It's common knowledge that sunscreen is important for protecting the skin against sun damage, especially in summer. However, most people don't think about the sun's effect on the hair and scalp. Although not as severe as damage to the skin, the sun's rays can have a huge impact on your hair's health.

Your hair is made of dead cells, so it doesn't need SPF like your skin does, but the sun does cause damage and distress to the hair by drying it out, fading the color, and accelerating hair loss. Hair can also be damaged by wind, chlorination from pools, and salt water from the ocean. Dyed hair will usually have the most visible damage and fading, but even uncolored hair can suffer from serious sun damage.

Sunscreen for your skin isn't effective in preventing damage to hair. It would be difficult or impossible to thoroughly cover your hair in normal sunscreen, and your hair would feel extremely oily. Fortunately, there are a variety of sunscreens available that are specifically made for hair. These sunscreens prevent moisture loss and bleaching from the sun. Some come in a spray form that you can spray on your hair right before you're exposed to the sun, and others are similar to conditioners or hair masks that you treat your hair with once or twice a week.

In addition to hair damage, many people also forget that the sun can harm the scalp. Although most of the scalp is covered with hair, the exposed areas, like the hair part, can be severely burned and even develop melanoma. This can be especially harmful for people who have hair loss, as more of the scalp is exposed to the sun. You could apply sunscreen for skin onto the exposed areas of your scalp, but it could be difficult to thoroughly apply it without getting sunscreen all over the roots of your hair. Your best option to protect your scalp is just to wear a hat in the sun. It will cover your entire scalp and completely prevent sun damage.

It's great to enjoy time outside during the warmer months of the year, but protecting your hair and skin should always be a priority. Even spending just a few minutes in the bright sun can damage your hair. Next time you're planning on going out in the sun, consider using hair sunscreen or a hat for protection.