Can the Sun Damage Your Hair?

It is very common knowledge that applying heat to your hair with tools like a straightener or curler can cause lasting problems on your hair, such as breakage, dehydration and dryness. However, what about natural heat? The UV index is rising with the start of Spring, begging the question of if sun rays are damaging to hair.

Well, can it?

Yes! The sun can cause more harm than good to your hair. The sun can lighten hair, making hair appear blonder after spending time outside when the UV is high. However, as your hair is changing colors, it is also being dried out which weakens the protein structures in your hair. This is why your may feel some breakage in your hair as well as a lack in softness. The scalp can also burn, as it is still skin being exposed to the sun. Without any prevention, a burnt scalp can make taking care of hair painful - it is sensitive to touch and to warm water!

Prevention

Like skin, it is very important to protect both your body and hair from the hot sun rays. Obviously, one solution to preventing hair damage from the sun is a hat. A hat that shades your face is ideal, as it also protects your face from any damaging UV rays.

However, hats aren't always the solution as many people may prefer not to wear them when tanning. No worries, because there are many products to choose from, including heat protectant hair spray, which is specifically made with SPF to shield your hair from damage. Brands like Sun Bum and Coola are dedicated to creating sun care and that includes these sprays that can be easily added to the sun prep routine along with sunscreen (which you should be remembering to apply).

After Care

After your time in the sun, what you do next can be impactful for your hair. Avoiding heated hair tools will give your hair a break from heat, allowing it time to begin repairing itself. Applying a hydrating hair mask from a brand like Moroccan Oil can also be a refreshing way to soothe your hair and bring back the strength that might have been taken away from the sun.

How do you protect yourself from the sun? Any tips? Let us know at the @theedgemag!