Effects of UV Rays on Hair
UV rays often destroy the protein bonds in hair, making damage irreversible
by Oxford Biolabs
Too much sun exposure can be very harmful to your skin and hair. According to a study by Croda Inc., hair is actually highly susceptible to UV damage.
Croda’s study sought to determine whether hair treated with a polyester polyquarternized UV absorber – Polyquaternium-59 and butylene glycol (PQ-59) – could “mitigate UVB-induced damage in hair…preserving the hair’s natural hydrophobicity, fiber strength and combing properties” in relaxed African-American hair. Their findings were surprising.
Sunbathing turns out to be very damaging for hair. As a result of sunbathing, hair can become discoloured, dry, fragile and brittle. UV rays often destroy the protein bonds in hair, making damage irreversible. In fact, every time we expose our hair to the sun, UV radiation can destroy protein amino acids. This results in the weakening of the hair structure and, as a further consequence, the loss of moisture and eventual dehydration.
Of course, a small amount of radiation does not have a very big effect on healthy hair (especially dark hair), but hair that has already been damaged by other factors is definitely at-risk.
Sunbathing outdoors is slightly different than sunbathing in a tanning bed or solarium. Firstly, in the summer people usually spend hours lying in the sun. As a result, hair and skin dries out and becomes damaged much quicker. Sunbathing in a tanning salon controls the intensity of exposure to UV rays, which is important given that the sun is the source of several types of radiation.
This Research Update column highlights articles related to recent scientific inquiry into the process of hair loss. It is not intended to promote any specific ingredient, regimen, or use and should not be construed as evidence of the safety, effectiveness, or intended uses of the TRX2 ®  product. The TRX2 ®  label should be consulted for intended uses and appropriate directions for use of the product.