Ultraviolet Survival for Hair and Scalp

Author: Zhang Yue, attending physician of the Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University

Reviewer: Wu Wenyu, Chief Physician, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University

Hello everyone, my name is Xiaomao. Since I opened my eyes on this vast "land", I have been growing up together with my brothers and sisters. According to my eldest brother, this "land" is called "scalp" in human vocabulary, and we are the indispensable part of their appearance modification - "hair". In this environment full of love and challenges, we not only shoulder the mission of adding elegance to our masters, but also have to cling to this "land" that nourishes our lives.

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The scalp, this seemingly ordinary yet extraordinary "land", is the foundation of our survival. The careful care of the owner, such as regular washing and care, allows us to become more resilient in a clean and healthy environment. Every time the fresh shampoo gently brushes over, it is like a bubble bath, making us more vibrant. However, like everything in the world, the road to growth is always accompanied by pain and joy. High-temperature curling irons, chemical-smelling dyes, and inadvertent pulling have silently taken the lives of many brothers and sisters. Those nights that made us feel tormented, or accompanied by the owner's anxiety and pressure, or accompanied by the owner's revelry and indulgence, also quietly affected our health, and many partners also "left the team sadly" because of this.

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Fortunately, our owner gradually realized our plight and began to adjust his lifestyle to reduce the damage to us. This gave us a chance to breathe, and our big home gradually regained its former vitality. But new challenges followed, that is, the omnipresent sunlight above our heads during the day. Whenever the sun is high, the strong ultraviolet rays are like an invisible sword, making many brothers and sisters look exhausted and lose their former luster. I often wonder why the owner actively applies sunscreen and wears sun protection equipment to other parts of the body, but ignores the top of the head?

My elder brother told me that we are the natural guardians of the scalp, and this is the mission given to us by our master. But I couldn't help but ask myself: "When the number of guardians is shrinking, how can we continue to uphold this responsibility?" As part of the human body, the scalp and hair are also threatened by ultraviolet rays, and even bear stronger radiation due to their special location. Ultraviolet rays not only take away the moisture and nutrients of the hair, causing dryness and split ends, but also may destroy the ecological balance of the scalp, and sometimes cause various skin diseases. In severe cases, solar keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and even skin tumor diseases such as melanoma may occur. Protecting the scalp and hair from ultraviolet rays is crucial to maintaining the health of the entire ecosystem.

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In fact, we don't ask for much. We just need to use a wide-brimmed sun hat or a sun umbrella to provide us with a shade when the sun is strong. Choosing a sun hat with high density and dark color, or an umbrella with a sunscreen coating, can more effectively block ultraviolet rays and provide a solid barrier for the scalp. In addition to physical sun protection measures, technological progress has also brought new possibilities for our protection. Some sunscreen sprays and lotions are designed specifically for hair. They are light and non-greasy. They can build an invisible line of defense for our home without adding burden, effectively resisting the damage of ultraviolet rays. In addition, conditioners in daily care can add a layer of protective film to our home after each washing, like a layer of invisible armor, enhancing our resistance. Adjustment of lifestyle is also an important part of protecting us. Pay attention to a balanced diet and consume foods rich in antioxidants, which can help resist the damage of free radicals and enhance our and scalp's defense capabilities from the inside out. Appropriate exercise and adequate sleep are not only beneficial to the overall health of the owner, but also indirectly promote blood circulation in the scalp, creating a more favorable environment for our growth. If we want to protect ourselves further, we can take photoprotectants containing ingredients such as beta-carotene orally to enhance our resistance to UV rays from within and make us more resilient.

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For the sake of my master's beauty and health, I sincerely hope that my master can hear my call, take action, and hold up a protective umbrella for our "little world", keeping us away from the intrusion of ultraviolet rays, allowing beauty and health to go hand in hand, and become my master's proudest decoration.