The best ways to protect your hair from the sun

Along with hats and scarves, a hair sunscreen can protect your hair from the sun.

We all know how important it is to apply (and reapply!) sunscreen during those long, hot summer days to prevent skin damage. But did you know the sun can also damage your hair ?

"Sun radiation, in addition to causing a change in hair texture and color, can also lead to brittleness and even breakage," says our founder, Modesta, a doctor of pharmacy.

Hair itself is a form of sun protection for the scalp, protecting it from burns and premature aging, actinic keratosis, and even cancer. Hair can suffer from sun damage, and unlike skin, it doesn't cause pain, but the damage is visible.

Today, there are ways to keep your hair and scalp protected. In this post, we explain how sun damage occurs in hair and how to best protect it while exposed to the sun.

How can the sun damage your hair?

One of the main functions of hair is its protective function; its structure protects the scalp from solar radiation, extreme temperatures, and bruises.

When UV radiation from the sun hits your hair, it lightens . You might have thought this lightening could be a good thing: who doesn't love natural blonde highlights after a few days at the beach? But we must take precautions.

Solar radiation, in addition to producing a change in the texture and color of the hair, can also lead to fragility and even breakage , hence the need to protect hair from prolonged exposure to the sun.

Sun damage to hair is real. If your hair is exposed to the sun for a long time, UVA and UVB rays can damage the hair's outer covering, the cuticle, leaving its cortex more vulnerable and the keratins present damaged. The result? Loss of strength, elasticity, softness, shine, and a change in hair color tone.

This is how the sun can damage your hair:

If after prolonged sun exposure you notice that your hair begins to feel drier, less even, and brittle, it could be a sign that it's damaged . Prolonged heat and dryness can also cause more breakage and split ends over time, and promote frizz.

It can change the color of your hair

Even without color treatment, your hair can change color due to the sun . This is another sign that your hair is suffering from sun damage.

The sun's rays act breaking down melanin and making the hair appear lighter and if there is coloring it will oxidize faster, causing shades that are not liked and need to be toned.

It is a widespread myth that prolonged sun exposure promotes the appearance of gray hair , but no scientific studies to date indicate that increased exposure to UV radiation can increase the number of gray hairs. Gray hair appears when melanocytes lose their ability to produce melanin.

What we can say is that stress promotes this loss of melanin and therefore the development of new gray hair , which is why our advice is always to take care of yourself instead of worrying.

Are certain hair types more vulnerable?

While any hair type is prone to damage, your hair may be particularly vulnerable to sun damage if it is fine and light-colored .

Finer, lighter hair lacks the thickness or pigment that can protect it from the sun's rays, while darker, thicker hair is often more protected. Your hair is also more fragile and more prone to sun damage if you have very curly hair, and if you wear any type of color.

Remember that hot flat irons or curlers , chlorinated pool water , or bleaching your hair can make it more vulnerable to the stress of summer heat and sun. All of these can damage the hair protein , keratin. This structural damage allows the sun and heat to more easily penetrate the hair's innermost structures, resulting in more fragile hair .

Is hair sunscreen a good way to prevent hair damage?

We all know the importance of protecting our skin from the sun with a sunscreen with a minimum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for UVA and UVB, but does our hair need sunscreen for a day at the beach or in the mountains in summer?

We protect the skin on our face and body from the sun with sunscreens containing UVA and UVB filters, and there are also cosmetics for our hair that incorporate these filters, providing maximum protection. They also contain antioxidant and nourishing active ingredients that protect the cuticle, minimizing damage and dryness .

If you don't have much hair, remember that your scalp will be exposed, and sunscreens designed for hair won't prevent damage to the area. Our recommendation is to always protect the area with hats or caps.

In areas where there is no hair, you should apply the same sunscreen that you use for your face or body , keeping in mind that since it is an oily area, gel and oil-free textures will be more comfortable and effective.

How do hair sunscreens work?

Sunscreen for hair works differently than sunscreen for skin . Because our hair is made of keratinized cells, it doesn't react to sun damage the same way our skin does—visible redness, burning, flaking, etc. Hair requires a different approach.

Hair sunscreen focuses on protecting the cuticle (the outer part of the hair), preventing the sun's rays from reaching deeper areas such as the cortex and medulla. Hair sunscreen doesn't prevent cellular damage like traditional SPF products do.

Hair sunscreens are cosmetics that maximally protect the hair cuticle from UVA and UVB radiation, helping it appear soft, manageable, reflect shine, and prevent breakage.

The active ingredients in hair sunscreen products often include UV filters, antioxidants to combat free radicals, and nourishing active ingredients to counteract damage.

Hair sunscreens are cosmetics with active ingredients that:

1. They protect the hair thanks to their combination of UV filters.
2. They nourish the hair fiber making it more resistant to heat, UV radiation and repeated baths.
3. They interact with the cuticle of the hair creating a coating that protects the most internal and vulnerable structures such as the cortex.
4. They contain antioxidant properties capable of neutralizing oxidation caused by free radicals, thus preventing damage to the lipids and proteins of the hair.

At Modesta Cassinello we always recommend combining with:

• The H08 Conditioning Spray is pure innovation when it comes to providing softness, protection, and shine to your hair. It doesn't contain sunscreen, but it contains active ingredients that protect against UV radiation and doesn't require rinsing.
• He H10 Sublime Oil At beach and poolside, a selection of antioxidant-rich oils will minimize UV ​​and water damage.

Both protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun, sea, and pool water, as long as exposure is short and is accompanied by other protective measures such as a hat, cap, updos, and shade.

Can I use sunscreen on my scalp?

Since the scalp is part of the skin, if there is no hair to offer protection in this area, it is advisable to apply a high-protection sunscreen, since the rays will hit perpendicularly and effectively prevent cellular damage caused by UV rays. As we mentioned previously, we always recommend light, oil-free, gel-like textures.

Other ways to protect your hair

Whether or not you use sunscreen on your hair, covering your head during hot, sunny days is your best line of defense against the sun's rays.

You can also protect your hair from sun damage:

• Wrapping your hair with a scarf, wearing a wide-brimmed hat or a sunshade.
• Going out early or late in the day, just as you would to protect your skin.
• If you swim in a chlorinated pool, wear a swim cap or tie your hair up in a high bun to keep it dry. If your hair gets wet, be sure to rinse the pool water, which contains chemicals like chlorine, with clean water.

Summer is everyone's favorite season, and there's so much to enjoy. Don't let the sun's rays put a damper on your fun. Next time you step out into the sun, don't forget to protect your hair, too.

Especially if your hair has suffered previous damage from heat and styling, adding an extra layer of protection through hair sunscreen can help prevent further breakage.

Any protection for your skin and hair is not enough if you want to have healthy, beautiful hair this summer. And In addition to protecting it during the hours of sunlight, we encourage you to offer it the best rituals For your care, here are our suggestions.

Best hair rituals in summer

1. If you have oily scalp:

Follow with treatment shampoos like H07 Sea Salt Shampoo for effective cleansing, always combined with frequent-use shampoos like H01 Frequent-Use Shampoo or H05 Solid Shampoo for a balanced scalp.

Believing that oiliness decreases in summer is a mistake, just like it is with skin. Your hair may feel drier due to frequent washing, but remember that UVA radiation increases oil on the scalp. Failure to eliminate it can generate "plaques" that adhere to the scalp and can compromise the hair.

2. If you have a dry scalp that feels tight:

Choose more nourishing and respectful shampoos like H02 Repairing Shampoo , a shampoo that, thanks to an innovative formula, allows for delicate cleansing, immediately providing comfort and softness to the driest and most fragile scalps and hair prone to frizz and breakage.

3. If you are prone to irritation in summer and have a normal scalp:

We recommend H03 Shine and Vitality Shampoo . A family-friendly shampoo, fragrance-free, essential oil-free, and allergen-free, for an effective and gentle wash whenever you need it. It gently cleanses the scalp and hair, leaving a feeling of hydration and comfort on the scalp and hair.

And always after washing, regardless of your hair type, apply a softening treatment to your mid-lengths and lengths . A conditioner or mask is the way to provide manageability, shine, and protection to your hair. You can read more about the benefits here .

Choose from our softening treatments the one that best suits your needs:

• H04 Frequent-use conditioner. Moisturizes without weighing down your hair every day.
• H06 Solid Conditioner. A different way to condition your hair.
• H08 Leave-in conditioner spray. Extra softness.
• H09 Mask. Deeply nourishes.
• H10 Sublime Oil. Flash effect, softness, shine, and frizz control.