Summer isn’t over yet! We have stressed the importance of sunscreen, but how does the sun affect your hair? In this episode we are breaking down the science of UV damage, visible light, melanin, and why some hair fades or weakens faster in the sun. Have you ever wondered if your hair needs sunscreen? Tune in, this episode is for you.

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In this episode we cover:

How UV light damages hair structure

Why visible light affects hair color

The difference between eumelanin and pheomelanin

Why blonde, bleached, and damaged hair is more vulnerable

Hair protection tips, including hats, scarves, and leave-on products

What to look for in hair UV protectants

Whether you’re looking for science-backed hair care tips, summer hair protection advice, or a deeper understanding of UV and visible light damage, this episode has you covered.

Timestamps

00:00 - Why nobody talks about sun damage to hair

01:40 - Summer, UV index, and the episode’s main question

02:40 - Valerie George’s UV damage lecture as the key reference

04:37 - Hair structure refresher: cuticle, cortex, and medulla

05:42 - Why disulfide bonds matter for hair strength

06:38 - UV light and visible light as the two main forms of damage

07:19 - How melanin protects hair from sunlight

08:41 - Eumelanin vs pheomelanin and why hair color varies

09:33 - Why lighter hair usually fades and damages faster

11:59 - Why eumelanin protects better from UV than pheomelanin

13:09 - Study findings: blonde hair vs dark hair in sunlight

15:45 - UV damage vs visible light damage in hair

17:39 - The chocolate chip cookie analogy for melanin damage

18:07 - Why humidity accelerates sun damage

19:09 - Leave-on products vs rinse-off protection

19:31 - Why hair SPF is not regulated like skin SPF

20:55 - How hair protection is tested and why it is hard to prove

21:15 - Why formulators need special ingredients to help filters stick

22:20 - Why hats and scarves are the best protection

23:37 - Where to find the hosts’ product recommendations and episode notes

25:14 - Closing advice: protect your hair from the sun

#HairCare #UVDamage #SunscreenForHair #HairProtection #BeautyScience #CosmeticChemistry #SunDamage #BlondeHair #HairScience #BeautyByTheBeaker