Spending time outdoors inevitably exposes us to the sun’s UV rays. These rays can cause skin to become dry, sunburned, and darker.

Similarly, prolonged sun exposure can affect hair, leading to dryness, brittleness, split ends, thinning, and tangling. So, how can you best protect your hair from UV damage? Here’s a detailed review.

Effects of UV Rays from the Sun on Hair Damage

While sunlight has its benefits for the skin, such as alleviating eczema and psoriasis, excessive sun exposure can result in damage. This applies to hair as well, and the following are some common effects of UV damage on hair and the scalp:

Drier and More Fragile Hair: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can harm the hair’s cuticle, the outer protective layer. It also weakens keratin, causing hair to become drier and more prone to damage.

Changes in Hair Color: UV exposure can cause lighter-colored hair to turn reddish. Darker hair tends to be more resistant due to its higher pigment content. Pigments protect keratin by absorbing and filtering UV rays, but over time, these pigments break down, causing hair color to change or even turn gray.

Scalp Sunburn: Any exposed skin can suffer from sunburn, and the scalp is no exception. Areas with sparse hair, such as the top of the head, the back of the scalp, and the hairline, are especially vulnerable.

How to Protect Hair from Sun Damage

Using Sunscreen for Hair

Just as skin needs protection from the sun, so does hair. To safeguard your hair, you can use specialized hair sunscreens available in the form of gels or sprays.

Unlike skin sunscreen, which also helps protect cells, hair sunscreen works by creating a barrier on the surface of the hair, preventing direct sun exposure. You can also apply it to your scalp, particularly when spending long hours outdoors. Don’t forget to cover the hairline area as well. Opt for a product with SPF to protect against UV-induced cell damage. 

Wearing Hats, Scarves, or Other Hair Protectors

Another effective way to shield hair from the sun is by wearing a hat, scarf, or using an umbrella when outside. Choose a wide-brimmed hat to cover both your face and hair, ensuring comprehensive protection.

Using a Swim Cap While Swimming

If you enjoy swimming, wearing a swim cap not only protects your hair from the chlorine in pool water but also from harmful UV rays.

The combination of chlorine and UV rays can lead to hair that’s tangled, brittle, dry, discolored, and prone to breakage. After swimming, be sure to thoroughly shampoo and condition your hair to keep it soft and hydrated.

Hair and scalp are susceptible to UV damage from the sun. If you frequently engage in outdoor activities, you can protect your hair by using hair-specific sunscreen and following up with proper hair care.

For any questions regarding hair health, you can consult a dermatologist or use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download from the App Store or Play Store.

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