Is Sunlight the Reason for Hair Changes? How to Prevent Hair Discoloration and Damage in Summer

Recently, the nation has been suffering from record-breaking heatwaves. As temperatures rapidly rise, more cases of hair discoloration and damage due to prolonged exposure to sunlight are being reported. This issue is especially prominent in summer, and while many people focus solely on skin protection, the health of their hair is often overlooked. However, hair is also a part of the body and is greatly affected by sunlight. Let's explore how sunlight affects hair and how to protect it.

The Effect of Sunlight on Hair

Ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight directly affect not only the skin but also the hair. Hair is composed mainly of dead cells made of a protein called keratin, but continuous exposure to UV rays can damage the cuticle on the hair's surface. The cuticle serves as a protective layer for the hair, and when UV rays destroy this protective layer, the hair becomes dry, split ends occur, and it becomes prone to breakage. UVA and UVB rays, in particular, react with melanin in the hair, altering its pigment, causing hair to lighten or fade.

This phenomenon is especially noticeable in summer, and hair exposed to the sun for extended periods can suffer not only temporary discoloration but also structural damage. If your hair becomes brittle or rough in texture, it is a sign that UV damage has already progressed significantly. Such damage goes beyond mere cosmetic concerns and affects the overall health of your hair, making early management crucial.

Which Hair Is More Vulnerable?

All hair is affected by UV rays, but fine, light-colored hair is particularly vulnerable. This type of hair has a thinner cuticle, offering less protection, and less pigment, making it more reactive to UV rays. In contrast, thick, dark-colored hair tends to be more protected due to its higher oil content and thicker cuticle. However, this is only a relative difference, as even thick hair can be sufficiently damaged by prolonged UV exposure. Additionally, chemically treated hair, such as dyed or permed hair, is more susceptible to damage, requiring extra protection.

Since sensitivity to UV rays varies depending on hair thickness, color, and condition, it is important to find protection methods that suit your hair type. For example, those with light-colored hair should use sunscreen specifically designed for hair, while those with dyed hair should opt for products with color-protection features.

How to Protect Your Hair from Sunlight

To protect your hair from UV rays, various methods should be considered. The most effective is using hair-specific UV protectants. These products form a protective layer on the hair, preventing UV rays from directly affecting it. Typically available in spray form, they can be evenly sprayed on hair before going outside to provide protection. These UV protectants form a fine coating on the hair’s cuticle, shielding it and preventing UV rays from penetrating deeply into the hair. Additionally, since UV protectants can easily be washed off by swimming or sweating, it is important to reapply them periodically during long outings.

Other good methods include wearing a hat on sunny days or using a scarf to protect your hair. These methods not only protect your hair but also your scalp, making them even more effective. Wide-brimmed hats are particularly useful as they can also protect your face and neck. Although the scalp is not directly exposed to UV rays due to the hair, applying sunscreen directly to the scalp can provide additional protection. This is especially important for those concerned about hair loss, as protecting the scalp is crucial.

Tips for Using Hair Sunscreen

When using hair sunscreen, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. First, use it when your hair is clean and dry. This helps the product absorb better and distribute evenly. Especially when hair is wet from sweat or water, sunscreen may not work properly, so using it on dry hair is most effective. Second, spray the product evenly over your hair from about 15 cm away, focusing on the top and ends of your hair. UV rays particularly damage the ends of your hair, so it is essential to protect them thoroughly.

Finally, use your fingers or a comb to spread the product evenly throughout your hair. This ensures that the sunscreen is uniformly applied, maximizing the protective effect. Also, it is good to protect the roots of your hair as well. If UV rays directly affect the roots, hair growth can be inhibited.

Other Ways to Protect Your Hair Besides Sunscreen

Sunscreen alone cannot completely protect your hair, so additional care is needed. Here are some tips for summer hair care.

• Use conditioner: Regularly use conditioner to moisturize hair dried out by UV rays. This helps maintain the hair's moisture and reduce cuticle damage. Since conditioner complements cuticle damage caused by UV rays, it is an essential summer hair care product along with sunscreen.
• Deep treatment: Restore damaged hair by using deep treatments once or twice a week. Treatment products replenish hair nutrients and reduce UV damage. Especially hair damaged by both heat and UV rays needs sufficient nourishment through deep treatments. Regular use of treatments can help regain hair's elasticity and shine.
• Wash immediately after swimming: Rinse hair immediately after exposure to chlorine or saltwater to prevent damage. Hair is more sensitive after swimming, so it is advisable to use moisturizing products after washing. Chlorine in pool water strips away the hair’s natural protective layer, and salt in seawater makes hair drier, so it is essential to rinse hair thoroughly with clean water after swimming. Then, apply a moisturizer to retain the hair’s moisture.
• Air drying: Minimize the use of hair dryers in summer and air dry your hair whenever possible. The hot air from hair dryers can further damage hair already compromised by UV rays. Instead, gently wrap your hair in a towel and let it air dry for better hair health.

Why You Should Protect Your Scalp as Well

Along with your hair, your scalp should also be protected from UV rays. Direct exposure to UV rays can cause scalp burns, which may contribute to hair loss. Particularly if the scalp is damaged by UV rays, hair follicles can weaken, and hair growth can be inhibited. To prevent this, it is effective to use mineral sunscreens or powder-type sunscreens on your scalp. These products protect the scalp while keeping hair from becoming greasy and help maintain hair volume.

To protect your scalp, it is advisable to avoid going out during peak sunlight hours and to wear a hat to cover your scalp when outside. Additionally, when applying hair sunscreen to the scalp, make sure to apply it evenly to ensure all areas are protected. Gently massaging the scalp while applying sunscreen can also enhance its absorption and stimulate blood circulation in the scalp.

Even if you have thick hair, scalp protection is necessary during the strong summer sun. The scalp, like skin, is easily damaged by prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can eventually affect overall hair health. By practicing various methods to protect your scalp, you can maintain healthy hair and scalp even during the summer.

Conclusion: The Importance of Hair Protection in Summer

Strong summer UV rays can cause severe damage to your hair. To prevent this, it is crucial to use hair-specific sunscreens and take appropriate protective measures against UV rays. Especially fine and light-colored hair is more prone to damage, requiring additional care. To maintain healthy hair, it is important to protect both your hair and scalp using various methods in addition to sunscreen. Besides using sunscreen, regular moisturizing, nourishment, and additional scalp protection measures are necessary to keep your hair healthy.

Even if UV rays do not cause immediate damage to your hair, they can weaken its structure over time, leading to loss of shine and elasticity. Therefore, it is important to consistently maintain your hair’s health through daily care. Protecting your hair from UV rays in summer is not just about aesthetics but is an essential process to maintain overall hair health and prevent damage.