Photo: Jupiter Images

I just got back from a relaxing weekend at the beach. The schedule included lots of fun in the sun and surf, so I dutifully covered my head with a hat, until my hair-obsessed hostess dropped the following bombshell. According to her stylist, while the sun can cause hair color to oxidize faster, heat can be just as—and possibly even more—damaging to hair health. Temperatures under a hat can soar higher than the air outside, which can cook the hair and sap it of moisture. The stylist’s recommendation? Make sure whatever head covering you choose is breathable to prevent both hair and scalp from overheating. So, now I’m in the market for a groovy straw hat. If you see a nice one, please let me know….