Here’s why your hair needs sun protection too

While we slather sunscreen on our faces, why do we leave the rest of the body and hair unattended? Experts tell us why you should be introducing an SPF in your hair care routine too

Sunscreen has easily become one of the most coveted and mushrooming segments in the beauty industry in the past few years. In a recent story, we also spotlighted the colossal growth that the market has witnessed, both in India and globally. Clearly, everyone is on board with the idea of soaking their skin in sunscreen before heading outdoors. The problem, however, is that more often than not, our sunscreen application is restricted to the face, leaving the rest of the body and hair at risk from harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

While SPF-infused body lotions and sunscreen sprays still make sunscreen application on the body fairly facile and convenient, working in sunscreen in your hair can be tricky. We asked experts to weigh in their opinion on why your hair also needs SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and how you can successfully protect it from the sun. 

How does the sun take a toll on your hair?

“Just like our skin, our hair also has a pigment called melanin, which reacts to the sun rays, causing discolouration. Plus it can also disrupt the natural production of sebum, reduce moisture balance, and weaken disulfide bonds in the hair, resulting in dry, brittle, and frizzy hair,” says Preet Lulla, creative director of education at Jean Claude Biguine Salons, India. According to Dr Batul Patel, dermatologist and founder of The Bombay Skin Clinic, the sun rays act like bleach which reacts with the melanin present in the hair and causes colour removal/fading, leaving the cuticle and keratin damaged. 

Besides turning your mane into a greasy, flat mess, the heat from the scorching sun coupled with humidity can wreak havoc on your scalp too. “The scalp, being an extension of the skin, is susceptible to sunburn if left unprotected. Scalp sunburn can cause redness, inflammation, discomfort, and peeling, similar to sunburn on the skin,” says Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad. In addition to what Lulla said, Sharad shares that sun exposure weakens the structure of your locks and makes it more susceptible to breakage.

That being said, can the sun prove to be as damaging to the hair and scalp as the skin? Probably not, opines Sharad. “While the hair and scalp can still be affected by the sun, the damage is typically less pronounced compared to the skin,” says the dermatologist, who also believes that the intensity of the damage can vary from person to person, given that everyone has a different hair type, colour, thickness and overall hair health. On the same lines, Patel informs that since hair is made up of dead skin cells, it doesn’t have the same reaction to sun damage as your skin does. “However, it’s still important to protect your hair and scalp from the sun’s harmful rays to maintain their health and appearance,” suggests Sharad.

Is sun protection for hair really effective?

While the idea of sun protection for hair sounds great, the practicality of it is ambivalent, owing to the application constraints. Even though there are hair care products that claim to provide UV protection as they contain SPF-like ingredients, “it’s important to note that the effectiveness of SPF— a measurement of how well a product protects the skin from UVB radiation, which is primarily responsible for sunburn—in combating hair damage is not as well-established as it is for skin protection,” mentions Sharad. In concurrence, Patel says that sun protection for hair works differently from that for the skin. “It protects the cuticle and creates a buffer between it and the sun rays; however, it doesn’t prevent cell damage like regular SPF does.”

Does that make sun protection for hair redundant? Not really. Sharad believes that using hair care products with UV filters or ingredients that offer sun protection can still provide some level of benefit. “Such products can help to create a physical or chemical barrier on the hair, reducing the amount of UV radiation that reaches and damages the hair shaft. Plus, they may also contain antioxidants that can help neutralise free radicals caused by UV exposure.” 

A checklist to begin with 

According to Lulla, hair sunscreens are available in the market across formats such as mists, sprays, powder gels, and creams, which can be used on dry or wet hair as per the instructions of the product. “Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are considered safe ingredients when purchasing an SPF for hair, while oxybenzone is an ingredient that should be avoided.” Sharad highlights the importance of broad-spectrum protection (protection against both UVA and UVB rays), a high SPF rating (from 15 to 50), the right UV filters such as avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or octinoxate and properties like lightweight finish, resistance against water, and conditioning repair. 

“Choose products that offer moisturising and conditioning properties to help counteract the drying effects of the sun. Ingredients like natural oils, aloe vera, shea butter, or glycerin can provide hydration and nourishment to the hair,” shares Sharad. Talking about the list of no-nos, she recommends avoiding products that contain harsh chemicals, sulphates, and alcohol that can further dry out the hair. “Stay away from products that leave a heavy build-up or residue on the hair, as it can weigh it down and make it look dull and lifeless. Opt for products with natural or hypoallergenic fragrances, or choose fragrance-free options if you have sensitive skin or scalp.”

Patel informs that hair sunscreens are available in three primary textures—powder-based sunscreen, spray sunscreen, and cream- and lotion-based sunscreens. “While powder-based ones are ultra-lightweight and can also soak up excess oil and add a bit of volume, sprays are the next lightest option. Cream- or lotion-based ones are the heaviest and are best to use if you are going swimming as they won’t wash out easily in the water.”

“To effectively combat hair damage from the sun, it’s best to combine the use of protective hair care products with other preventive measures like wearing hats or seeking shade when outdoors, limiting sun exposure during peak hours, and maintaining overall hair health through proper hydration, conditioning, and avoiding excessive heat styling,” concludes Sharad.

Also Read: Is the skincare market saturated with sunscreens?

Also Read: 8 bond-building products for your hair and why you should use them

Also Read: Hair ageing is just as real as skin ageing