Should you protect your hair from the sun?

In Knack Weekend, Dr Griet Voet adds nuance to the idea that hair is dead material. The visible hair shaft is not alive, but the hair follicle in the skin is. Because hair does not repair itself, it is vulnerable: UV radiation damages the outer layer, making hair drier, duller and coarser, and the colour fades. Most damage occurs in combination with salt water, chlorine and heat; light and chemically treated hair is the most sensitive.

Sun sprays and hair oils mainly limit drying out and colour loss, but their protection cannot be compared with sunscreen for the skin. There is no standardised measurement of UV protection for hair products. Dr Voet recommends checking the ingredients. A hat or scarf remains the best protection, especially for the scalp.

• A hat or scarf protects hair and scalp best.

• Don't expect hair sprays to protect like sunscreen does.

• Watch out for drying alcohols and strong fragrances in hair products.