How damaging is the sun anyway?

**Fethenwen** · June 15th, 2011, 02:52 AM

It's been so sunny here!

I have been more outside than indoors. But today I noticed that my hair is super poofy and looks dry.
I got really surprised by this because we do have a lot of humidity.
But I wonder if my hair got damaged by the sun? I did not have my hair covered while outside.

I also wonder how damaging the sun really is, is it worse than... say blow-drying your hair on a warm setting?

**Ishje** · June 15th, 2011, 02:54 AM

I was wondering exactly the same last week, even though I have been in the sun quite a bit my hair still feels nice.
and I am trying to get my hair a bit lighter with sunlight.
I will keep an eye on this topic.

**jojo** · June 15th, 2011, 03:06 AM

The sun is as damaging as any heat. Ive trashed my hair many a times through not protecting it, I have been putting heat protection spray on my hair during a recent heat wave and it worked really well.

**Fethenwen** · June 15th, 2011, 03:08 AM

^ So it's the heat that's damaging and not the sun per se? So if the weather is cool but sunny there shouldn't be any damage?

**Kherome** · June 15th, 2011, 03:10 AM

Nope, it is not only the heat, but the UV rays actually break down the hair, just the same way they do paint on a house or car, or destroy pvc pipe etc. UV is hard on everything, including hair.

**Fethenwen** · June 15th, 2011, 03:14 AM

Ok, I'm glad I like wearing scarves!

Should have thought of that a few days ago.

**Panth** · June 15th, 2011, 06:18 AM

There's also the wind and the humidity or lack of, which can dry the hair out - the wind plus salty air is a major cause of skin issues resulting from being at the beach ... so I guess it could also affect hair too.

But, on the flip side, you should have an adequate amount of vitamin D now, which many people are purportedly deficient in, that should help your general health and thus your hair. ^_^

**Fethenwen** · June 15th, 2011, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by Panth

There's also the wind and the humidity or lack of, which can dry the hair out - the wind plus salty air is a major cause of skin issues resulting from being at the beach ... so I guess it could also affect hair too.

But, on the flip side, you should have an adequate amount of vitamin D now, which many people are purportedly deficient in, that should help your general health and thus your hair. ^_^

Indeed ^^ I've heard that vitamin D can also be absorbed through the head.

**Madora** · June 15th, 2011, 07:07 AM

Please, long hair fans, do you and your hair a favor, protect those delicate strands - and your scalp - by wearing either a WHITE hat or thin WHITE scarf or bandana.

White repells some of the rays (but not the others). A scarf or hat will also protect your scalp from sunburn, something you sure don't want!

Remember..WHITE, not a colored hat/scarf. Your hair will thank you!

**Peggy E.** · June 15th, 2011, 07:44 AM

Listen to Madora - She speaks the truth and is wise!!!

NEVER subject your hair to direct sun! The same rays that damage your skin do a serious piece of work on your hair, too. Tuck it up and under a hat, a scarf, whatever feels comfortable and doesn't look too geeky.

Even if it does look "geeky," take this to heart: The living in the sun tanners of not so long ago used to make fun of the girls who protected their skin - they weren't "healthy looking." And skin cancer is????

You won't get skin cancer on your hair - but you very well can on your scalp. Do whatever you need to do to protect yourself from exposure to the sun - hair as well as skin.