How to Protect Curly Hair Against UV Damage
When you hear the words UV protection, you probably don’t think about how it can impact the health of your curls but the truth is that they can be susceptible to UV damage. While all hair types can experience UV damage, it can significantly impact your curls, leading to dryness, frizz and even breakage. Using the best UV protection hair product could be just what you need to keep your curls healthy, happy and free from the effects of the sun’s UV rays. Curlsmith’s expert range of tailored products can help prevent UV damage to your curls, providing the protection and nourishment they need to thrive.
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How Harmful Are UV Rays on Curly Hair?
There are two main types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA penetrates deeper into curls while UVB causes direct damage to the hair’s cuticles.
UVA
UVA radiation can also cause damage to curls which weakens the hair shaft and leads to breakage. Due to its shape, curly hair is prone to dryness and UVA exposure exacerbates dryness by stripping away your curls’ natural oils and moisture. It is also more porous than other hair types which means that the cuticle’s layers are more open or lifted, which makes it easier for UV rays to penetrate them.
UVB
Studies have shown that UVB radiation can be responsible for protein loss in the hair shaft due to the effect it has on the inner structure of the hair. This can lead to your curls losing strength and elasticity which in turn can make them more brittle and prone to breakage.
UV Index
While much has been said about the preventative measures relating to UV damage, there is also a UV index you could refer to if you wanted to know what level of UV rays could pose a risk to your curls or damage them. The UV index is a scale from 0 to 11+ which measures the intensity of UV radiation. A UV index of 6+ could cause significant damage to your curls, while index 3-5 causes mild dryness the longer you are exposed to UV rays. Anything from 0-2 is low risk, causing minimal damage to your curls.
3 Signs Hair is Damaged by UV
Excessive Dryness
UV rays dry out curls by damaging their structure and depleting it of moisture, which is something that curls can lose easily. As curly hair relies on moisture in order to thrive, the biggest giveaway will be curls that remain dry no matter how you try to repair the issue.
Loss of Elasticity
When UV rays break down the hair’s proteins and lipids, a loss of elasticity and overall hair health occurs. There are some signs of elasticity loss to look out for if you suspect your hair has been damaged by UV including increased breakage or split ends, a lack of stretch and a loss of curl pattern.
Increased Frizz
If you find that your curls are very frizzy, particularly after spending time in a hot or humid environment, then they might have been damaged by UV rays. Frizz is a result of dryness and an imbalance of moisture but there are some other signs that you’ll want to look for including increased tangles and knots and dullness or a loss of shine.
Do Curls Need to be Protected from UV?
Curls need to be protected from UV rays with the help of UV protection hair products because of the significant damage ultraviolet rays can cause. Something to keep in mind when protecting and caring for your curls is what makes them different from other hair types. Firstly, they have raised or uneven cuticles, which makes it easier for UV rays to damage the inner layers of the hair shaft. It’s also dry because it’s difficult for natural oils to travel down curls. Additionally, if you’ve coloured your curls, UV rays can fade pigment, which can only intensify any damage caused because dying your curls makes them weaker.
How to Protect Curly Hair Against UV Ray Damage
Moisturise your Hair Regularly
UV damage strips curls of their moisture so including. a moisture-boosting product into your routine is always a good idea. The Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream is the perfect solution for any UV damage woes. It’s a lightweight styling cream that has been formulated by GEL TRAP technology, which is an innovative Gel-in-oil emulsion that deeply hydrates, nourishes and defines curls while keeping frizz in check, even in humid climates. With built-in heat and UV protection, it helps curls fight off the effects of daily stressors including UV damage, for healthier looking curls.
Limit Time Spent in the Sun
In the US, the climate tends to differ. The East Coast is colder than the West Coast although it brings hotter air in the summer. The West Coast is milder with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In the UK, there is a shorter summer window as warmer periods tend to vary throughout the year. When it comes to understanding the impact that the climate could be having on your curls, it can be helpful to know what the peak sun hours are and avoid being in the sun during these times. The same principle applies if you’re on holiday. .lIf you are going to be outside on a warm day, then wear a hat or a scarf to block UV radiation, reduce heat exposure and shield your curls against wind and pollution.
Try a Protective Style
Protective styles like braids, twists and cornrows keep your hair tucked away so your curls won’t be exposed to UV rays. They also seal in moisture, making it easier for your hair’s natural oils to travel down the shaft. Additionally, if you’re worried about scalp and UV protection, then a protective style offers your curls an extra level of protection from potential sunburn.
Introducing Awestruck Definition Cream
Protecting your curls against environmental aggressors like UV rays with the help of a UV protection hair product is essential in maintaining good hair health. Curlsmith’s Awestruck Definition Cream is a moisturising styling cream with a strong hold that also protects your curls against UV damage, heat and pollution, giving them the care and performance they need. Suitable for all curl types and textures and ideal for fine to medium hair, the cream has been formulated to condition your curls without weighing them down, allowing for natural bounce and movement and healthier looking curls.
How to Use
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Apply to wet hair and rake through to ensure you are evenly coating all strands.
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Use the “praying hands” method to smooth all locks down.
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Select your desired styling technique (scrunch/finger curls/shingle) to enhance and define.
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Air dry or diffuse.
Product Tips
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To protect your curls from UV damage, UV hair products should always be applied before sun exposure
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If you’re swimming or sweating a lot, you’ll need to reapply your UV hair product accordingly
UV Protection FAQs
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Which UV levels are safe for curls?
According to the UV index and hair safety guide for curly hair, a UV level of 0-2 is considered safe. There is a minimal risk of UV damage and no protection is required. UV levels 3-5 are somewhat safe for your curls but you might notice that they’ve become drier than usual or if you’ve dyed your hair, the colour might start to fade. Although the impact is moderate compared to higher levels, using a hair product with UV protection or wearing a hat is recommended. Anything from 6+ is either high, very high or extreme.
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Is direct sunlight bad for curls?
Direct sunlight can be bad for your curls especially if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun. There are many effects of sun exposure on curly hair such as drying out hair, fading colour, weakening the hair’s strands and causing frizz and tangles.
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Can the sun lighten my hair?
The sun can lighten your curls but you’ll notice this more if you have lighter hair. UV rays break down melanin, which is the pigment that gives your hair its natural colour. Curly hair strands have raised cuticles so UV rays can penetrate more easily and this speeds up the lightening process, particularly on the top layers of your hair and any outer curls that are exposed to light.
Why Curl’s Love Curlsmith
Curlsmith’s mission is to bring curl confidence to everyone wanting to embrace their natural wavy, curly or coily hair. It is clear to see that UV can cause unwanted damage, but we are here to help you protect your hair from UV rays. Our high-quality, vegan and cruelty-free products are made with textured hair in mind and are packed with superfoods and free from ingredients that can be too harsh on curls. Our experienced team of experts are trusted authorities in hair care and on hand to help you achieve your healthiest hair yet with our Awestruck Definition Cream and styling products on your next wash day and beyond. If you want to find the perfect sustainable products to assist with this, take our curl quiz to receive personalised results.
