Sunnier days have been more common than not these days. This had us curious about how the sun benefits our hair. We’ve heard a lot about how too much of it can be damaging for our scalp and strands, but we wanted to know if it offered any assistance on our locks we may not have known about. Turns out, there are a few ways the sun benefits our hair without causing too much harm. Keep reading to find out what they are!
1. It helps with hair growth.
The sun, as you may know, offers up vitamin D, which is largely beneficial for so many reasons. When it comes to hair specifically, it helps create new hair follicles. Many turn to heliosis, otherwise known as exposure to the sun, to promote hair growth.
It should be noted that there is such a thing as overexposure, so you want to make sure you don’t overdo it. Most experts recommend soaking up the midday rays of the sun for at least 10 to 30 minutes every day.
(Image Source: Unsplash / Gian Cescon)
2. It has been known to treat hair loss.
Similar to the above point, another hair benefit the sun offers is treating hair loss. Again, vitamin D has been known to stimulate hair growth, thus preventing hair loss.
Spending some time outdoors can obviously help with this, so much as you don’t let yourself fry. When the sun isn’t shining, you can also add some vitamin D into your system through your diet. Eating foods like fish, egg yolks, and cheese that are rich in the nutrient can help you get what you need on a regular basis.
3. It treats acne and fungal infections on the scalp.
The sun’s UV rays are known for being pretty harmful, but in the right dose, they can help treat acne and fungal infections on the scalp. It tends to relieve these symptoms by slowing the growth of skin cells.
Don’t take this as a sign to spend hours in the sun without sunscreen to help this annoying problem. Instead, limit your sun exposure from 10 to 30 minutes each day, and be sure to take necessary precautions.
(Image Source: Unsplash)
4. It may allow you to lighten your strands.
Unlike the above benefits, this isn’t a health-related benefit the sun offers. Instead, it’s something that’s more fun to note. With a little help from some lemon, honey, or apple cider vinegar, you can have brighter strands after a few days in the sun.
Be sure you do this safely, however. Don’t stay out in the sun for too long and follow all the directions on lightening your hair with whichever method you choose to ensure you don’t do too much damage to your locks.