Why your hair needs sun protection

Been slathering your skin in sunscreen and feeling smug at just how good you are for protecting yourself? Well, not so fast because there’s one thing you might be forgetting – UV hair protection!
RELATED: Why your hair looks fried and damaged
That’s right, sun protection for hair is a thing. Hair sunscreen might sound strange but Tarryn Cherniayeff, hair director and co-founder of Sydney’s MOB Hair, says that it’s fundamental for healthy hair. “There are no immediate signs of sun hair damage,” she says. “Instead, after a few weeks your hair gets unresponsive, thin and dry.” Yikes! No thanks.
So with the warmer weather fast approaching, it’s time to start upping your sun protection game. We spoke to Tarryn about why UV hair protection is so important and the best sun protection for hair products to stock up on.
Why do we need sun protection for hair?
Just like your skin, according to Tarryn your hair can also needs protection. “The sun’s UV rays are harmful to your hair as they cripple the protein bonds that support the structure,” she explains. “UV rays burn the inside and outer layers of the hair follicle, resulting in brittle ends. So like your skin, your hair can get sunburnt.”
Can the sun affect your hair condition?
Thought those split ends were the result of your hair brush? Your hair might just be overexposed to the sun. “The UV rays from the sun react with your hair texture, leaving you with a dimmer and dryer appearance,” says Tarryn. “They are damaging your hair from the cuticle to the inner structure, leaving your strands brittle and vulnerable to split ends.”
According to Tarryn, the sun’s UV rays can also affect your hair colour. “The sun’s UVA and UVB rays damage the outer layer of your hair cuticle,” she says. “Once damaged, the hair cuticle can no longer hold on to colour due to the oxidation process, lack of moisture and general distress.” This means that that colour that you’ve worked so hard to build with your hairdresser might start to fade a whole lot quicker.
Tarryn also points out that colour-treated hair is particularly susceptible to sun damage. “Sun rays don’t discriminate against hair colour or type, although chemically-treated hair is delicate and therefore more likely to suffer moisture loss.”
How can we protect our hair from sun damage?
“You don’t need to slather sunscreen on your hair, instead incorporate more hydrating products into your regimen,” says Tarryn. “I’d also recommend wearing hats and scarves when you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time.” You can also minimise sun damage by styling your hair in certain ways. “Your best styling option is a loose, single braid pulled straight back without any parting,” says Tarryn.”If you’d rather a style with a strict part, you’ll need to slop on sunscreen on your scalp.”
When it comes to products, Tarryn suggests finding a formula with UV protection. “The KEVIN.MURPHY YOUNG.AGAIN not only protects you from chlorine but their products also have UV protection to help minimise any sun damage,” she says. “The Balm d'Or from Oribe is another leave-in with a great UV protection, helping to protect colour fading as well as sun damage.”
bh loves: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, Aveda Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque, Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue, Kérastase Soleil Aqua-Seal, Kérastase Soleil CC Crème.
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59 Member Comments
Yeah I think the sun protection for you hair is very must specially in the summer the rays of sun can damage your hair....the sea water can also damage your hair causing you to loss hair for recovering your hair you need to consult best hair transplant clinic in Pakistan , you can get more details ..
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Interesting, never knew about the sun's effects on hair!
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Some great suggestions here, especially as we come into summer!
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My hair doesn't actually need sun protection because I avoid the sun!
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the sun gives my ashy brown unwanted gold or red tones and I am tired of getting it colour corrected, but that given I forget I need to protect my hair!
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The sun lightens and dries my hair out.
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I haven't used sun protection for my hair, but I should!
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I haven't tried sun protection other than wearing a wide hat when it's sunny.
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I haven't tried hair protection. My scalp is hyper sensitive so I doubt I could use anything. I think my sun hats will need to suffice
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I haven't ever protected my hair from the sun, but it might be a good idea being in Aus and it will help keep our locks healthier.
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I tend to want my hair to go naturally exposed to the sun because it gives my hair a summery look and it prevents me from adding any hair dye stuff onto my head. Since hair doesn't get hair cancer I'll just keep getting my hair lightened naturally in the sun I think. Great idea for those who want to protect a hair colour though.
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The hair is always the one that gets forgotten in the sun. I must get some sun protection for hair this summer.
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didnt know that your hair needed protection like that from the sun, exact same as your skin though! the Kerastase Paris aqua sea seems inviting, might have to go purchase after reading the reviews
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I need some of these for summer.
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Hair protection from UV still needs to become more mainstream so we are not only stuck with pricier high end options but more affordable ones too
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I've never thought about sun protection for my hair before.
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Yes, sun protection for the hair is a must for me, otherwise after every summer I need to chop off a lot of my hair from sun damage. Probably doesnt help it's bleached, then add sun and salt water...
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Damn you sun, trying to damage everything
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Alterna does a good 10 in 1. It's my favourite product.
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Nice product recommendations, although all good products tend be high end when it comes to hair.
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Some good ideas in there but some more reasonably priced products would be nice
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How do you protect your hair from the sun?
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I need UV protection for my hair to keep it in a healthier condition.
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