Did you know that sunscreen isn’t only needed for your skin, but your hair too. Applying UV protection is the #1 most underrated hair care practice but is crucial to prevent:

• Discolored hair
• Protein loss
• Moisture loss
• Breakage
• Hair lightening
• Sunburn on scalp (Yup, sunburn that specifically affects your scalp which I remind you, is skin, too and should be protected with sunscreen but *let’s get back to the hair*)

The effects of UV rays on hair can cause the hair’s natural proteins and pigment to deteriorate. While some people notice their hair color lightening up in the sun and may welcome that (or even enhance it with products like Sun-In) this lightening is a sign of the hair strand degrading. The result? Weaker hair and dull looking hair color. 

According to the US National Library of Medicine that did a study on uv damage to the hair stated that 

“excessive sun exposure is the most frequent cause of structural impairment of the hair shaft.”

The sun can also take moisture away from your hair, leaving it drier, frizzier and rougher in texture.

If you have thinning hair, you are even more susceptible to getting sunburned on your scalp. Sunburn on the scalp can create scarred tissue and any inflammation or damage to your scalp can potentially cause even more thinning. 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE….

The sun is great for nourishing us with Vitamin D, an essential vitamin for healthy hair growth, hence why you notice your hair grows faster in the summer;

AND, there are ways to mitigate the damage being done, like using sun protective products in your wash day routine to PREP before applying styling products.