Welcome to the wonderful world of beauty do’s, don’ts, and maybes. Today, we’re talking about how the sun effects those luscious locks of yours.
All of us have asked ourselves this question at some point in our lives. Maybe you’re by the beach, shades on, good book in hand, and sweet rays of sunshine are warming your skin.
Maybe you’re on a “hot girl walk” and you throw on a baseball cap for extra coverage. Regardless of where you are or what you’re up to, you may have wondered what those rays are doing for your hair.
So, is sunlight good for your hair? The short answer to that question is yes, sunlight can be good for your hair in moderate amounts. Experts even say that sunlight can help increase hair growth due to the vitamin D your scalp is being exposed to.
While this information is exciting, don’t go throwing out your baseball caps just yet. Experts also say that while vitamin D is great for stimulating hair growth and helping baby hair follicles grow into a beautiful mane, you may want to limit your scalp sunlight intake to anywhere from 10-30 minutes a day.
You may also want to invest in some sunscreen to protect your scalp from the more negative effects of too much sun.
We know all the beach loving beauties may be thrilled by this new knowledge, but what about those of us that don’t live somewhere sunny? Or maybe we want sun-kissed locks with less sun involved? There are options for that too, and there are things the sun can do for your hair that go beyond health.
As we keep talking about how the sun effects your hair, you may find ways to boost that shine without taking a step outside, or you may find that the sun offers a fun benefit you hadn’t known before. Keep reading to find your answered questions waiting for you!
Is Too Much Sunlight Bad For Your Hair?
We know we just said that sunlight can help your hair grow, and that’s true… but of course too much of anything isn’t good for you. Remember how we mentioned that 10-to-30-minute time frame?
That’s because too much sunlight can be damaging to the outer layer of your hair, especially if you are letting your hair dry in the sun. If you enjoy a swim on the beach, you may also want to consider how the salt in the water will mix with the sun, drying your hair out.
Remember that just like your skin, your scalp and hair follicles will be sensitive to how many UV rays you allow contact with. UV rays can prevent certain vitamins from developing which may stunt your hair growth, and may also damage your scalp.
Protecting Your Hair In Sunlight
There are ways to make sure you give your hair the sun it deserves, without stripping it of its healthy oils and shine. One way to keep your hair protected is by using coconut oil (like our favorite from Viva Naturals on Amazon) as a natural sunscreen for your hair.
Not only will the coconut oil keep your hair protected, it will also hydrate any split ends and give your hair a healthy boost without totally weighing it down.
While coconut oil works for just your hair, it’s important to keep your scalp in mind too. Multi-use products that incorporate sunscreen for your scalp and coconut oil for your hair are a great way to keep your scalp protected and your hair hydrated.
You can use these products in your everyday routine to make sure you always give your hair the treatment it needs! Tying your hair up in a cute bandana or making sure you have full coverage with a hat are also great ways to let your body soak up what the sun has to offer without sacrificing your mane.
Lightening Hair Using Sunlight
If you’ve ever wanted to lighten your hair but didn’t want to bleach it or go to a salon, then there’s a good chance you’ve seen those magic sprays that claim to lighten your hair in the sunlight.
We’ve established that too much sun can damage your hair, and a protectant is helpful in making sure your hair isn’t damaged when you give it a daily dose of vitamin D, so is using one of these sprays damaging as well? These sprays aren’t the best for your hair, but if you’re only looking to lighten them without bleach, it’s not the worst option.
A lightening spray (like this effective one from John Frieda on Amazon) will use sunlight to naturally strip your hair of color using some chemicals such as peroxide.
It may not seem as damaging as a trip to the salon, and it’s certainly less expensive, but it will still cause some damage to your hair and will permanently alter the color until it grows out.
Using Sun Hair Lightner
Of course we know just how cute a summer highlight can be, and we definitely aren’t against finding a financially friendly way to get the look.
So, if you’re going to use one of these magic mists, make sure you limit your sun-time with the product in, and always rinse the product out thoroughly to ensure no lingering product damage.
If you’re still worried about permanent damage, or maybe if you have more sensitive hair, lemon juice is a more follicle-friendly alternative to the harsher chemicals in store-bought lightener.
Just remember these steps and you and your hair will be golden:
- Dampen hair, preferably with non-salt water.
- Apply sun protection to scalp to protect new and existing follicles.
- Apply your chosen hair lightning product, store bought or natural.
- Let sit as directed but remember no longer than 30 minutes of sun time is recommended for healthy hair.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Apply your favorite hair repair product and cover for any remaining time in the sun.
Overall Thoughts On Sunlight And Your Hair
Getting outside and getting fresh air can be a beautiful thing for the body both inside and out. Sunlight helps our bodies to produce vital vitamins and chemicals that help make us feel happy.
With the right knowledge and care, sunlight can help you grow the mane of your dreams and put a smile on your face in one go. The sun may help your hair feel thicker, longer, and lighter if you choose.
Always make sure you keep yourselves protected in the sunlight and limit your exposure to what is recommended for you. Enjoy your time outside and keep your outer and inner beauty flowing!
Related Questions
Can lack of sunlight cause lack of hair or hair loss?
Experts suggests that vitamin D is an important nutrient for your hair which might usually be associated with sunlight. There have been studies that suggest a direct correlation between vitamin D and hair growth and/or loss. Sunlight is a major way the body produces vitamin D.
Without direct medical supervision, we can’t say for sure that a lack of sunlight is contributed to everyone and anyone’s hair loss, but since vitamin D and hair growth are closely linked, there is a chance it may be contributing to any hair issues.
There may be other things contributing to hair loss, such as stress, vitamin deficiency, or a medical condition. Sunlight has many positive impacts on the body and mind, so if you suspect a lack of sunlight may be contributing to your hair loss, allowing yourself some protected time in the sun may be helpful.
Can I get the benefits of sunlight for my hair without going in the sun?
Of course! Not everyone loves going out in the sun, but you can still get those sun-kissed locks using other methods. If you are just looking for health in your hair, making sure you are taking the right supplements and eating the right foods can give the same benefits.
If you are looking for highlights you can always go to your neighborhood salon, buy box highlights at your local store, or even use products designed for the sun under heat products such as a hair dryer. Many lightening products that use sunlight will produce a similar affect under a heated appliance.
If you are going to make a change in your diet or take any specific supplements, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor or dermatologist first.
Is sunlight good for your skin too?
Without going into too much detail, the answer to this question varies from person to person. Some people experience major benefits for their skin from sun exposure, and others find it to be more damaging.
UV rays can be especially damaging to the outer layer of the skin and may even be attributed to the development of certain diseases.
If you are unsure about how the sun is affecting your skin you may want to make an appointment with a dermatologist to help you further understand what your skin needs on a personal level.
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