The Importance of Sun Protection for the Scalp

Most people know how important it is to protect their skin from the sun. But did you know that rays from the sun can also affect your scalp and hair?

UVA and UVB sun rays can do as much damage to the scalp and hair as they do to your skin. The sun can deplete your hair of nutrients and melanin, leaving it dry, brittle, faded, and unhealthy looking.

If you're not taking steps to protect them from the sun, you're risking the health of your scalp and hair. However, a few simple steps can protect your scalp and your full head of hair.

How the Sun Affects Your Hair and Scalp

The sun is a good source of Vitamin D. This essential nutrient is produced when UVB rays from the sun hit your skin, triggering a complex process that creates the vitamin. Your body uses Vitamin D for various purposes, including stimulating hair follicles to produce hair and complete the natural growth cycle of the hair. As a result, one of the common symptoms associated with vitamin D deficiency is hair loss.

But while the sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, excessive exposure can damage your hair because the sun weakens hair pigments and proteins. The sun's rays affect the cuticle, the hair strand's covering, impairing the hair shaft's structural integrity. Often, spending too much time in the sun can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and easily damaged.

Since your scalp is directly exposed to the sun, it is highly susceptible to sunburn. Even people with full, thick heads of hair can sometimes get sunburned on their scalp. In addition, if you are dealing with thinning hair or hair loss, sunburn on your scalp highlights your thinning hair and increases your chances of developing skin cancer.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Scalp From the Sun

Just like the rest of your skin, there are a few simple steps you should take to protect your scalp from sun damage. Taking these precautions every time you are outdoors can help keep you and your hair healthy.

One easy way to protect your scalp is wearing a hat. A hat is a quick and easy solution because it simply blocks the sun's rays from hitting your scalp. A lightweight, comfortable hat with a wide brim can help keep you cool and protect your neck, face, and scalp from sunburn.

While taking the time to protect your exposed skin with sunscreen, remember to apply it to your scalp. You can do this by applying sunscreen after you take a shower while your hair is still wet, then let it dry into place. Avoid rubbing it out and rub it into the scalp itself.

Apply sunscreen directly to your scalp if you have bald spots, thin hair, or wear very short or tight hairstyles that expose the scalp. Reapply sunscreen every few hours or more if you are swimming. If you have long hair, you can minimize damage to the scalp by wearing your hair up rather than down.

The Importance of Protecting Your Scalp From the Sun

Exposure to the sun puts your scalp and hair at risk of damage. Various sunscreen products can protect your skin and scalp, and some are specifically formulated to protect your scalp and hair. Protecting your scalp and hair when in the sun can minimize damage and help you keep a thick, healthy head of hair. Contact us today and schedule your FREE initial consultation to learn more about how you can protect your scalp and keep your hair healthy.