Meaning ❉ The understanding of UV protection for hair, especially textured strands, traces back further than modern science might suggest, rooted in ancestral practices of shielding delicate coils from harsh sun. Initially, protection relied on practical wisdom: covering hair with wraps or applying natural emollients to maintain moisture and resilience against environmental stressors. As scientific comprehension grew, it became clear that ultraviolet rays, while often associated with skin, also cause photodegradation in hair’s protein structures, leading to dryness, brittleness, and color alteration. For textured hair, this history reveals a unique nuance: while melanin offers skin protection, hair fibers themselves, regardless of color, remain susceptible to structural weakening and moisture depletion from prolonged sun exposure. This evolving knowledge has gently guided the systematization of hair care, moving from reactive remedies to proactive, automation-like principles in routines, where protective measures become a foundational step. Today, the practical application of this historical journey means consciously incorporating UV-filtering ingredients and physical barriers into daily regimens, ensuring Black and mixed-race hair retains its vitality and unique beauty under the sun’s gentle gaze.
