How can we protect our hair from the sun?

We all know that we must protect our skin from the sun in summer and how to do it. But did you know that the sun is also very damaging to hair? We must learn to photoprotect it to prevent it from getting damaged in summer.

Hair is daily subjected to multiple environmental aggressions. Wind, seawater, chemical products from pool water, pollution... but do you know which is the most harmful of all???
Ultraviolet radiation!! The rays emitted by the sun that increase in intensity in summer. At this time, we also spend more hours than ever in the sun because outdoor activities are enjoyed more frequently. Therefore, if you want to continue having healthy, shiny, flexible, and ultimately beautiful hair in summer, you must get used to protecting it!!

The effects of solar radiation on hair can be summarized in 4 main aggressions:

1. Formation of free radicals. The proteins that make up hair are formed by structural amino acids such as cystine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan. Some of their chemical components absorb ultraviolet radiation and form free radicals that cause the breakage of disulfide bonds (which were what gave resistance to the hair fiber). They also cause a worsening of the growth of follicular cells, probably leading to impaired growth and the tendency to autumnal hair loss due to effluvium.
2. Breakage of bonds between hair proteins. As we mentioned, free radicals and UV radiation itself alter the hair structure by modifying the bonds. The longer the sun exposure, the more likely it is that the fibers will be altered by keratin separation. In exposed hair, cystine values, which give strength to the hair, are reduced, as the breakage of disulfide bonds by free radicals leads to the formation of cysteic acid. The sulfur and hydrogen bonds of hair give it both strength and shape; their alteration causes hair to lose resistance and also worsen its shape and volume.
3. Discoloration. All hair tones will be affected by solar radiation, but lighter ones, having less resistant melanin, are affected more. Melanin is composed of tyrosine, tryptophan, and cystine, which undergo degradation by the sun (photodegradation), causing a discoloration of light hair. The discoloration of brown hair is due to the photo-oxidative bleaching of melanin. Pheomelanin (in blonde hair) contains a higher proportion of sulfur compared to eumelanin (brown), which is why when hair is exposed to long-wavelength ultraviolet radiation and visible light, superoxides are formed that bleach both, but more so lighter hair.
4. Cuticle alterations. The cuticle is the part of the shaft that is first affected by solar radiation because it is the outermost part. It is formed by scales that are carefully arranged like roof tiles. The sun and the breakage of bonds cause the scales to open, their edges are no longer smooth, and they lose their cohesion, thus facilitating aggression to the inner layers.

All these effects will result in dry, fragile, brittle, dull hair that is very difficult to detangle and has split ends. The cuticle has its cells open and disorganized, the keratin is damaged in its structure, and, in addition, lipid secretion, the natural protection of the hair that lubricates and gives it shine, has decreased.

How can we prevent it??

1. Use protective sun sprays. They do not have the same sunscreens as skin products because they must be respectful of the hair cuticle, not over-grease, and not alter the texture. At the same time, they must be at least partially water-resistant. It is recommended to use them with repeated applications during exposure, whether on the beach/pool or simply walking. (Sun photoprotectors do not specify the degree of protection like skin products! But that's because they can't)
2. Take care of the cuticle by moisturizing it as much as possible. During periods of greater exposure, hair hydration should be reinforced with masks and serums or oils to improve the resistance of the cuticle, protecting the deep layers.
3. Use shampoo with mild surfactants, to remove dirt but without drying out the cuticle or removing all the protective grease. (To choose, they should not foam too much!)
4. Protect ourselves from direct radiation! Just as with skin, we should avoid radiation as much as possible, staying in the shade. It's super useful to wear hats and scarves to cover your hair!

In conclusion, if you want to have well-cared for and shiny hair, you must protect it from the sun. To do this, hydrate it as much as possible, avoid sun rays, and use a specific protective spray. If you have dyed hair or alopecia that weakens the fiber, you will have to take even more care of it!!! And the sooner you start, the better!!