Most women have now incorporated sun protection into their daily skincare routine.
But applying sun cream to your hair is just as important – even during the colder months – experts say.
Haircare professionals have warned UV rays damage the hair much like bleach and can lead to fading colour and loss of strength and elasticity.
It comes as research shows while 65 per cent of people use sun protection on their skin, only 18 per cent use it for their hair.
‘People are much more aware of the damage UV rays can do to their skin, but many don’t realise it can have a negative impact on the hair too,’ Anabel Kingsley, brand president and consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley, said.
‘It’s harder to immediately tell when the sun damages your hair as it doesn’t turn red or hurt – you just suddenly notice it’s lighter, drier and more brittle.
Most women have now incorporated sun protection into their daily skincare routine, but applying sun cream to your hair is just as important, experts say (stock)
Research shows while 65 per cent of people use sun protection on their skin, only 18 per cent use it for their hair (stock)
‘If your hair is chemically processed or if it’s dry and damaged, it will already be weaker, so sun exposure can truly wreak havoc and cause substantial breakage.
‘Sun protection is also more important if your hair is long. Hair past shoulder length has many years of sun exposure. Grey or white hair is also more prone to UV ray degradation.
‘UV protection is less important if you keep your hair very short as damage grows out and is cut away quite quickly.’
UV rays can damage hair in several ways, including by breaking down the proteins which can cause it to become dry and brittle.
UV rays can damage hair in several ways, including by breaking down the proteins which can cause it to become dry and brittle (stock)
A previous study has found that excessive sun exposure is the most frequent cause of damage to the hair shaft – the outer part of the hair structure.
Researchers found that UVB rays were responsible for hair protein loss while UVA radiation was linked to colour changes.
They concluded the best way to protect the hair is to use ‘hair care products with UV filters’.
‘They oxidise the hair much like bleach, leading to colour loss, cuticle degradation and loss of strength and elasticity,’ Ms Kingsley said.
‘It’s important to protect your hair from the sun if you want to avoid these things. For this you can use products with UV filters.’
While most would assume adding sun protection to hair – in the form of creams, oils or a mist – is mostly a job for the summer months, UV can also have an impact during winter.
‘I recommend you protect your hair from the sun regardless of the season,’ Ms Kingsley said.
‘Even though the sun’s rays aren’t as intense in the colder months, daily UV exposure can still result in accumulative damage to the hair.’
