Hair loss and sun exposure: Is sun exposure bad for your hair?

Summer is coming and the vitamin D booster will soon shine more than in any other season! The sun is one of the most important environmental factors affecting our health every day. Hair health is conditioned by numerous factors such as genetics, food diet, lifestyle and also the environment. 

The effects of the sun on hair are often underestimated, but they can be significant. Sun exposure can lead to hair dryness, brittleness, and color fading. UV rays can penetrate the hair and damage its structure, resulting in split ends and breakage. Prolonged exposure to the sun can also cause damage to the scalp, leading to irritation and sunburn. However, not all is lost! There are several ways to protect your hair from the sun's harmful effects, and even reverse some of the damage. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy the summer sun without compromising your hair health.

So, is sun exposure bad for your hair? If the exposure to the sun is excessive, the answer to this question is short and clear: yes, too much sun exposure can be harmful to your hair. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at:

• The impact of the sun on your hair
• What you can do to protect your hair from the sun
• How to reverse the effects of sun damage on hair

Let's start!

How does the sun damage hair? 

There are many environmental factors that can damage your hair, and the sun does so in a major way which, luckily, you can control. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down the hair's cuticle and also keratin, which is the protein that gives hair its strength and structure. This can cause the hair to become brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. The sun can also strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to further dryness and damage. 

In addition, UV rays can break down pigment molecules, causing hair color to fade and become dull. If you have lighter and finer hair, be aware that your hair is more susceptible to being damaged from sun exposure. 

Prolonged exposure to the sun can also damage the scalp, leading to inflammation, irritation, and even sunburn. When this happens, the protective oils on your scalp and the cellular structure of your skin and hair are affected. This can foster hair loss due to the consequent production of superoxide, a compound that can cause hair follicles to shed instead of grow. 

How can I protect my hair from the sun?

Protecting your hair from the sun's harmful effects is essential for maintaining healthy, strong, and beautiful hair. There are several measures you can take to protect your hair from the damaging effects of UV rays. Here are some of the simplest ways to protect your hair from the sun:

• Wear a hat or a scarf to cover your head and hair when you're outdoors so you guard from direct exposure and potential scalp sunburn.
• Use spray sunscreens meant for your hair and scalp. There are specific sunscreens formulated for this sensitive part of your body. Don't worry, it won’t make your hair greasy but perfectly protected!
• Use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection to shield your hair from the sun's damaging rays. 
• Using products that have natural oils, such as coconut or jojoba oil, to moisturize and protect your hair from drying out. 
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours, and limit the use of heat styling tools, which can exacerbate sun damage.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the sun without compromising your hair's health and beauty!

What should I do to reverse the effects of sun damage on my hair?

Good news here! If your hair has already been damaged by the sun, don't worry, there are several things you can do to help reverse the effects. 

One of the best ways to restore moisture and strength to sun-damaged hair is by using a deep conditioning treatment. This will help repair any damage to the hair's structure and prevent further breakage. You can also try using a hair mask or oil treatment to provide extra nourishment and hydration to your hair. 

Another effective way to reverse the effects of sun damage is by trimming your hair regularly to get rid of split ends and prevent further damage. Additionally, try to avoid heat styling tools as much as possible, as they can further damage your hair. 

With a little bit of care and attention, you can help restore your hair's health and beauty, even after sun damage.

Taking care of your hair is the first step for healthy hair

Summer is the season of sunshine, warmth, and good vibes. However, with all the joys of summertime come some potential drawbacks, and one of them is the damaging effects of sun exposure on our hair. The sun's UV rays can penetrate the hair shaft, causing dryness, brittleness, and color fading, and even damage the scalp. While sun damage can be harmful to our hair, there are ways to protect and reverse its effects.

In conclusion, the sun can have both positive and negative effects on our health and well-being, including on our hair. While it's essential to get enough vitamin D and enjoy the sun's warmth, it's also crucial to take steps to protect our hair from its harmful effects. With proper care and attention, we can enjoy the sun without compromising our hair's health and beauty.

If you are reading this because you are worried about your hair loss, we highly encourage you to contact us for a free consultation with one of our experts and save some money!