While we ensure our skin gets constant heat protection with the right amount of SPF, we hardly ever stop and think about protecting our hair and scalp from the harsh UV rays. Read along and know how you can save your mane and scalp from the wrath of the sun.
Whether it’s the scorching sun in the summer, a cloudy monsoon, or the comforting winter sun — SPF is always a must. While we all pay extra attention to applying and reapplying the right amount and SPF of sunscreen on our faces, have we thought about our hair and scalp? Our lovely locks and scalp are prone to suffering as much sun damage as our skin. Further, SPF or sun protection for hair, though not very prevalent, is important.
Social media has been going gaga over SPF for hair and we wanted to explore why. Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India spoke to Dr Jushya Bhatia Sarin, the founder of Sarin Skin Solutions at Defence Colony, New Delhi to get further insights into the trend.
UV rays damage hair
Our hair is made of protein that gets broken down by UV rays. The high-energy UV weakens the outer protective layer. It often leads to dryness, brittleness, and loss of elasticity. Additionally, UV rays can degrade the melanin pigment in the hair, resulting in colour fading and premature greying. To protect hair, it is advisable to use sun protection for hair with adequate SPF. Wearing protective headgear under the sun is also advisable.
Sun protection for the scalp
Our scalp can get damaged like the skin on any other part of the body. When exposed to excessive UV radiation, the rays penetrate the outermost layer of the scalp, called the epidermis. This can lead to sunburn, dryness, and inflammation. It is important to protect the scalp by wearing hats or using sun protection for hair or scalp.
“Just like any other part of your body, the scalp is susceptible to sunburn. Excessive sun exposure can lead to redness, pain, peeling, and even blistering on the scalp. The scalp can also benefit from sun protection, especially if you have thinning hair or a bald head. Ideally, products with sun protection should be included every time one intends to move out in direct sunlight”, says Dr Jushya. “If there are signs of balding or otherwise, if you spend a lot of time in the sun, it’s safest to use sunscreen on the scalp.” she adds.
Should SPF for hair be applied every day?
Products with sun protection for hair are available in various forms, including sprays, creams, serums, and leave-in conditioners. These formulations are specifically designed to be lightweight and non-greasy, providing UV protection without weighing down the hair or leaving a residue.
However, using products with SPF made for the body and face is not advisable as they can leave your hair heavy, messy, oily, and with build-ups.
While recommending SPF for hair and scalp, Dr Sarin says “Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 or higher. Look for a sunscreen that is lightweight, non-greasy, and preferably water-resistant. Argan oil has certain sun protection abilities. It does come in handy, but I would not rely on it completely for sun protection.”
Does the Indian market offer sun protection for hair?
While products offering sun protection for hair are still rare, they are not absent in the Indian market. Several brands offer sprays, serums, and leave-in conditioners that provide protection from UV light through SPF for hair. “ Supergoop Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35, R+Co Sun Catcher Power C Boosting Leave-In Conditioner, Sun bum Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30. These are the products o typically recommend for sun protection on the scalp.” recommends Dr Sarin.