If you’re like most women, your list of beach bag beauty essentials includes sunscreen (of course), sunglasses (naturally), a hat (probably) and a cover-up (if not one with a UPF rating, at least one that’s cute!). But what about protection for your hair? The sun’s rays aren’t just torture on your skin—they’re also harmful to your hair’s health.

“UV rays rob hair of its natural moisture, making it look lifeless and feel like straw,” says Peter Lamas, founder and fomulator for Peter Lamas Products. This drying effect also leaves strands more prone to frizzing—definitely not good during summer’s humid days. And you can kiss your color goodbye if you don’t protect your locks: “The sun’s damaging rays can oxidize hair color, making it look dull and brassy,” adds Lamas.

Basically, UV rays are bad for you tresses because they can penetrate the hair shaft and break down the cortex, the section of your hair that gives it its strength and elasticity. What you see on the surface of your hair is actually a reflection of the health of hair’s cortex, so it’s crucial to protect this important layer. The sun can also break down hair dye molecules, causing fading and changing hair’s intended shade.

Thankfully, there’s plenty you can do to prevent sun-induced tress trauma. Lamas gave us a few of his favorite tips for doing just that, along with advice for repairing damage that’s already been done.

Prevent Sun Damage:

    •    Use sun protective products: Lots of hair care companies have created styling aids that contain UV filters. Opt for these leave-in products instead of shampoos and conditioners, as most of the latter’s benefits will be rinsed down the drain. Redken’s Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12 not only protects hair from UV damage, it also shields your scalp from nasty sunburns (great news for anyone with a middle or side part, or those with thinning hair).
    •    Rinse and repeat: “It’s very important to rinse your hair with cold water before going into the sun to seal the cuticle,” says Lamas. While doing so before every jaunt into the outdoors might not be feasible, you should at least do a coldwater rinse before hitting the beach or pool. Bonus: Closing hair’s protective cuticle layer also reduces damage caused by chlorine and salt water.
    •    Put a lid on it: The easiest way to keep hair protected from the sun is to prevent UV rays from reaching it. When possible, wear a hat or scarf. Otherwise, style your hair in a bun, which keeps fragile ends from seeing the sun and reduces color fading over the surface of your hair.

Sun Damage Repair:

    •    Shampoo less: Try shampooing every other day to prevent additional moisture loss. And if you’re using sun protective styling aids (as you should be!), be sure to use a clarifying shampoo a few times each month; the ingredients in these products can often buildup and dull hair so it’s important to really rinse them out.
    •    Condition more: Follow every wash with a moisturizing conditioner, preferably one that contains a protein source (like soy, wheat germ or keratin) to replace lost nutrients and boost hair’s strength. Try Peter Lamas Products Soy Hydrating Conditioner, which includes hydrating jojoba oil. No matter what conditioner you use, you can use it to create a deep conditioning treatment: Once a week, comb conditioner through your strands, then cover your hair with plastic wrap and leave it on for 10 minutes. Your body heat will open the hair’s cuticle and allow the conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft.
    •    Get glazed: Clear gloss treatments add shine to lifeless strands without changing your hair color or causing additional damage. Ask for one at your salon, or try an at-home version like Frederic Fekkai’s Salon Glaze Clear Shine Rinse, with lightweight silicones that coat hair and condition the cuticle.

Keep your hair, and yourself, healthy and happy this summer!

Megan O'Neill is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Health, Self, Glamour, Real Simple, Natural Health and Spa.