Spring has sprung, and summer is just around the corner. As the pollen recedes, sandals come out, and tanning days become abundant, you may be feeling that summer itch to change up your hair for the season. For many, the sunny months call for a little bit of hair lightening, and some look for DIY, at-home, cost-friendly alternatives to achieve that summer glow. You’ve probably heard of Sun-In – but what exactly is it and how does it work? In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this popular summertime hair spray.
What is Sun-In?
Sun-In is a popular hair lightening product for damp hair that works with natural sunlight to enhance its effects. It comes in a spray that aims to leave the user with subtle, sunkissed highlights without using stronger bleaches like those used at the salon. The formula reacts to UV rays and gradually lightens hair with each use, making it perfect for days tanning on the beach or by the pool. It’s an affordable and convenient option for those trying to lighten their hair in the summer, but it is very important to use it with caution.
Essentially, Sun-In is a mixture of very dilute hydrogen peroxide blending with conditioning treatments. It works similarly to salon-grade bleach, just at a much lower concentration. The spray reacts with the pigments that are in the hair and oxidizes it, causing it to lighten. It must break down and soften the proteins in the hair for this process to work. This leads to damaged hair that is dry, brittle, and riddled with split ends if overused or used incorrectly.
Risks of Using Sun-In
While Sun-In could sound too good to be true, don’t overlook the risks that can come along with prolonged use. Using the product improperly poses a threat to your hair health.
1. Dryness and Damage
The formula used in Sun-In contains hydrogen peroxide, which will lead to lasting hair damages if left in the hair for long periods of time. This is especially a prevalent issue with Sun-In, as it doesn’t require to be washed out immediately after use like other lightening treatments. The peroxide marinating in the sun will break down the proteins in the hair, leading to extreme dryness and excessive split ends. Split ends cannot be repaired.
2. Uneven Results
Because you can’t see where exactly you’re spraying and (probably) aren’t a professional, it can be difficult to tell if you’ve evenly coated your locks. If it is applied unevenly, especially if used unevenly multiple times, pieces of the hair will lighten to different shades at different speeds. This can lead to a botched, choppy look – something no one wants.
3. Hair Discoloration
It can be easy to look at Sun-In hair models and assume you’ll achieve the same results, but the truth is, you can’t always trust them. Like with any other hair lightening agent, end results vary heavily depending on your hairs’ starting point. If you’ve used dyes on your hair, it may react poorly with the Sun-In and cause the hair to turn yellow or even orangey-reds.
4. Scalp Irritation
Just as the spray can dry out the hair, it can also dry out the scalp, especially if left in for prolonged periods of time. Dry scalp can lead to multiple negative outcomes, like dandruff or an overproduction of oil.
5. Sunburn
Since the formula reacts with UV rays, it also puts your skin at risk. If it gets on your skin, your risk of sunburn and damage increases. It may also attract UV rays to you, which make you more likely to burn anywhere on your body.
How to Minimize Risk
If you are aware of the risks but are still interested in trying out Sun-In and its effects, it’s important to take preemptive measures before use.
1. Use a Deep Conditioning Treatment Before and After Application
Because of the dryness that can come along with Sun-In hair and scalp conditioning is now more important than ever. Be sure to condition the hair thoroughly before and after use every single time you use it. While it won’t completely eliminate the risk of damage, it will lower your risk.
2. Limit Exposure to the Sun
If you are using Sun-In, don’t overdo it. Use it as little as possible and do not exceed a maximum of two uses per week. Upon each use, do not leave it in the hair for more than 2-3 consecutive hours to reduce your risk of damage.
3. Wash Your Hair Immediately After Use
As we’ve learned, Sun-In is extremely drying. One of the most pressing factors that makes it a high risk hair product is just how long people leave it on. Many don’t wash it out until their next typical hair wash, which could be days! To minimize damage, always wash your hair immediately after 2-3 hour use.
4. Brush the Product Through the Hair After Application
To prevent patchy, blotchy, and uneven coloring in the hair, you might want to try brushing the hair after application and use. By brushing, the product will become more evenly dispersed into the hair, resulting in a more refined look.
5. Use Sun Protection on Your Skin
Since the chemicals in the spray react with UV, any sun exposure puts you at risk of burning. Always use sunscreen on your body when sitting out and using Sun-In, especially on your face.
