Hair Care
Yes, Your Hair Needs Sun Protection TooRead on for 13 products to protect hair and scalp from the sun's harsh rays |
When our skin gets sunburned, it's painfully obvious. We're left with hot, it-hurts-to-move skin that is fire engine red and can sometimes be blistered. When our hair gets damaged by the sun, it's not so easy to recognize. We likely notice the straw-like ends and faded color, but we often blame things like our addiction to heat styling tools, our love of mermaid hair color or only getting trims when we absolutely have to.
Why Hair Needs Sun Protection
When the experts say that we need to use sun protection from head to toe, they don't just mean starting at your forehead. Your scalp and hair also need protection.
Hair may not burn like skin, but hair (and the scalp) should always be protected because the sun dries it out and lightens it, says hairstylist Carolyn Aronson, CEO of It's a 10 Haircare. When the hair shaft gets dry, it opens up the cuticle, which can cause split ends and breakage. Context Founder David Arbuthnot warns, "Exposing your hair to harmful UV rays could actually cause significant damage that can reduce hair health."
Those with color-treated hair should be especially careful because the sun's rays can mess with color, causing it to fade or become brassy, says Aaron Grenia, co-founder of IGK Hair Care. Furthermore, bleached or dyed hair tends to be more porous, which makes it more susceptible to damage and dryness.
In terms of hair types, Arbuthnot says that thin or very fine hair can be more prone to damage. Additionally, Aronson points out that hair that has any sort of chemical treatment (highlights, Brazilian blow-dry, relaxing, etc.) can be more at risk.
Cover image via Imaxtree
Image via Imaxtree
SEE NEXT PAGE: How to Protect Hair
Why Hair Needs Sun Protection
When the experts say that we need to use sun protection from head to toe, they don't just mean starting at your forehead. Your scalp and hair also need protection.
Hair may not burn like skin, but hair (and the scalp) should always be protected because the sun dries it out and lightens it, says hairstylist Carolyn Aronson, CEO of It's a 10 Haircare. When the hair shaft gets dry, it opens up the cuticle, which can cause split ends and breakage. Context Founder David Arbuthnot warns, "Exposing your hair to harmful UV rays could actually cause significant damage that can reduce hair health."
Those with color-treated hair should be especially careful because the sun's rays can mess with color, causing it to fade or become brassy, says Aaron Grenia, co-founder of IGK Hair Care. Furthermore, bleached or dyed hair tends to be more porous, which makes it more susceptible to damage and dryness.
In terms of hair types, Arbuthnot says that thin or very fine hair can be more prone to damage. Additionally, Aronson points out that hair that has any sort of chemical treatment (highlights, Brazilian blow-dry, relaxing, etc.) can be more at risk.
Cover image via Imaxtree
Image via Imaxtree
SEE NEXT PAGE: How to Protect Hair