How the Sun Is Destroying Your Hair (& How to Stop It!) Sun Damage To Your Hair is Real.

We all know the importance of protecting our skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, but often, we overlook the damage it can inflict on our hair. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to a variety of issues, affecting both the health and appearance of your hair.

How Does the Sun Damage Hair?

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can significantly affect your hair in several ways:

• Dryness and Brittleness: UV rays strip your hair of its natural oils, which are essential for maintaining moisture and elasticity. This leads to dry, brittle hair that is more prone to breakage and split ends.

• Colour Fading: Whether your hair is naturally coloured or dyed, sun exposure can cause fading. UV radiation breaks down the pigments that give your hair its colour, resulting in a dull or washed-out appearance. In the case of dyed hair, it can also lead to unwanted discolouration or brassier tone.

• Cuticle Damage: The hair cuticle, the outer layer of the hair shaft, acts as a protective shield. Sun damage can erode this layer, leaving your hair rough, frizzy, and difficult to manage.

• Weakened Hair Proteins: Keratin, the protein that makes up the structure of your hair, can be weakened by UV rays. This weakens the hair itself, making it more susceptible to damage and breakage.

• Scalp Damage: Your scalp, like the rest of your skin, is vulnerable to sunburn. A dried-out scalp can seriously affect your follicles and lead to increased hair loss and reduced hair growth.

  
  

How to Protect Your Hair from Sun Damage?

Beyond its vibrant staining properties, henna offers a natural layer of UV protection. Don't believe us? You only need to trust in a 4,000 year old tradition. Platinum Heritage explains how the nomadic Arab tribe has followed this tradition, "Bedouins would use henna under their eyes to protect against the glare of the sun. When was the last time you had the chance to participate in a 4,000-year-old tradition?"

Unlike synthetic hair products, henna's protective qualities stem from its natural composition. This ancient botanical binds to the hair's keratin, creating a protective barrier against the sun's harmful rays. The molecules within henna form a shield, minimising the penetration of UV radiation that can lead to dryness, brittleness, and colour fading. This natural barrier helps maintain the hair's moisture balance, reducing the dryness caused by sun exposure.

Henna strengthens the hair shaft, reduces breakage, and enhances the overall health of your scalp and strands. This strengthening effect, combined with its ability to reduce the impact of UV rays, makes henna a valuable natural remedy for protecting hair from sun damage.

For those who seek a treatment with all the juicy UV protecting properties but no colour change to your hair, you can use Cassia Obovata instead. The National Library of Medicine has confirmed that its "components provide ultraviolet protection."