Why does the hair turn red from the sun?

Those of you who often or like to linger outside the room may realize that hair color is not as dark as it used to be. From what was originally jet black, now it is brownish red similar to the color of copper. Curious, huh, why does the hair turn red after being in the sun?

The cause of the hair color turns brownish red after being exposed to the sun

Hair is made of a special protein called keratin, and grows in tiny pockets called follicles that are embedded in the scalp.

Inside the follicle, the living hair cells continue to divide to form the hair shaft. Meanwhile, the follicles also produce melanin to create the color of the hair shaft. The more melanin you produce, the darker your hair will be.

The hair shaft will then continue to grow sticking out of the scalp and extending until it looks like the hair that is on your head now. The process of coloring and hair growth is assisted by the flow of fresh blood from the heart which carries oxygen and nutrients to the follicles.

Well, sun exposure can destroy melanin cells in the hair shaft. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun will "burn" the melanin, which previously carried the black pigment, to a reddish brown like rust color. This combustion process is called oxidation.

Simply put, the color of the hair turns red is due to the "burnt" of the hair shaft after being exposed to the sun so that the melanin content in it is very little.

Hair can also get tangled from the sun

When exposed to the sun's ultraviolet radiation, not only the hair color changes but also the texture. Sun radiation can also destroy the structure of keratin, making your hair easily tangled and difficult to manage.

Inside the hair, there are clusters of compounds called thiols. When hair is continuously exposed to sunlight, the thiol will be oxidized and turn into sulfonic acid. As a result, the hair sticks to one another, aka tangled. In fact, the thiol substance itself functions to make hair texture smooth and smooth.

How to prevent hair discoloration due to the sun

Do not be afraid that your hair will turn red because you have been exposed to the sun for long, outdoor activities!

There are several things you can do to prevent sun damage to your hair. Here are some suggestions from dr. Wilma Bergfeld, Cleveland Clinic dermatologist:

1. Treat your hair with conditioner frequently after shampooing to prevent further damage to your hair.
2. Look for a conditioner that suits your hair type and problem. If you like activities in the sun, Dr. Bergfeld recommends using a conditioner with a formula volumizing so that the hair is not limp and greasy quickly
3. As much as possible go out of the house early in the morning, or even in the evening before Maghrib when the sun is already dim.
4. Wear a hat or umbrella to protect your hair from getting into the sun and turning red.
5. Until now, there is no sunscreen or sunscreen especially for hair, but you can use one heat protectant spray to protect hair from hot weather.