Is Hair & Scalp SPF Actually a Thing?
'The scalp is skin — and just like the rest of your body, it is vulnerable to sun damage,' says Michael Ryan, clinical trichologist, Dubai Hair Doctor. 'Many people forget this area because it's often covered with hair. But the part lines, thinning areas, receding hairlines, and even fully exposed scalps for bald individuals, can get sunburnt, leading to discomfort.'
The hair affair
While your hair acts like a barrier for most of it, your scalp is still susceptible to UV ray exposure and eventual damage. According to Ryan, it's a high risk for sunbuns due to direct sun exposure, especially at the crown and part line. 'Skin cancers often appear on the scalp because it's constantly exposed and often unprotected.'
To top it off, just like heat, UV rays can degrade your hair proteins, particularly keratin. While hair itself is not living tissue, Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Self London, believes that it can also suffer from UV exposure, leading to dryness, brittleness, and colour fading. 'Applying sunscreen to the scalp is about offering it the same protection we afford the rest of our skin,' she says. 'Repeated UV exposure can lead to damage, pigmentation changes and, in some cases, precancerous lesions.'
It doesn't end there. Neglecting to protect your scalp can eventually lead to several risks, including burns that may result in redness, peeling, tenderness, irritation, and flaking, which almost mimics dandruff. Repeated sun exposure may contribute to accelerated scalp skin ageing, and even follicular inflammation that can potentially impact hair growth over time. It also increases the risk of skin cancers such as basal or squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in those with thinning or bald areas.
Is it an absolute necessity?
Yes and no! 'It's not about overcomplicating your routine,' says Dr Mahto. 'It's about smart, targeted protection.' For example, if you have thick hair with no visible scalp, the risk is lower, though still present on partings or the hairline. If you wear your hair in partings or hairstyles that expose the scalp or if you have thinning or fine hair, then sun protection becomes essential. This applies to those who are bald or closely shaved, too.
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