Protecting your skin from solar radiation is vital, as 48 new melanoma skin cancer cases are diagnosed daily in the UK [1]. However, while most people are aware that using sunscreen is healthy for their skin, not everyone knows they can also benefit from UV hair protection.
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can dry out your hair, dull its colour and damage its structure, causing unnecessary hair breakage [2]. That is why an increasing proportion of styling products claim to provide UV protection for hair. However, there is little evidence of their effectiveness and hair researchers are sceptical of their protective qualities [3][4]. Keep reading this article to learn all you need to know about:
Although often neglected, UV protection for hair is necessary to maintain healthy, beautiful tresses. While it is true that vitamin D deficiency was linked to hair loss, excessive exposure to sunlight is not good for your hair either. In fact, some researchers believe it to be the most frequent cause of hair weathering [2]. This process causes damage to your hair structure, leading to [2][3][5]:
When it is exposed to sunlight, your hair absorbs UV radiation. According to wavelength, this radiation is categorised as either UVA (320-400 nm) and UVB (280-320 nm) [6]. While UVB only reaches as deep as your hair cuticle, UVA can penetrate your hair strand all the way to its cortex.
UVA radiation causes oxidative damage by stimulating the production of free radicals. It is also largely responsible for hair discolouration, as the pigment that colours your hair, melanin, can get degraded in the process of protecting against free radicals [3].
UVB radiation can have even more harmful effects on your hair, despite its shallow penetration. That is because it can cause protein loss and degradation. 65-95% [2] of your hair is composed of a protein called keratin. That is why hair shafts can sustain significant structural damage when exposed to UVB solar radiation. This mostly affects its protective outer layer, the hair cuticle, which can become fragile and easy to detach [2].
It largely depends on the type of UV protection you use. Covering your hair when out in the sun is generally effective and it protects your scalp as well as your tresses [4]. Using antioxidant-rich hair growth oils that keep your hair well-moisturised may also mitigate some (though not all) of the UV damage.
However, when it comes to products which promise UV protection for hair, some researchers have stated that “the degree of photoprotection offered by hair care products is minimal at best.” [4] It is generally difficult to determine their effectiveness, as formulations vary widely and most have no publicly available independent research to prove their advertised qualities.
While some of these products may provide certain hair benefits, issues with adherence and hair coverage may restrict their effectiveness in preventing structural hair damage. Thus, some researchers suggested replacing the term “hair sunscreen” with “prevents colour and brightness change” in advertisements and on product packaging [3].
There are several ways to keep your hair safe from the weathering and photodamage caused by UV radiation. Here are some of the most common [2][3].
Physical UV protection is by far the most reliable. That is because it prevents the radiation from being absorbed into your hair. The most effective way to do so is also the most simple. All you need to do is to wear a hat or scarf over your hair when out on hot, sunny days.
However, there are also dedicated hair products that contain physical UV filters. These often involve surface protectors that reflect and absorb some of the UV radiation. They usually contain substances such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which can, to some extent, provide a physical UV barrier for your hair [2].
Hair products that contain chemical UV filters rely on certain substances (e.g. ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) to absorb some of the UV radiation that reaches your hair. It then transforms a portion of the radiation into heat, which safely dissipates. This can, to some extent, reduce the impact of solar radiation on your hair. Chemical filters are often found in leave-on products, such as protective gels, sprays or conditioners [3].
However, researchers warn that these products often don’t adhere well to your hair, which makes their protective properties short-lived and unreliable. More recent formulations have started to include positively charged molecules that bind with the negative charges naturally occurring on the surface of the hair to improve product adhesion [3].
Since oxidative damage is one of the main ways UV radiation harms your hair, using hair products that contain antioxidants can help with this [3]. This may involve applying antioxidant-rich natural extracts (such as artichoke extract, rice extract or pomegranate extract) directly to your hair [3]. Alternatively, consider using hair dyes, sprays or leave-on conditioners that contain synthetic molecules which prevent the formation of free radicals.
Using products that contain silicone on your hair is controversial because they cause scalp dryness and irritation, as well as product buildup. However, certain silicone molecules (e.g. dimethicone) have been shown to protect the colour and brightness of dyed hair in lab settings [3].
The most important thing you should know when using UV protection hair products is that they may not be 100% effective in preventing hair damage caused by UV radiation. There are many different formulations available on the market, and most of them have no published independent research to prove their effectiveness on human hair.
Many leave-on products which promise UV protection have unstable active ingredients and don’t adhere well to your hair [3][7]. Some of them, especially those containing silicones, can build up on your hair and scalp, weighing down your tresses and potentially causing scalp folliculitis.
Moreover, some formulations may contain substances that are not safe for your health. For example, one of the chemicals that was most effective and widely used for chemical UV hair protection in the recent past (benzophenone-3) [2], has been banned for use in UV-protective cosmetic products in the EU in 2023. This happened due to health concerns regarding its potential effect on your hormonal activity [8].
Some researchers have also raised concerns that other substances used in hair products (such as benzophenone-4, benzyl salicylate) may be linked to an increased incidence of frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris [9]. However, more evidence is needed to prove this.
No, it is generally not a good idea to use sun-protective factor (SPF) skin creams on your hair. They are not designed to coat your hair evenly and adhere to them. And while they may offer some UV protection, they can weigh down your tresses and make them oily. It is best to wear a head covering and/or use specialised UV-protective hair formulations.
However, it is generally safe and a good idea to use a bit of SPF cream on exposed parts of your scalp, such as your hair parting or a bald spot on your crown caused by male pattern baldness or other types of alopecia. It can protect from skin cancer, as well as conditions such as scalp keratosis.
It is very difficult to say which products are most effective when it comes to UV protection for your hair. That is because there are so many different product types, formulations, and concentrations and there are very few effectiveness studies behind them.
Wearing a hat or another kind of hair cover can likely offer better UV protection than any commercially available hair sunscreen. It will also save you the cost of these often expensive cosmetics. However, if you’d prefer to use one of these products, here are our suggestions to help you choose the best option.
Many types of products claim to provide UV protection, including sprays, gels, and shampoos. However, leave-on conditioners are likely to be the most suitable for providing UV protection for your hair [3]. That is because their application method helps coat the strands more evenly. They also remain on your hair for longer without being washed or brushed out, which can lead to improved adherence.
Some products that advertise UV protection for hair mention how long this protection lasts. It’s generally a good idea to select the longest-lasting option, even if you won’t be in the sun for many hours. Formulations with better adherence to hair are normally expected to last longer.
Furthermore, if you are planning a pool or beach day, make sure the product you choose is waterproof (and be aware that salt water may not be good for your hair either).
Many hair products offer UV protection alongside other purported hair benefits, such as hair hydration or repair. This can lead to long lists of ingredients, some of which can be heavy and weigh down your hair.
If you are also planning to use other styling products alongside them, you may end up with flat, greasy hair and product buildup on your scalp. This can be especially problematic if you have a wavy or curly hair type that struggles with definition and frizz, or already requires frequent use of other heavy hair products.
Select products that contain vitamin C for hair, vitamin E for hair or antioxidant-rich hair oils. Furthermore, seeing extracts from plants such as tea [10], artichokes, pomegranates, honeysuckle [3], grape seeds/grapevines, or acai berries [11] on the ingredient list can mean the product may help strengthen your hair and reduce oxidative stress.
Ultimately, the best thing you can do to be sure your hair is well-protected against UV rays is to get the advice of a trichologist. They can examine your specific hair qualities and let you know the best way to protect your hair from the sun, and discuss what to expect from commercially available formulations in terms of hair benefits and UV protection.
If you would prefer to use all-natural ways to protect your hair from UV radiation, here are some tips and tricks that can help.
A surefire way to protect your hair from harmful UV radiation is to avoid them when they are at their strongest. Whenever possible, stay indoors or get a car ride between 10am and 4pm on hot summer days. And if walking outdoors is unavoidable, stay in the shade.
Keeping your hair and scalp covered is the best and most effective way to protect them from harmful UV radiation. Wearing a light, large-brimmed hat, a soft, silky scarf or even a baseball cap for short hairstyles can keep your hair safe and beautiful (and can even protect you from heatstroke).
Since excessive heat from the sun can dry out your hair, making sure it is properly hydrated and moisturised can prevent this effect to some extent. Using moisturising products before spending time outdoors and treating yourself to a deep-conditioning mask after a long day in the sun can help your hair stay in good shape.
The best essential oils for hair growth don’t just help your hair become fuller. Some of them are also rich in antioxidants, which may mitigate some of the oxidative stress caused by UV radiation. Such is the case of peppermint oil for hair, or black seed oil for hair.
Another option associated with UV protection is red ginseng oil [12], which has been found to protect the skin and hair in animal studies (though it still needs to be tested on people). Avocado oil is also rich in antioxidants and can help reduce oxidative stress [13].
However, while these essential oils can moisturise your hair and may help prevent UV damage, it is not a good idea to rely solely on oils to keep your hair protected from the sun.
Grey and especially white hair are more susceptible to structural UV-related damage. Melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its colour, also offers some natural protection from the sun [4]. As melanin production naturally decreases in your hair with age, your hair starts to grey.
Greying hair is more vulnerable to being damaged by solar radiation. So while excessive use of synthetic hair dye can cause hair loss, pigment in natural dyes such as henna may provide some protection for your hair [4]. The darker the shade you opt for, the greater this protection will be (however, it is still a good idea to also use other forms of UV protection for your hair at the same time).
A healthy diet for hair, rich in vitamins and minerals, is very important in helping your hair grow strong and beautiful. Naturally sourced antioxidants from foods rich in vitamins C and E can help reduce oxidative stress.
Moreover, drinking plenty of water helps avoid a dry scalp that may require treatment.
While avoiding heat styling and using gentle hair products won’t directly protect your hair from UV radiation, they can help keep your tresses healthy and in good shape. Heat-damaged hair is hard to fix and if you subject it to high temperatures during styling as well as in the sun, the damage is likely to get worse.
The same thing goes for the use of harsh chemicals, which can damage your cuticles, leaving them vulnerable to further harm from UV radiation.
UV radiation can dry your hair out and damage its structure, making it weak, cracked and brittle. Besides an unsightly appearance, this can also lead to preventable hair shedding, as UV-damaged hair shafts break more easily. In fact, this is one of the main reasons behind summer hair loss.
If you also frequently use styling practices that dry or damage your hair (e.g. dyeing, bleaching and/or heat styling), the effect can be compounded. Chemically burned or heat-damaged hair can be hard to repair even without excessive sun exposure. But when these factors come together, they can lead to dead hair that falls out easily.
However, the good news is that this type of hair thinning isn’t permanent. Once you start protecting your tresses adequately from the sun, you can get strong and healthy hair once more.
If you have been out in the sun for a bit too long and your hair seems to be bearing the brunt of it, don’t hesitate to get some expert help. Book a consultation today with one of our dedicated hair doctors — they can provide you with the right recommendations to restore your hair’s health, fullness and beauty. They can also provide personalised advice on the best ways to protect your hair from the elements in the future.
If you’re worried your hair is falling out rather than simply damaged, a trichological analysis can help. Our team will help you determine whether your hair shedding is mere summer hair loss, or if you are experiencing the first signs of hair thinning and balding.
No matter what’s causing your hair problems, we can help. Book an appointment at your closest hair clinic location to learn more.
If you would like to know more about UV protection for hair, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions.
While everyone can benefit from UV hair protection, people with white hair should be the most careful. White hair is most vulnerable as it has no protective pigment [3].
People with light-coloured hair should also take special precautions when exposing their hair to sunlight. And when it comes to dyed hair, auburn shades have been found to show the most pronounced changes in shade when exposed to UV radiation [3].
It’s unlikely. While your hair can become more brittle and break off more than usual when exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods, this hair shedding is not permanent. Once you have taken steps to protect your hair from UV radiation, it should start growing once more.
However, it’s often difficult to fix hair that’s already been damaged. So you may continue to see hair breakage for several months (or even years, depending on hair length) after you start to protect your hair from the sun. Getting a haircut can solve this problem. It can also help you get rid of split ends caused by damaged cuticles.
While some UV hair protection products may advertise scalp protection as well, they are likely insufficient to prevent sunburns on exposed portions of your scalp or to reduce the risk of scalp melanoma. Human hair can provide some UV protection for densely covered areas of your head and neck, and protective hair products can enhance this [14]. But if your hair is so thin you can see your scalp or you have visible bald spots, a high SPF sunscreen designed for skin use is the safest way to go.
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