Sunlight has been known for its vital contribution to maintaining life on Earth. Sunlight is essential, as it facilitates photosynthesis in plants and supplies humans with crucial vitamin D. However, were you aware that sunlight can significantly affect the health and look of your hair? In addition to being vital for general health, sunlight is also needed for good hair.
Sunlight exposure causes the body to produce vitamin D, a necessary component that promotes healthy hair and a healthy scalp. By stimulating hair follicles and encouraging thicker, healthier strands, moderate sunshine can increase blood circulation to the scalp. Embracing the benefits of sunlight in moderation can be an easy and natural way to boost hair health and vitality, supported by scientific evidence; let's see how!
1. 7 Benefits Of Sunlight For Hair
2. Why Is My Hair Better In The Sun?
3. Does Sunlight Increase Hair Growth?
4. Which Time Of Sunlight Is Good For Hair?
5. Dietitian’s Recommendation
6. The Final Say
7. FAQs
8. References
7 benefits of sunlight for hair are:
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a pivotal role in the body’s overall health, including the maintenance of hair follicles. Sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in the skin, which helps regulate the growth cycle of hair follicles. Research has shown that a deficiency in vitamin D is linked to conditions such as alopecia areata and other types of hair loss.
Key Benefits:
Exposure to the sun's rays can stimulate the blood circulation system in the scalp. The sun's rays bring warmth that aids in dilating blood vessels and makes sure there is a constant flow of oxygen and nutrients into hair follicles. Among the primary causes of good hair growth and loss prevention, this is one key factor.
Key Benefits:
Also Read: What Vitamins Are Good For Hair Growth? Here’s What You Need To Know!
The sebaceous glands located in the scalp produce sebum, a natural oil that moisturises hair and skin. Sunlight regulates these glands by balancing out whatever they want to produce as sebum. The effect of balanced sebum production is the prevention of excessive dryness or oiliness, both of which can cause damage to hair.
Key Benefits:
Sunlight exposure triggers the release of serotonin, often called the “happy hormone.” Serotonin boosts mood and reduces stress levels. Stress is a known contributor to hair loss, as it can disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause conditions like telogen effluvium.
Key Benefits:
Moderate exposure to sunlight can naturally lighten hair due to its bleaching effect. The UV rays in sunlight can create subtle highlights. However, it is worth noticing that extreme lightning can indicate excessive exposure, which actually damages your hair.
Exposure to morning sunlight boosts the production of vitamin D, which helps improve scalp health and promote shiny, lustrous hair. Just a few minutes in the sun can make your hair look vibrant and healthy as if you've stepped out of a salon.
Key Benefits:
Also read: 10 Hair Care Tips For Low-Porosity Hair: Your Guide to Hydration and Maintenance for Gorgeous Locks!
Sunlight’s role in vitamin D production indirectly contributes to stronger hair. Vitamin D supports the absorption of calcium and other nutrients essential for maintaining the structural integrity of hair strands.
Key Benefits:
Sunlight has mild antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help cleanse the scalp. Controlled exposure to sunlight can reduce the presence of harmful microbes that contribute to conditions like dandruff and scalp infections.
Key Benefits:
Your hair may feel better in the sun because moderate sunlight exposure improves scalp circulation, which nourishes hair follicles and supports healthy growth. The warmth from the sun also balances the natural oils on the scalp by controlling sebum production. This can keep your hair from getting greasy or dry, that is more likely to happen with sun exposure, making it look healthier. Furthermore, sunlight's inherent antibacterial qualities aid in the reduction of moderate fungal infections and other scalp problems, including dandruff.
Subtle UV rays can improve your hair's texture and create highlights, making your hair shine even more vibrantly. However, overexposure can damage your hair cuticles, so one should always guard their hair while under the sun for a longer period. Enjoying the sunrise is ideal when it comes to enjoying these effects without harm.
Winters can be challenging kyunki sun ke darshan toh mushkil se hote hain, so what do you do then? Don’t worry! ToneOp Care’s Skin & Hair Care Combo can help you achieve bright and glowing skin, get rid of acne and wrinkles, and reduce hair fall, breakage and split ends. Even when the sun’s not out, ToneOp Care products are here for you!
Yes, sunlight indirectly supports hair growth by triggering the production of vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D plays a vital role in the growth cycle of hair follicles, promoting the formation of new follicles and preventing premature hair shedding or hair loss and no wonder we are all struggling with it. Scientific studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to hair loss conditions like alopecia areata. Sunlight also improves blood circulation in the scalp, ensuring hair follicles receive oxygen and nutrients essential for growth.
To harness sunlight's benefits for hair growth, spend 10-15 minutes in early morning sunlight while protecting your scalp and hair from prolonged UV exposure.
The best time to expose your hair and scalp to sunlight is early in the morning, between 7 AM and 9 AM. During this time, the sun emits lower levels of harmful UV radiation while providing sufficient light to stimulate vitamin D production. Vitamin D is essential for healthy hair follicles and helps prevent hair loss. Morning sunlight is also less likely to dry out your hair or damage its structure.
Avoiding midday sunlight (10 AM to 4 PM) is crucial because the sun’s UV rays are strongest during these hours and can harm your scalp and hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and colour fading. Moderate morning sunlight exposure for 10-15 minutes a few times a week can enhance your scalp's health without adverse effects.
As a dietitian, I suggest utilising sunlight wisely to enhance hair wellness. Dedicate 10-15 minutes to early morning sun exposure (7-9 AM) to enhance vitamin D levels, essential for robust hair follicles and growth. Combine sunlight exposure with a diet high in vitamin D (salmon, eggs, fortified items) and biotin (nuts, seeds, spinach) to enhance the benefits. Stay properly hydrated since sunlight can strip moisture from your scalp and hair. Include antioxidants such as vitamin E (present in almonds and avocados) to safeguard hair against possible UV harm.
Dt. Akshata Gandevikar
Sunlight is a natural and powerful ally for healthy hair. There are many benefits, from boosting vitamin D production and improving blood flow to the scalp to boosting mood and providing natural highlights. By incorporating safe and moderate sun exposure into your daily routine, you can naturally improve the health and appearance of your hair.
1. Can sunlight damage hair?
Yes, too much sunlight can damage hair. Prolonged exposure to UV rays weakens the outer layer of the hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to colour fading. It can also cause dehydration of the scalp, leading to flakiness. To prevent damage, limit midday sun exposure, use protective products like hair sunscreen, and moisturise your hair regularly.
2. Can sunlight prevent hair loss?
Sunlight, through its role in vitamin D production, can support healthy hair growth and potentially reduce hair loss related to deficiencies. However, other factors like genetics, diet, and stress also play significant roles in hair loss. Sunlight alone may not entirely prevent hair loss.
3. Does sunlight promote hair growth?
Yes, sunlight can promote hair growth by helping the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for hair follicle health and may stimulate hair growth.
4. Can sunlight change the texture of my hair?
While sunlight doesn’t directly alter the texture of your hair, its drying effect can cause changes. Overexposure may make the hair appear frizzy or coarse by stripping moisture. Protecting your hair from excessive sun exposure and using moisturising treatments can help maintain its natural texture.
ToneOp Care is the ultimate destination for high-quality nutraceutical supplements and ayurvedic products in India! We are proud to offer a significant range of products designed to support your overall health and well-being, including weight loss, muscle gain, immunity, skin and hair care, and women's health. All our products are manufactured in India using the latest technology and facilities, ensuring the highest quality standards.