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Is the sun good for my hair?
If we take the indirect approach, the sun is essential for good healthy hair growth. This is because exposure to the sun will generate our daily needs for Vitamin D. This vitamin is needed for production of calcium in the process of hair growth. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to hair loss, so it is not a matter of just keeping out of the sun.
However, direct exposure of your hair to the sun's UV rays can damage both the outer layer of your hair (the cuticle) and even penetrate right to the centre of hairs, damaging the cortex. An additional problem can be that your colour will fade prematurely.
For those of us living in the UK the above only usually applies to summer sun or when travelling abroad.
How does the sun damage my hair?
If we take the indirect approach, the sun is essential for good healthy hair growth. This is because exposure to the sun will generate our daily needs for Vitamin D. This vitamin is needed for production of calcium in the process of hair growth. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to hair loss, so it is not a matter of just keeping out of the sun.
However, direct exposure of your hair to the sun's UV rays can damage both the outer layer of your hair (the cuticle) and even penetrate right to the centre of hairs, damaging the cortex. An additional problem can be that your colour will fade prematurely.
For those of us living in the UK the above only usually applies to summer sun or when travelling abroad.
How does the sun damage my hair?
- The UVA rays disturb the hair's fibre-like cells that give it strength and elasticity.
- Sun bleaching of the hair will give you that surfer look but it is actually damaging the pigments which give you your natural hair colour.
- The outer layer of the hair (cuticle) is a series of overlapping scales which, when damaged, cannot lay flat. So the hair is no longer smooth and supple but lifeless and dry.
- Sunburn on the scalp can lead to hair loss. Another reason to wear a hat in hot weather.
- If your hair has been coloured those colours will fade much faster than usual when exposed to direct sunlight.
- Light shades of hair contain less melanin than dark hair, which allows the UV rays to penetrate much more easily. Consequently, lighter hair needs greater protection.
Sun care products
Top sun care tips
- UV leave-in conditioners and sprays are designed to settle down into the cuticle layer and soak in to the tiny overlapping scales. Basically they are doing exactly what your sun lotion does on your skin.
- You do need to be a bit careful when buying products which claim to give sun protection as it can simply be a marketing ploy. They should list a specific SPF value (factor 15 is good).
- Leave-in conditioner sun protection products will serve you well for short periods of daily sun exposure but if you are going to be in the sun for longer periods then cover up with a hat.
- If you forget your hat and don't have any hair protection products, simply use normal sun tan lotion. This is just for emergencies and you will need to wash it out when you get home. Might not be the optimal solution but it will work.
Top sun care tips
- Avoid products that contain alcohol as they can be excessively drying to the hair.
- When summer heat is at its hottest wear your hair up to avoid potential frizz.
- Be religious abut your trims. Split and sun damaged ends need trimming every 6-8 weeks.
- Reduce the frequency with which you use hairdryers or straightening irons.
- On hot holidays use a more moisturising and gentle shampoo than you would normally use at home.
- Wear a hat when outside in hot sun for extended periods.
- Make sure you have a professional deep-conditioning treatment before you leave for holiday and when you return.
