It’s summer again on Long Island and many of us will find ourselves making the most of it outdoors. Whether we’re staying active with activities like running, biking, or playing pickle ball, or just lounging and enjoying the weather… it’s going to mean more sun exposure. Being out in the sun is important for our health, but too much of a good thing can be harmful.
So how good is sunlight for our hair? Or can the sun cause hair loss?
Can Sunlight Reverse Hair Loss?
There are many benefits to sunlight on our health beyond providing nutrients to our hair. The main nutrient being vitamin D, which is also important for bone health. Proper amounts of sunlight also help to treat certain skin conditions and even help prevent certain cancers. Unfortunately, while sunlight can help keep our hair healthy, it cannot reverse hair loss.
Does Sunlight Damage Hair And Scalp?
While we do know that too much exposure to the sun without proper protection can lead to sunburns, heat stroke, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer, many of us assume that a full head of hair provides protection to our scalps. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Although a full head of hair does provide some protection to our scalp, too much sun can still cause damage to the area. Depending on the severity of the burn done by overexposure to the sun, the scalp could be damaged in certain areas enough to impact the hair follicles.
Additionally, too much sun can not only cause the color of your hair to fade but can even damage the structure of the hair itself – affecting its overall strength and durability.
How Do I Protect My Thinning Hair From The Sun?
There are a number of options that can be implemented to protect thinning hair from the sun. One of the most reliable ways you can protect your hair in the sun is by wearing a hat. As obvious as it may sound, the summer heat can often make covering our heads an additional source of discomfort and lead us to keeping our hats off.
Other options include various kinds of sunscreen designed for our hair and scalp. These sunscreens come in powder, spray, and cream form. All of which provide protection with some nuances between them. A powder, for example, won’t add additional oils and grease to your hair while a spray can help add some moisture on those hot days.
Consult with a hair care professional on which kinds of sunscreen for the hair and scalp are right for you.
RHRLI Can Help Restore Your Hair And Keep It Healthy
As many of us are doing our best to enjoy the sun this summer, we also have to be mindful of the negative effects that too much sun can bring. At RHRLI we utilize the ARTAS® Robotic FUE Hair Restoration System to restore your hair to its natural look with minimal discomfort and quicker recovery time… to get you back to your day-to-day life quicker than ever. We also provide lifestyle advice related to diet, exercise, and even how much sun exposure you should be getting. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take that first step toward restoring your hair and your confidence.