Q: How can I protect my hair from damage due to extreme weather and water?

A: Your hair, like your skin, requires special attention when going outdoors. It is not just the sun that is harmful; the wind is also damaging to your hair. The wind dries your hair out and causes it to become more porous, causing the outside layer of your hair to expand, leaving the under layers exposed to the elements. This creates a process of oxidation that dries the hair and ultimately causes the color to become lighter. Even though the lightening of your hair may at times be appealing, this process often will cause undesirable gold, bronze or red shades to appear.

Prevention requires limiting your time in the sun and wind, unless you protect your hair. If you are going to spend any extended time outdoors, wear a hat, cap or any kind of cover on your hair that is comfortable for you.

Maintain a high level of moisture in your hair by conditioning with a deep penetrating conditioner at least once a month, and use an after-shampoo conditioner after each shampoo. If you are going to swim, cover your hair with a swim cap or rinse your hair and apply an after shampoo conditioner (leave the conditioner in your hair) before you enter the water. After swimming, always rinse out the chlorine or salt water as quickly as possible after leaving the water.

About the Expert: Carrie Bush is a stylist at Daired's Salon and Day Spa in Arlington, Texas.