor to damaged hair. However, the natural aging process also plays a part. Cosmetic practices can affect your hair negatively too.
Here is a breakdown of the main causes:
Too much sun – UV exposure will damage hair in the same way that it damages skin. It is very important to wear some sort of hat when you are out in the sun for a prolonged period of time. There are also sunscreen products that can be applied to the head and hair.
Saltwater – Saltwater can be very damaging if your hair is exposed to it for a long time. You should also avoid combing or brushing tangled or wet hair too much. If done too often, it can lead to the damage of the entire hair shaft.
Aging – Your hair will become more brittle and lose colour as you get older. If you do not take precautions, you may be left with hair that has the feel of straw.
Cosmetic – “Too much of a good thing”, as they say. Trying everything to make your hair look its best can actually lead to its demise. Curling irons, hair straighteners, and blow dryers will all eventually lead to your hair becoming damaged and weathered-looking. Continually colouring your hair with cheap hair dye will also “fry” your hair.
Friction/traction – Using too much force when you are combing or brushing your hair, especially if it is done repeatedly, will lead to hair damage. Tight braids, weaves, or corn rows can also cause damage to your hair and could lead to a permanent form of hair loss called traction alopecia.
