Is there such a thing as SPF for hair and do you really need SPF for your mane? Girlfriend, the latest trends have led you to believe that hair sunscreen is a must-have in your summer-hair-routine, but we're sorry to tell you that 's not quite true, and that they've been telling you big little lies, so today we'll tell you why.
What is SPF?
First things first, what is the Sun Protection Factor (SPF)? It is a shield that protects against UVB radiation, which is basically responsible for sunburn, and the number that accompanies this acronym, depending on the phototype, indicates the time it would take for the skin to redden and burn.
On the other hand, we have the protection against UVA radiation that produces a loss of collagen and changes in pigmentation, which is measured with the pigmentary darkening index, or PPD.
However, all that you can see of your hair is dead (what is alive and kicking is under the epidermis), and, obviously, it is not the same for your hair to get sunburnt as for your skin, because, although UV radiation also affects your hair, there is no sunburn in the hair, but a loss of keratin and hydration in the cuticle by UVB, and a loss of proteins, amino acids and melanin inside the hair fiber by UVA.
Therefore, it would make no sense to use sun protection factor on your hair, and you wouldn't really be protecting it!
But wait, my friend, where you should apply SPF is on the hairline, which is the big forgotten area despite being super exposed, and the scalp can get badly burned, causing flaking, itching, redness, and so much more.
How to protect your hair from the sun?
Baby, don't scratch yourself, because you CAN protect your hair from the sun. A MUST in your hair routine would be to use coconut oil during sun exposure, as it is loaded with saturated fatty acids, such as lauric acid, which penetrate the hair fiber and fill the gaps in the cuticle, blocking about 20% of solar radiation.
Obviously, we recommend that you apply a generous amount of our beloved South Bondi which also contains melon and papaya extracts that act as antioxidants and prevent free radicals from aging your mane.
It is also essential to wear caps, hats or scarves (whatever fits your look, my friend), which act as physical blockers of ultraviolet radiation, and are key to protect our scalp.
Bestie, remember that even if you don't need hair SPF, protecting your hair from the sun is super important and the key to having great hair!!!
