Can UV Damage Cause Hair Loss?

Everyone loves it when the sun finally peeks through the clouds come spring and summertime. However, while the sun may provide lovely warmth and light, some undeniable health risks are involved. Most people know that UV rays are bad for the skin and increase the risk of cancer, [1] but what about the hair? Does UV cause hair loss?

Awareness of what the sun can do to the body after too much exposure is essential to a healthy lifestyle. So, in this article, learn about the effects of UV damage on the scalp and hair, including prevention methods and treatment options. We’ll also go into a hair loss treatment for those who have experienced UV-caused hair loss.

Understanding UV Rays

So, what exactly are UV rays, and how do they cause damage? UV stands for ultraviolet radiation, a type of energy released naturally by the sun. While small amounts of UV are usually fine, too much can cause significant damage.

There are three main types of ultraviolet radiation, [2] including UVA, UVB, and UVC. The ones you need to worry about are UVA and UVB, as the earth absorbs all UVC rays, meaning they cannot reach anyone’s skin.

UVA and UVC are both unhealthy for the skin and hair, causing damage and sometimes leading to skin cancer.

So, Does UV Cause Hair Loss?

Many people wonder, does UV cause hair loss? Yes – in some cases, UV light can contribute to hair thinning and even fallout.

One of the ways this happens is by the UV rays damaging keratin, the protein that makes up most of the hair strands. It will lead to dryer, thinner strands that require more moisture, with the texture feeling overly dry and rough. It will also be more susceptible to breakage.

UV damage can also affect the hair follicles. This is specifically caused by the UVA rays, which can penetrate the scalp, leading to impaired and shrunken hair follicles that no longer produce healthy hair strands.

UV radiation can affect your hair’s colour, too. That’s because the UV rays can break down melanin, which leads to bleaching of the strands. It’s why you often find your hair gets lighter in the summer and darker in the winter.

The Signs of Sun Damaged Hair

Have you spent too long in the sun and wondered if it has affected your hair? We already know the answer to the question, “Does UV cause hair loss?” Now, we’ll go into the signs of UV light hair loss.

• Dryness
• Brittleness
• Frizz
• Split Ends
• Thinning Hair
• A Faded Colour
• Tangling
• A Straw-like Texture
• Less Shine

If you experience any of these, there is a high chance your hair has become dry and damaged due to too much sun exposure.

How to Prevent UV Damaged Hair

If you can prevent UV damaged hair, you definitely should. Some small habits can ensure your hair stays protected all summer long:

Wear a Hat

One of the best ways to protect your scalp and strands during sun exposure is by wearing a hat whenever the sun is out. Wide-brim hats are best here, as they give more coverage. However, something like a cap is better than nothing.

Avoid the Sun in the Middle of the Day

The sun is at its highest and strongest in the middle of the day. To keep your hair as protected as possible, stay inside between 12 pm and 3 pm or even 10 am and 4 pm if possible. If you can’t get inside, stick to the shade.

Wear a Swim Cap

Are you planning on swimming in the sunshine? It’s a popular activity in the summer, but it can be dreadful for your hair – not only is your hair susceptible to sun damage, but the chlorine in a pool can also cause breakage. To avoid this, always wear a swim cap when swimming.

Check the UV Index

Before heading out into the sunshine, check your weather app to see the UV index for the day. If the sun is particularly intense, take extra measures to stay out of the sun.

Use Sunscreen for the Hair

Did you know there are sunscreen products specifically for the hair and scalp? Purchase one before exposing your head to the sun, as they will block many UV rays. Remember that sunscreen only lasts a couple of hours, so you must keep reapplying if you stay in the sun all day.

There are several types of sunscreens for hair, so pick one that works best for you. You can find mineral sunscreens for easier application, which can help cover your entire scalp. Some spray sunscreens also protect the scalp – remember, your head is at the top of your body, so it is the most susceptible to damage.

How to Treat UV Damaged Hair

Has your hair already been damaged by the sun? While prevention is always better than treatment, there are some steps you can take to repair your locks and minimise further damage.

Use Hydrating Products

The sun dries out the hair quickly. As such, your strands will seriously lack moisture. To reverse this, use highly hydrating products, such as deep conditioners, to give your strands the burst of hydration they need.

Get a Trim

Sun damage contributes to breakage and split ends. You don’t want your split ends to travel up the hair shaft, so get a trim. Getting rid of the unhealthier ends will make way for a healthier head of hair overall.

Avoid Heat Styling

The last thing you want to do to sun-damaged hair is to apply heat. Heat styling products are damaging in their own right and can make your hair feel even more dry and brittle, so avoid them altogether until your hair is repaired. Use a high-quality heat protector if you must use heat on the hair.

Apply Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a soothing natural substance. Not only does aloe vera act as a natural sun protectant, but it can also moisturise and repair your strands. It will also feel amazing against any sun-damaged skin, including your scalp.

Use Hair Oils

To give your hair more hydration, use high-quality hair oils. Oils such as argan, avocado, and coconut oil will instantly coat your hair and make it feel smoother and more manageable.

Look After Your Scalp

Don’t forget about your scalp. After sun exposure, take care of your scalp by applying soothing creams and keeping it out of the sun for a while. If you notice hair thinning, a scalp massage can help encourage blood flow to the scalp to heal the hair follicles.

Avoid the Sun

The last thing you want to do is worsen the damage already caused by UV rays. If you notice any sun damage in your hair, stay out of the sun as much as possible. Take all the above advice, such as using a sun protectant, wearing hats, and staying indoors when the sun is at its highest.

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What to Do if You Have Experienced Hair Loss

Hair loss is always upsetting and can seriously impact your confidence. If it happens to you, whether due to sun exposure or another trigger, there are hair restoration solutions that can help.

Minoxidil is a great hair medication you can purchase over the counter. It works best for treating androgenetic alopecia, but it can also help hair loss caused by UV damage, as it works by boosting blood flow to the scalp and nourishing the hair follicles.

Clinical treatments, including microneedling, low-level laser therapy, and platelet-rich plasma therapy, can boost growth. These non-surgical treatments can be very effective as they stimulate the follicles and boost growth. Platelet-rich plasma therapy even uses your body’s natural growth factors to stimulate the follicles.

A hair transplant may be the best option in some cases. A hair transplant provides a permanent solution for extensive hair loss by transplanting healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another. The surgery is minimally invasive, and the best surgeons provide a wonderfully natural result. While a hair transplant may not be necessary for slightly damaged hair from the sun, it is an excellent option for anyone who has experienced a lot of hair loss and wants a real solution with a high success rate.

Does UV Light Cause Hair Loss? Final Thoughts

You now know the answer to, “Does UV cause hair loss?” Yes, in some cases, it can. Most hair damage from the sun results in dryness, which is more prone to breakage. However, UV rays can also harm the hair follicles and lead to hair thinning and loss. Using our advice above to protect your scalp and strands will ensure this does not happen.

Have you already experienced significant hair loss? Get in touch with our friendly team to begin your hair restoration journey. You can also check out our patients gallery to view images of our past patients both before and after their treatment with us.

Sources:

1. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-does-the-sun-and-uv-cause-cancer#:~:text=Too%20much%20UV%20radiation%20from,Anyone%20can%20develop%20skin%20cancer.
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10985-ultraviolet-radiation