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Protecting your Hair from the Sun
 The
sun's light
waves are categorized by their intensity. There are three categories of light
waves. These are UVA, UVB and UVC. The UVA and UVB can both damage the hair in a
variety of ways. The UVA rays can burn the hair cuticle which is the outer hair
layer. The cuticle contains a web of tiny overlapping scales. Then the scales
are damaged
they can not lay flat, like they are supposed to, and will look lifeless,
brittle and
dry.
UVA rays can also burn and damage unprotected scalp. It is even possible to burn
the part of your hair where scalp is unprotected. UVA rays can damage the skin
on the scalp in many ways and activate free radicals which accelerates
aging. A
several sunburn on the scalp has even been known to cause some cases of
hair loss.
Sun damage to the hair can
manifest as faded
hair
color, brittle and dry hair shafts and
split ends.
Check out the following ways to prevent damage to your hair
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Start by avoiding trouble. Minimize your
hair's exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
when the
rays are the most potent. If you must be out during those times, wear a
cover-up to shield your strands from sun exposure.
-
Start the summer season with a salon trip to
eliminate split ends and handle hair repairs. If your hair normally dries
out during summer months, consider having a preventive professional
deep-conditioning treatment to ward off potential damage.
-
 Use of sun protection filters
will protect the hair from UVA and UVB damage. Physical
filters sit on the hair's surface and reflect, rather than absorb, ultraviolet
rays. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are some examples of physical filters
used in most sunscreens. They repel radiation at all wavelengths (including
infra-red waves), which is essential as burning and damage involves the
interaction of all wavelengths at varying degrees. On the other hand, chemical
Filters absorb ultraviolet light like a sponge and prevents the sun's rays
from penetrating and attacking the hair. The fact that they can be mixed into
any base, dissolved into
gels,
lotions, moisturizing cream bases and waterproof formulations making them
cosmetically acceptable for use on the hair.
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Straw hats
have always been a popular choice for beach-goers. You can even wear a scarf
underneath the hat to ensure no sun exposure.
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When you are unexpectedly thrust into the sun
without your favorite hair protection, comb a dollop of regular sunscreen
with a minimum of 15 SPF through your hair. Apply to exposed scalp to
prevent damage and/or sunburn. The sun breaks down the protective ingredients
in sunscreens, so don't forget to reapply them every hour when
swimming, sweating or playing sports.
Don't despair if you find
yourself with
damaged hair from salt, sun or chemicals. Select a product that can help
with hair damage recovery by restoring, hydrating and lubricating hair exposed
to damaging summer conditions. Consider using a detox or after-sun shampoo that
is designed to remove salt, pool chemicals and damaging environmental toxins.
Dated 06 May 2013
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