That’s right, your hair can become damaged from UV rays as well. However, it’s extremely different from sun damage you might see on the skin and requires different care. For example: You might see the phrase “hair sunscreen” slapped onto labels, but these protective formulas aren’t really SPF products at all (or, well, they don’t have to be). Allow us to explain. But hair sunscreens are very different from their skin-focused counterparts. Sunscreen used on the face and body is regulated by the FDA, whereas hair sunscreen isn’t. This is because your hair calls for different protection than the skin, and the end goal with hair sunscreen is a bit nuanced. See, you apply daily SPF on the skin to protect from sun damage and sunburn, but your strands themselves don’t exactly turn red, itchy, or tender. Rather, hair sunscreen helps protect those strands from UV damage that may contribute to physical signs of hair aging—like dryness, loss of pigment, and loss of density. Think antioxidants to disarm free radicals and serve as a UV barrier, as well as moisturizing butters and oils to nourish parched strands. Texturally, hair sunscreen tends to be less greasy and comes in a spray-on or powder product, instead of a lotion or balm. What’s more, “It doubles as a heat-styling product for beach waves,” hairstylist Amy Abramite of Maxine Salon in Chicago tells mbg. In this scientific review of UV damage on the hair1, it’s reported that UVB radiation is responsible for hair protein loss, while UVA radiation is responsible for the color changes. And when the hair shaft is weakened, it will not be as resilient to things like heat styling, physical styling, and future UV exposure. Especially if you’re coupling time in the sun with time in the water (whether it be salt, fresh, or chlorinated), your hair will be even more susceptible to dryness. That’s why experts recommend coating your tresses with some sort of buffer (like hair sunscreen!) before your dip, and if you’re a frequent swimmer, you may consider adopting a post-swim hair care routine to help mitigate the increased dryness. So if you’re looking to keep your color vibrant, whether it be your natural hue or a dyed shade, it’s best to protect your strands from the sun. Research shows that UV rays from the sun can trigger oxidative stress2 in the skin (scalp included), and a prolonged state of oxidative stress can lead to premature graying. Thus, protecting the scalp from the sun is essential in mitigating that loss of pigment. Aesthetically, this can prove challenging. When the ends of the hair are frayed, creating a smooth, sleek style is a way bigger lift. What’s more, those split ends are even more susceptible to further damage because they are thinner and weaker than a healthy strand. Your skin cells (which are not found in the hair) need protection from UV rays; otherwise, the exposure can damage the cell DNA. Given that your hair is already dead, the goal is not to protect it from DNA damage but rather to buffer it against aesthetic and functional damage, like color changes, dryness, and the rest listed above. Because healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, you should be protecting the skin from UV rays first and foremost. Check out our top picks for scalp sunscreen, as well as a deeper dive into why it’s so necessary.
