Dr. Aamna Adel, a London-based dermatologist specializing in hair care, recently took to social media to shed light on a major mistake many people make with their hair, ignoring the damaging effects of UV rays. While most worry about heat damage from styling tools, Dr. Adel warns that prolonged sun exposure can be even more harmful.
In a viral video, she asked: “Everyone’s worried about heat damage, but why is no one talking about UV equally wrecking your hair? Heat damage is the least of your worries.” Her post sparked debate among users, with one person commenting, “Don’t tell me I have to apply SPF on my hair now.” To which Dr. Adel responded: “Basically, yes.”
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Have you ever noticed that your hair feels dry and brittle after a holiday? That’s because UV rays don’t just affect your skin, they are one of the biggest culprits behind hair damage. As Dr. Adel explained: “UV degrades melanin and keratin, leading to hair becoming brittle, dry, and breaking. That’s why your hair feels way more damaged in the summer or after a holiday.”
Dermatologists Shares How Does UV Damage Hair?
Just like your skin, your hair is vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. UV exposure can:
- Break down keratin and weaken hair structure
- Strip hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and frizz
- Cause split ends and breakage
- Fade color-treated hair
- Cause dry scalp which might lead to hair loss
When left unprotected, hair becomes fragile, making it more prone to damage than heat styling alone.
How to Protect Your Hair from UV Rays
Dr. Adel emphasizes that the key takeaway is to always incorporate UV protection into your haircare routine. Here’s how:
- Use SPF-infused Hair Products: Opt for hair-specific SPF sprays, creams, or scalp serums like this one to shield your strands and scalp without weighing hair down.
- Wear a Hat or Scarf: A physical barrier is one of the best defenses against sun exposure.
- Hydrate & Repair: Use deep-conditioning masks and leave-in treatments to replenish lost moisture after sun exposure.
If you’ve been overlooking sun protection for your hair, now is the time to change that. Take Dr. Adel’s advice and treat your precious hair with the same care as your skin. After all, sun damage might just be the real reason behind your hair troubles!
