Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products and one of the cardinal rules in skincare is SPF. Parents would slather their children with sunscreen to protect their skin, especially during hot days. Sunscreen is more important than any moisturizer, cleanser, and serum to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
While SPF for the face and body is a key for proper skincare, most people often miss a spot - the scalp. These skin-protective habits have been carried to adulthood, and now it is time to include hair sunscreen in the daily routine to protect the scalp from inflammation that may lead to hair damage.
What is Hair Sunscreen For? Experts Discuss Why People Should Put SPF on Their Scalp
Why Is It Important to Use Hair Sunscreen?
The scalp is mostly protected by the hair and almost never sees the light of day, so it is mostly ignored during the skincare routine, according to lifestyle website Well and Good. But recently, scalp care has been on the rise - from scrubs, serums, and sunscreens.
A 2019 preliminary research, titled "Adaptive Measures: Translating UV Protection to Hair Claims" published in Cosmetics and Toiletries, showed that prolonged exposure to sunlight is linked to hair damage. Trichologist Dr. Dominic Burg, who is also the chief scientist at évolis Professional, said that harmful UV rays could damage the scalp, leading to inflammation, which disrupts the hair cycle or the pattern for hair growth and regeneration.
He explained that the growth phase is shortened when the hair cycle is interrupted. That means less hair is growing as more of them are resting and failing. As the cycle of disruption continues, hair quality decreases, and hair follicles may eventually stop regenerating new hair that results in hair loss or thinning.
Aside from that, Burg added that hair growth is not optimized when the cycle is disrupted, so it may also lose its natural wave or curl, could appear drier, and may not hold color or treatments anymore.
In an article in Cosmopolitan magazine, dermatologists recommend using hair sunscreen, which has SPF to protect the strands of the hair and the scalp from UV rays. Experts suggest using hair sunscreen when under the sun during vacations or when the job requires it.
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Types of Scalp Protection
According to Healthline, there are different types of sun protection for the scalp. They can be in the form of powder, spray, creams and lotions. But wearing hats and scarves also works well.
Powders are ultra-lightweight that they do not risk weighing down the hairdo. Also, they can soak up excess oil and add a bit of volume. Choose SPF-based powder and apply it along the part line where the scalp is dry and gently massage it into the skin.
Meanwhile, the spray is great for adding moisture, sheen, and bounce. To apply it, just spray the product on dry hair from root to tips and spread it evenly. Make sure that it covers the entire hair. Combing or brushing could help.
Lastly, creams and lotions provide a thicker layer of protection that does not easily wash out in the water. They can be applied like regular sunscreen, or you can leave them on and rinse later. Follow instructions in the package carefully for best results.
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