Yes, it's a thing. Those UV rays aren't just seeping into your skin. Here's why you need to sun-proof your hair too.
Brownie points to you if you use sunscreen day in and out—whether it is rainy, cloudy or sunny. After all, a cardinal rule of practising skincare is applying SPF. However, your mane, too, needs to be layered with sunscreen. This is because prolonged sun exposure can cause cuticle damage. It can also lead to loss of pigment which can actually bleach your hair!
Aside from this, harsh UVA/UVB rays suck moisture from the hair shaft leading to dry and frizzy ends. This results in brittle hair and split ends because the hair is facing protein degradation. According to research, extensive sun exposure is one of the most damaging factors to our hair. It mentions, “Excessive sun exposition is the most frequent cause of hair shaft’s structural impairment. Photochemical impairment of the hair includes degradation and loss of hair proteins as well as degradation of hair pigment.”
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause photochemical damage. In simpler terms: UVA rays fade colour. While UVB rays lead to breakage.
While you’d be getting sad about one more extra step in your sunscreen routine, Mumbai-based Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder and Medical Director of Yavana Skin Aesthetics second us too. She says, “Using hair sunscreen is not just another fad. It can be beneficial for people who are mostly outdoors. Those who are indoors most of the time don’t require one. However, you can also wear caps, hats, and scarves to protect your mane.” She also suggests avoiding the Sun from 11-4 pm because that’s when the Sun is strongest and can make your hair brittle.
Looks like Hot Girl Summer will only be successful if you slather SPF on yourself from head to toe. Literally.
Thanks to the ever-evolving beauty industry, we now have a host of new SPFs for hair hitting the shelves. Packed with antioxidants, moisturisers, and SPF, these will protect you from everything including that icky frizz you experience during humidity.
Presenting some solid picks that are lightweight, won’t leave your hair feeling greasy and offer broad protection…
Cover image: Katrina Kaif/ Instagram
With five years of experience in both print and digital mediums, Shambhavi is the Features Editor covering luxury, jewellery, fashion and beauty. When not writing, you'll find her grooving to music or feeding cats. View Profile