Ultraviolet rays are divided into three types according to wavelength: UV-C, UV-B, and UV-A.

UV-C is unharmful to humans because it is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the earth's surface. The other two typers, UV-B and UV-A are the ones we need to protect ourselves from. UV-B, which causes sunburn and skin cancer, is mostly absorbed and scattered by the epidermis and does not reach the dermis. UV-A, on the other hand, is not as harmful as UV-B, but there are health concerns when exposed for a long time, and because it is highly permeable to the skin, it could easily reach the dermis.

When hair is exposed to UV radiation, it reacts to the atmospheric oxygen, which breaks the cystine bonds in the cuticle and changes the protein composition of the hair.

This causes the hair to lose its strength and makes the hair fragile and stiff so when you apply a perm or color to your hair, it will break easily and become even more damaged. Not only does UV radiation damage proteins, but it also takes away cuticles that are coating the surface of the hair. This will break the melanin and damage the pigments inside of your hair. When good nutrients and pigments leak from the damaged hair surface, and your hair is heated from the sun or dryer, your hair will become very brittle and it’s about three times easier to break than healthy hair.

How to protect your hair and skin from UV rays?

Most importantly, you must try to avoid exposing your hair and skin to ultraviolet rays as much as possible. If your hair is damaged, there are ways to repair your hair and protect from further damages.

1. Protect

Always wear hats, sun-umbrellas when going outside to avoid direct exposure to the sun. We recommend using UV-block hair care products in combination because a hat and sun-brella cannot cover your hair completely.

2. Repair

Damaged hair loses moisture quicker, and becomes dry, flaky, and results in split ends. Propter hair care products and treatments can replenish moisture, repair and protect the outer layer and prevent dryness.

It’s never too late to start caring for your hair and giving the proper treatment it needs. Start today and look beautiful tomorrow.