The sunscreen will be coming out in thick waves this summer, what are you doing to protect your hair?
We’ve had a
pretty hot past couple of weeks here in Perth (and by pretty hot, we’re talking
over 30 degrees). Since this is only spring, we’re gulping at the thought of
the UV rays that will be beating down on us come summer, and of the damage it
could do to our hair.
How does the sun damage hair?
Let’s start
with what a big dose of UV does to the hair. According to WA leading
Trichologist Kate Dawes, it ruins our precious keratin cells. “The sun damages
the cuticle layer of the hair, which consists of layers
of scale-like keratin cells. These scales lift up, causing that dry, brittle
feeling.” If that
wasn’t bad enough, it will also play havoc with those highlights you just spent
a fortune on. “Sunshine will also strip out artificial colour and lighten
natural coloured hair,” says Kate.
Healthy cuticle |
Damaged cuticle |
Pictures courtesy of http://www.naturallycurly.com
Vitamin D = Hair growth
You’ve probably
heard that the sun’s Vitamin D is good for hair as it makes it grow, right?
Well according to Kate it does, but in an indirect way. “Vitamin D receptors
play an important role in a healthy hair growth cycle. Vitamin D activates the
cells within the hair shaft that produce hair, so those with a deficiency often
experience hair loss. Therefore, the sun can make your hair grow!”
But before you
make a break for the great outdoors, remember that direct sunlight onto the
hair will damage the structure. “Hair itself does not synthesize Vitamin D from
the sun, this only occurs in the skin. So getting sunshine onto the hair will
only lighten your hair colour and cause damage to the hair shaft. You need
moderate exposure on your skin to produce the required vitamin D,” says Kate.
But always use sunscreen and be careful when leaving your head unprotected, as
extreme sunburn on your scalp can damage your follicles.
Stay away from…
There are many
products out there that can be found in hair “protectors”, but Kate warns that
if they contain any of the following, leave them on the shelf…
• Oxybenzone - this can be absorbed into the
blood stream and acts like oestrogen within the body.
• Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A palmitate) has a
reaction when exposed to sunlight and has been linked to the increase in the
spread of malignant cells. Eek!
• Fragrance – any product with a “Fragrance” in it should be avoided. They
contain Parabens (hormone disruptors) and phthalates (very carcinogenic - aka
cancer causing!) This doesn’t just stand for your hair, they’re
in nearly every perfume on the market!
The best protection…
So what’s the
best product to use? “Slick it back into a ponytail using organic coconut oil.
This is a natural sunscreen that not only protects your hair, but conditions it
at the same time!” says Kate.
Ok summer,
bring it on!
For more information about hair care go to www.helphair.com.au