Meaning ❉ Photoprotection Melanin refers to the inherent natural pigmentation within hair strands, a gentle, built-in shield particularly notable in Black and mixed-race hair. This melanin offers a foundational, albeit partial, defense against environmental stressors like solar ultraviolet radiation, which can affect hair protein structures and moisture balance. Understanding this natural capacity is a foundational step in truly knowing one’s textured hair, guiding growth knowledge beyond surface-level observations. It informs the systematization of hair care routines, prompting the inclusion of external protective measures to supplement melanin’s role, much like adding layers to a well-ordered system. For practical application, recognizing melanin’s protective qualities means consciously integrating practices and products that further mitigate sun exposure, ensuring hair health and vitality remain paramount. This nuanced awareness helps us move toward comprehensive hair stewardship, acknowledging both what is given and what is needed for enduring vibrance.
