Just like how our skin gets sunburned when exposed to sunlight, our hair and scalp are equally sensitive to sun damage. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight damages the outer layer of hair (the cuticle) and breaks down keratin (a natural protein found in hair). This results in dull, damaged and frail hair as damaged keratin cannot protect the hair against the heat and sun. Meanwhile, your scalp has just as much of a sunburn risk as your face, neck and hands! If you don’t take necessary precautions to protect your scalp, it can suffer from skin damage and premature ageing, leading to greater hair loss. We have a few tips to help you protect your hair!
Tip 1: Wear Hats or Use Umbrellas
Protect your hair from direct exposure to sunlight by wearing a wide brimmed hat or by using an umbrella. Even if you feel self-conscious to use umbrellas when it’s not raining, please think about your hair and the burning sensation you feel on your scalp when the sun gets too hot! If the thought of wielding an umbrella doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps you could choose to wear a hat! The best hats for sun-protection should be broad-brimmed to ensure adequate coverage of your ears and the back of your scalp and neck. You may attract curious eyes, but just remember – there’s no shame in making the extra effort to look after your hair and scalp.
Tip 2: Reschedule when Possible
If possible, try to prefer plan outdoor activities during early mornings or in the evenings when the sunlight is not so strong. Dermatologists recommend you to avoid direct UV exposure during the hottest part of the day, namely between 11am and 3pm. As an added bonus, you won’t perspire so much! If you can’t reschedule, please remember to use your umbrella or wear a hat.
Tip 3: Apply Hair Masks Weekly
Make it a weekly routine to apply a soothing hair mask! Regardless of how vigilant you are in preventing sun damage, it still happens. Use a hair mask weekly to reduce some of the damage inadvertently caused by sunlight and pollutants. Restore your hair’s health!
Tip 4: Wash Your Hair Daily
Don’t skip washing your hair daily! In sunny Singapore where most of us love to eat spicy oily food, it is common for most individuals to have an oily scalp. Wash your hair daily with water to remove sweat. Wash your hair 2-3 times in a week with a strengthening/repair shampoo to minimize damage and remove any build-up of grime. Keep your scalp clean for healthy hair growth!
Tip 5: Condition, Condition, Condition
Protect your hair by investing in an intense repair and moisturizing conditioner! Use it after shampooing your hair. Another way by which you can keep your hair moisturized it by using only conditioner without using any shampoo at all. So, every time you feel like your hair is clean but getting dry, you can wash it with your usual conditioner. For additional protection, you may even choose to use a leave-in conditioner so that your tresses stay hydrated all day long. Enjoy the Singapore sun without damaging your hair and scalp! If your scalp and hair are already suffering from damage, Yun Nam Hair Care can help! Watch us restore your hair and scalp to their naturally healthy states with natural Chinese herbs.
