Effects of sunlight on hair loss

The warm sunlight makes you feel better. Sunlight stimulates the synthesis of vitamin D in the body, which helps prevent depression, hypertension, and osteoporosis. However, UV rays in the sun can cause skin aging and weaken the hair, which can lead to hair loss.

Effects of UV rays in sunlight on skin and hair

Ultraviolet rays refer to light of relatively short wavelengths that are invisible to the naked eye among electromagnetic waves that make up sunlight. The wavelength of ultraviolet rays is very small, so the destructive power is strong. Repeated or prolonged exposure to UV light causes the skin to absorb too much UV light and break the molecular bonds of the cells in the skin. The skin becomes dry and loses elasticity. At the same time, melanocytes are active and pigment diseases such as spots and freckles can occur or, in severe cases, skin cancer.

UV rays also have an important effect on hair loss. It damages keratin, the protein layer of hair, making even elastic and shiny hair rough and brittle. When UV rays penetrate the scalp, the temperature of the scalp rises, and the activity of collagen that maintains the elasticity of the scalp decreases, which can lead to rapid aging of the scalp. When the elasticity of the scalp is reduced, the hair follicles involved in hair fixation and growth lose strength, which can lead to hair loss.

How to properly block UV rays that harm your hair

The scalp and hair are located on top of the body and are easily exposed to UV rays. However, it is difficult to apply sunscreen because the hair grows densely on the scalp. If you want to protect your scalp from UV rays, it is recommended to use a well-ventilated hat or parasol to physically block UV rays. When your scalp is exposed to UV rays for a long time, using a shampoo, tonic, or pack containing cooling ingredients such as mint, green tea, and cucumber helps to calm the scalp.