Best Ways To Protect Your Hair From Sun Damage

Exposing your hair to sunlight can be beneficial, or it can cause damage to it. There are many positive aspects to sunning your hair. The Sun is a huge source of vitamin D. It brightens your hair, promotes new growth, gets rid of fungal infections, and prevents hair loss.

But then, you may ask, is sunlight good for hair? The answer is yes and no. Although your hair may benefit in the ways mentioned above, the ultraviolet (UV) rays of UVA and UVB of the Sun can damage your hair. These rays have a bleaching effect on the hair. (1)

There are various causes of hair damage like harsh shampoos, unsuitable combs and brushes, and excessive exposure to heat, sunlight, and chlorine (from swimming pools).

Let's consider the different causes of hair damage:

Shampoos

It is surprising how much shampoos can harm your hair. The chemicals present in shampoos can have a damaging effect on your hair. Sulphates present in many shampoos have a detergent-like action, cleaning the hair of oil and dirt but damaging it in the process.

Lack of Moisture

If your hair is dry, it is more prone to damage. After shampooing your hair, use a conditioner once or twice a week. It will keep your hair nourished and can have a moisturising effect on it.

Incorrect Combing Techniques or Using the Wrong Comb

When you comb or brush your hair, do not be rough on your hair. Yanking on it to get rid of the knots will cause breakage to hair strands. Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush. Detangle your hair before you wash it for the best results.

Rough Drying

Rubbing your hair vigorously after washing will damage it. Rub it gently, squeezing out the moisture with a towel rather like how you would dry a cashmere sweater.

Excessive Heat

The heat-generating styling tools like dryers, curlers, and flat irons can wreak havoc on your hair. Limit the use of such tools to once a week. (2)

When we discuss the issues related to the question, is sunlight good for hair, it is good to have an insight into the effects of the Sun. There is a photochemical reaction that takes place on exposing hair to excessive sunlight that causes irreparable damage.

The outer layer of the hair shaft is made of keratin fibre. It gets affected by mechanical, physical, and chemical action. Excessive exposure to the Sun creates a photochemical reaction that results in the breakdown of hair protein and loss of hair pigment.

This hair protein degradation occurs due to exposure to UV radiation within the wavelengths of 254 nm to 400 nm. This type of radiation has two components – UVA and UVB radiation. While UVA radiation causes colour changes, UVB radiation results in loss of hair protein.

The absorption of radiation results in the production of free radicals, which adversely affect hair proteins, particularly keratin. Melanin is present in hair products that contain UV filters. It partially immobilises free radicals. Therefore, using such hair products can protect your hair from the adverse effects of the Sun. (3)

Here are some ways that you can look after your hair, including protecting it from the Sun, especially during bright, hot summer days:(4)

Treat Thin Hair with Silicone

If your hair is thin and lifeless, using hair products that contain silicone will coat your hair strands to appear fuller and less greasy.

Don’t use Oil to Treat Dandruff

Dandruff isn’t dry skin. It is a minor skin disorder of the scalp. Rubbing oil into your scalp can make it worse. Use a medicated shampoo instead.

Use Lukewarm Water

Using hot water can eliminate protective oils from your hair, and it becomes dull. While you don't need to shower with cold water, you can use lukewarm water instead.

Use Protein-packed Conditioners

Conditioners containing protein will seep into the hair shafts, and repair split ends. But you need to do this regularly, as the fix isn’t permanent.

Avoid Blow-drying

The heat from a hairdryer can damage your hair and cause hair loss, especially if you have fine hair. Turn down the heat or avoid using such tools altogether.

Stay Out of the Sun

In response to the question “Is sunlight good for hair?” the answer is yes, in moderation. So if you expose yourself to enough Sun to damage your skin, it can do the same for your hair. Use a hat during summer and trim the ends of your hair frequently.

Shower Before Swimming

If you shower before swimming, you can minimise the adverse effects of pool chlorine. The chemicals of the pool will not penetrate as much if your hair is already wet.

Reduce Your Brushing Time.

The need to brush your hair 100 times a day is a myth. The more you brush, the more hair you lose. Avoid brushing your hair too frequently, and use a comb only on wet hair.

Frizzy hair can look striking when carefully styled. However, it’s challenging to maintain. Special care needs to be done to keep the hair healthy and lustrous.

We offer a few useful tips for managing such hair.(5)

• Wash your hair every week or even every two weeks.
• Make sure to coat the ends when you use a conditioner.
• Use hot oil treatment once a month to maintain moisture and elasticity.
• Apply heat protecting products before styling with hot hair styling tools
• Use ceramic irons or combs while pressing your hair.
• Avoid hairstyles that pull your hair too tightly.

Is sunlight good for Hair? The answer here is in moderation, yes, but in excess, definitely not. If you want your hair to be healthy and strong, you have to establish a hair care routine that protects it from the Sun. Initially, this could be challenging at first, but with the information provided here, you can establish a routine that suits you best. (6)