Introduction:

Summer is here and true to all meteorological predictions, India is witnessing an exceptionally hot summer, with heat waves making the news across India. Tropical summers are not easy on a person’s health and can lead to multiple health conditions, such as dehydration and even heat strokes unless proper preventive measures are taken. There are other summer-related problems that many of us have to deal with, especially hair and skin damage from prolonged exposure to strong and intense sunlight. While we all are well aware of the importance of sunscreen for the skin, do we know how to protect the hair from the sun without spending a lot of money?

Let us read this article and find out.

Signs of Sun-Damaged Hair

To learn how to contend with hair problems in summer, let’s learn to identify hair damage caused by the sun. 

1. Dry, brittle & frizzy hair

It is a known fact that continuous heat styling ends up damaging the quality of the hair. But very few people are aware that prolonged exposure to strong sunlight on hair has an effect very similar to heat styling. If you feel that the hair is frizzier, dryer or brittle (feels like straw and highly prone to breakage), it is because the cuticle layer is damaged. The dry nature of the hair causes split ends and breakage in the hair over time.

2. Discolouration of hair & premature greying

Most people are of the opinion that undergoing frequent colour treatments can alter the colour of the hair. Extended exposure to sunlight can also lead to hair discolouration. This is a clear sign that your hair is suffering from damage.

Experts say that the sun’s ultraviolet rays react on the hair strands like bleach. When bleach interacts with the melanin that’s present in hair, it causes an irreparable chemical reaction wherein the natural colour of the hair is lost. Bleach destroys hair protein, referred to as keratin and the hair cuticle. Heat damage further expedites another very common hair evolution process that comes with ageing, which is greying. Extensive contact with heat may lead to premature greying.

Factors that aggravate Sun Damage

All types of hair are at risk of sun damage exposure. However, some factors will make you more prone than others: 

• Very fine or light-coloured hair
• Flat, thin or tightly coiled hair
• Frequent use of heat styling (iron, rollers etc.)
• Contact with chlorinated water in swimming pools.
• Frequent chemical treatments on hair.
• One or more factors mentioned above destroy keratin, the hair protein, which then makes hair more vulnerable to sun damage.

Also Read: Sun Baths: Unveiling the Science-Backed Benefits and Risks

Ways to protect the Hair from Sun Damage

While you cannot avoid the sun when you are stepping out during the day, there are a few expert-recommended ways that you can protect your hair from the summer sun. 

1. Hair Sunscreen

Similar to face sunscreen, hair sunscreen creates a protective cover on the surface and shield’s it from the sun’s UV rays. Store Bought hair sunscreen will likely contain active ingredients such as octinoxate, avobenzone and zinc oxide that work like a UV protection filter, either reflecting or absorbing the radiation. Various products are available in the market.

Alternatively, you can also create your hair sunscreen at home with a few simple ingredients. You need to apply this 10-15 minutes prior to stepping out.

• Coconut oil and lime juice
• Grapeseed essential oil and rose water
• Avocado and aloe vera hair mask
• Extra virgin olive oil and melon
• Avocado and shea butter

2. Avoid heat or colour treatments

Suppose your job entails you to step out during the day or if you are planning to go on a beach holiday, it is recommended that you refrain from heat styling or colouring/bleaching the hair. Sun’s intense rays act like bleach on the hair, which ultimately ends up damaging keratin. Heat styling and hair colouring can further accelerate the damage.

3. Deep-condition your hair

Deep condition the hair with either a top-quality hair mask or oil such as coconut oil or olive oil that makes the hair stronger and less prone to frizz and breakage by locking in the cuticle. Deep conditioning should be done weekly or every fortnight to maintain the hair’s moisture, especially for hair that is already damaged.

4. Eat more antioxidant-enriched foods

Including fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet that are colourful will minimise oxidative stress caused by the sun’s rays.

5. Use hair protection

Some other ways you can protect your hair from sun damage are wearing a head scarf or a hat or using an umbrella when going out. These are the simplest and easiest measures you can follow to protect your hair and scalp from direct sunlight. 

Conclusion:

Exposure to early morning sunlight is very good for health because it provides your body with vitamin D. However, prolonged exposure, especially during the later part of the day when the sun is right above your head in the sky, can cause damage to hair and skin which makes it necessary to take precautionary measures. Look after your hair this summer and enjoy this bright and sunny season the right way.

Also Read: Amla Juice for Hair: Unraveling its Research-Backed Benefits and Uses

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.