The sun's rays can do a number on your skin, so you can only imagine what they do to your hair. UVA rays not only burn the cuticle, your hair's outer layer, they also penetrate deep into the cortex, your hair's inner layer, damaging the cells that give curly hair its elasticity, strength and usual bounce.

Undo the damage: If your hair is already fried, it's time to make leave-in conditioner your new best friend. Leave-in conditioners seep deep into your hair's cuticle, (rather than sit on top of it) to keep harmful rays out. Look for a product like Ouidad Sun Shield Sun & Sport Leave-In Conditioner, $63, which contains panthenol, an ingredient that makes fragile curls more elastic and less prone to breakage.

Prevent it for good: To prevent thirsty curls, pick up a sulfate-free shampoo like Nelson J Argan Oil 7 Non-Foaming Shampoo, $22, to avoid further stripping brittle hair of your scalp's natural oils. Before heading out into the sun, spritz a leave-in product like Aveda Sun Care Spray Protective Veil, $28, which contains UVA/UVB filters, free radical blocking antioxidants like green tea and organic coconut and palm oils to detangle and define natural curls.

Hair feeling crunchy and fried? Ian Michael Black, Aveda Global Artistic Director for Hair Color, says you can blame UVB rays. These zap hair -- especially color-treated or chemically treated hair that is extra porous -- of any moisture. Long drying time after a shower is proof that your hair is dehydrated and trying its hardest to hold onto any moisture it can get.

Undo the damage: If this sounds like you, Black recommends sealing your hair's cuticle ASAP with a hearty hair mask packed with moisturizers. Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak, $25, is formulated with avocado oil and olive fruit oil to nourish thirsty hair. Grab something to read -- the longer you can leave it on, the better.

Prevent it for good: Help your hair retain moisture by spritzing a spray like Schwarzkopf BC Sun Protect Spray Conditioner, $14.99, which is packed with moisturizing vitamin E and Monoi oil (coconut oil steeped in exotic gardenia blossoms) for hydration and UVA/UVB filters to protect against further damage.

If you color your hair, the sun becomes your number-one nemesis in the summertime. UVA rays damage the color pigments that make up your natural hair color, (hence why your shade is lighter once September rolls around), so you can only imagine the havoc they wreak on fragile hair that's been chemically processed. Too much time outside means your pricey dye-job fades to unflattering shades and the damage factor continues to rise.

Undo the damage: If your hair is looking more yellow than blonde, pick up a purple (yes, purple) shampoo, like John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Tone Correcting Shampoo, $6.49, to neutralize the unflattering shade. This pick absorbs UV light and emits white-blue light to make hair appear brighter, not fried. If you're a brunette whose hair looks more red than brown, try Rita Hazan Ultimate Shine Color Gloss in Breaking Brass, $26, to cure a case of accidental ginger.

Prevent it for good: To protect the color you paid for, Black recommends using Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protect, $24, which is formulated with natural wintergreen extracts to help defend against the sun's rays. For extra protection, finish off your look with a UV-reflecting styling product like Garnier Fructis UV Ultra Strong Hairspray, $3.99.

Before you hit the beach you make sure you cover the back of your ears in sunscreen, but you're still missing one important spot: Your scalp. According to Fusco, individuals with thin hair, fair skin or on medications like tetracycline, antibiotics or Accutane are even more susceptible to sun damage on the scalp. If you've been experiencing any redness or less obvious symptoms like a tightness, it's time to rethink the reach of your SPF radius.

Undo the damage: If your scalp's been scorched, work a nourishing deep treatment mask like Clear Scalp & Hair Intense Hydration Treatment Mask, $5.49, into your routine. Once a week, Fusco recommends applying the mask from root to ends, then combing hair back to cover up your usual part. Skip the rinse, sit poolside (or oceanside) and allow the hydrating cactus extract to replenish your scalp.

Prevent it for good: Fusco recommends directly applying sunscreen to your part using a makeup sponge or Q-tip. "The same rules apply to scalp as do to the face -- a minimum of SPF 15 and reapplication after swimming." If you're worried about ruining your 'do, try applying a flesh toned mineral powder like Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Powder SPF 50, $23, directly to your scalp for DIY dry shampoo and sun protection in one. If you have darker hair, try one of Fusco's handy tips: Apply a clear SPF lip protector like ChopSaver Gold Lip Balm with SPF 15, $3.99. "It isn't greasy or ghostly white, has broad spectrum coverage and applies directly to scalp without affecting hair."