Can the Sun Damage Your Hair?

Most of us think about protecting our skin from the sun. But your hair can take a hit, too. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can dry out hair strands, weaken their structure and fade color. Over time, it could leave you with brittle hair and split ends.

Dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld, MD, shares what you can do to protect your hair when you’re having fun out in the sun.

How the sun can damage your hair

You can recognize sun-damaged hair by the way it feels and how it reacts to your normal styling routine.

“Damaged hair has a dry look and feel, is unmanageable and won’t hold a curl or style,” shares Dr. Bergfeld. “Damaged hair usually dries quickly, too.”

As a result of prolonged exposure to UV rays, you can end up with:

• Cuticle damage: The outer layer of your hair breaks down, leading to drier, frizzier or brittle hair that feels like straw.
• Structural damage: Prolonged exposure damages hair follicles, leading to brittleness and split ends.
• Color stripping: Dye makes hair more vulnerable to sun exposure. Ditto for bleach if you’re trying to remove color. The sun strips color, too, and accelerates premature greying.

All types of hair run the risk of sun damage, but lighter locks and thin or tightly coiled hair are hardest hit.

“Finer, lighter hair lacks the thickness or pigment that can protect it from the sun’s rays,” explains Dr. Bergfeld. “Darker, coarser hair is usually thicker and oilier, which helps to protect it.”

What you can do to protect your hair from sun damage

From style and texture to color and cut, you can do a bunch with your hair — but it can be hard to manage if it’s sun-damaged. Whether you have a lot or a little, protecting your hair from the sun is important year-round. Here’s what Dr. Bergfeld recommends to keep your hair free of sun damage.

Simplify your routine

Hot flat irons, excessive hair washing and hair lighteners (like bleach) can damage the protein in your hair, leaving it fragile and more prone to sun damage. To avoid drying out your hair, stick with low-to-medium settings when you’re using a hair dryer or flat iron, and avoid over-washing.

Energize and strengthen your hair

The healthier your hair, the stronger it’ll be to withstand damage over time. You may benefit from vitamins and other supplements that keep your hair healthy and strong — just talk with a dermatologist first before trying anything new.

Keep your hair hydrated

Hydration is key to healthy hair, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Gentle moisturizers and conditioners can lock in extra moisture, too, before you head out into the heat. Natural hair oils like almond, coconut or avocado oil may also help add a protective barrier against the sun’s UV rays and lock in much-needed moisture to help keep it from drying out.

Try a hair sunscreen

Hair sunscreen works by forming a protective barrier on the surface of your hair with active UV filters that absorb or reflect UV radiation. Just apply it before or after styling and use your fingers or a brush to distribute the product evenly across every hair follicle.

Don’t forget your scalp

A sunburnt scalp sounds uncommon. But the top of your head is vulnerable to sun damage, especially if your scalp is exposed or your hair is thin or light in color. Apply a regular spray or lotion sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against cell damage and skin cancer on your scalp.

Wear sun-protective clothing

Sun-protective clothing uses specialized fabric that blocks UV radiation. Look for UPF options for maximum protection. Or consider other ways to cover up, like:

• Wrapping your hair in a scarf
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat
• Using an umbrella

Avoid peak sunshine

The sun is at its strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you can, minimize your exposure to the sun during these hours. But if you have to go outside, make sure you’re applying (and reapplying) sunscreen every couple of hours to your lovely locks.

Protect your hair from chlorinated water

Chlorinated water in swimming pools can make your hair more vulnerable to heat and sun damage. If you swim in a chlorinated pool, wear a swim cap or keep your head above water.

If you get your hair wet, make sure you rinse the pool water — which contains chemicals like chlorine — out of your hair with tap water.

A final ray of sunshine

Summer is a favorite season for many, and there’s a lot to enjoy. Don’t let the sun’s rays hold you back from the great outdoors. Instead, shield and protect your skin — and your hair.

“Every year, we recommend ways to protect your skin and keep your skin healthy and strong,” says Dr. Bergfeld. “It doesn’t hurt to treat your hair with the same amount of attention.”