Does The Sun Damage Hair?

When your hair is out in the sun for an extended period, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, both UVA and UVB. Can cause damage to the cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair strand. Sun damage hair manifests itself in various ways. Including discoloration, dryness, brittleness of the strands, split or broken ends, thinning, and frizz.

Sun Damage Hair may seem dry, will not retain a style of curl, and will be challenging to manage. In most cases, hair that has been damaged dries up quite rapidly.

Maybe you are interested: Are Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Hair Loss Related?

How Does Sun Damage Hair Happen?

When UV rays strike the hair, they initially penetrate the cuticles, which are the hair’s most superficial layers. This cuticle consists of multiple layers in its current state. The primary function of the layers is to shield the interior core from the effects of the environment outside. The outermost layers receive the highest intense radiation. As a direct consequence, the proteins and amino acids are thrown off.

The layers’ capacity to provide protection is diminished to an insignificant degree. When the base is no longer shielded from the outside environment, it becomes susceptible to radiation. In the end, the cells and membranes begin to rupture, and the cell’s structural integrity deteriorates.

Sun damage hair can occur to any hair type, regardless of the texture and color of the strands. If the hair is thin or light-colored, you should know that it is especially susceptible to damage from the sun. Dark, coarse hair tends to be greasier, and its darker color, thickness, and oil covering shield it from radiation. However, finer, blonde hair lacks the pigment and thickness to protect it against the sun’s rays. If you have delicate, flat, or tightly curled hair, your strands are not only more susceptible to breakage but also sun damage hair.

The good thing is that you may take preventative measures. To shield the hair from the damaging effects of the scorching sun throughout the summer months.

Factors that help cause sun damage hair

The sun’s rays have an effect on hair that is remarkably similar to that of bleach. Bleach causes hair to lose color by catalyzing a chemical change with the melanin found in hair, an irreversible process. Additionally, bleach causes damage to the cuticle of the hair and the protein known as keratin.

Using heated styling tools like rollers and flat irons, the chlorinated water found in swimming pools, or bleaching the hair. May make it more susceptible to the summer sun and heat damaging effects. All of these things are bad for the keratin in the hair. The protein that has been destroyed makes it possible for heat and sunlight to infiltrate the hair. Which ultimately leads to weak hair strands.

Measures to adequately protect yourself from sun damage hair

What should one do if they want to spend time outside during the warm summer months but do not want their hair to become frizzy, lifeless, and damaged? The advice of specialists is:

• You can protect yourself from the sun by wrapping a scarf over your head, donning a hat with a wide brim, or carrying an umbrella.
• Try going outside early or late in the day to avoid sun damage to your hair.
• Wearing a swim cap or making a high bun hairstyle is the best way to prevent your hair from becoming wet while swimming in a chlorinated pool. If you get your hair wet, you should thoroughly rinse the pool water out of your hair using clean water.
• A sun protection factor (SPF) solution is used to shield hair from damaging rays.

Kind Of Treatment for Sun-Damaged Hair

It is undoubtedly challenging to locate the remedy that will work the most for damaged hair. As a result, to spare you the difficulty of carrying out this task, below is compiled information that might be of assistance to you.

Applying a hair mask to solve sun damage hair

When the hair has been severely damaged by the sun, it may need nutrients. Applying hair masks will provide the necessary nourishment for the hair to heal itself. You won’t just eliminate the brittleness, fizziness, and dryness; you’ll also be protected from any additional harm.

Use the appropriate shampoos and conditioners to prevent sun damage hair

If you use the proper shampoos and conditioners and follow the instructions carefully, you can help the hair repair itself more quickly. You may, for instance, use special shampoos that contain essential oils in their formulation. You have the option of going with either argon or coconut. Some shampoos and conditioners are better for your hair than others. Use those that are designed specifically for your particular hair type.

Give yourself a scalp massage

Giving yourself a scalp massage can assist in boosting the blood flow to your scalp, which will help the repair process. During shampooing, you can massage the scalp with your fingertips. Be careful not to damage the roots by not following this piece of advice.

Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid sun damage hair

Stay out of direct sunlight for as long as the current condition lasts. To prevent additional sun damage hair. Avoid using items that contain hazardous chemicals. Such as heat styling tools, hair straightening therapies, hair gel styling, and bleaching and coloring products. Consider using methods of styling, such as no-heating, that do not harm the hair significantly. It will help you prevent further damage to your hair.

Make sure to apply a moisturizer and drink enough water.

Decreased moisture is the primary reason for hair loss and brittle hair. Utilize shampoos that already have moisturizers inside of them. You might also try applying moisturizers directly to the hair. Consume water and maintain your hydration level because allowing your body to become dehydrated will not make things simpler. Drink between 8 and 18 glasses of water regularly.

Opt for a comb with wide teeth

If you want to prevent your hair from breaking, you should resist using a regular comb and instead opt for one with wide teeth. It will take care of the tangles without causing any extra damage.

Main damage caused by the sun on hair

• The appearance and texture of the hair are affected by the sun’s rays. Because UVA and UVB rays modify its texture.
• The sun is responsible for the oxidation and formation of free radicals, which causes cysteine to be altered. The main component of keratin is cysteine. Causing the ends to become brittle and the melanin that gives the hair its color to lighten.
• The sun increases the loss of flexibility of the hair strands. Making the hair look much rougher, lifeless, and brittle. UV rays, chlorine in swimming pools, sea salinity, humidity, wind and sand are all cause hair balance problems. They cause you to become discolored and dehydrated.
• Prolonged exposure of the hair to the sun causes it to become more brittle. Hair becomes dull, dry, porous, and much weaker.
• The heat of the sun produces changes in the cuticle, causing a loss of water, pigment, lipids and amino acids.

Hair most at risk

All of the consequences described above can happen with greater intensity to all those people who have used dyes or bleached their hair. Also those who have used treatments that, due to the components of the product, weaken the hair. Or that they alter the protective water layer, which is their natural shield.  People who have light-colored hair are more likely to have their hair damaged by the sun.

How to Moisturize Your Hair

• According to experts, staying well hydrated during the hot summer months is crucial to maintaining hair health and shine. Keeping the body hydrated means that the hair stays hydrated.
• The most effective advice from experts is to use masks, oils, and conditioners that protect your hair from the harmful effects of the sun. Just like skin, hair can also burn.
• When you’re at the beach, apply a moisturizer. Applying a generous layer of mask while sunbathing on the sand will give your hair an extra boost of hydration that is much needed during the summer.
• You can increase the shine of your hair by rinsing it with cold water.
• It’s important to further protect your hair by wearing hats and scarves. Which are also currently trending.
• Do not use an iron or dryer every day. You can use them occasionally, but if you have unruly hair, there are other ways to tame it. They also serve to hydrate it.

Certain treatments, including keratin, can deeply hydrate and restore shine. While others aim to restore hair density and prevent hair loss. And some involve the application of platelet-rich plasma to the scalp, making it ideal for the summer season. When you return from a vacation, you may notice that your hair has changed color.

Conclusion 

In general, it is crucial to focus on the scalp’s health when trying to promote overall hair health. Following these essential steps can protect the hair’s health and restore any sun damage it may have incurred throughout the summer.