Lifestyle Desk

bdnews24.com

Published : 24 Aug 2025, 03:57 PM

Updated : 24 Aug 2025, 03:57 PM

In the rush of daily life, a hair dryer is often the quickest solution for wet hair.

For others, it is just as common to let damp hair dry on its own, or sit in gentle sunlight on rooftops, balconies, or in open yards, allowing sunlight to do its magic.

But does the sun’s heat help hair or does it, over time, leave its mark in damage?

SUNDRYING HAIR

Drying hair in the sun can be an effective and natural way to maintain its health.

“It protects the hair from excessive chemical or heat product damage,” said Farhana Rumi, CEO and cosmetologist at Zara’s Beauty Lounge and Fitness Center.

“Usually, using a hair dryer or straightener reduces the natural moisture of the hair, which causes hair breakage.”

By contrast, she explained, sunlight allows hair to dry naturally, avoiding the damaging heat of machines.

SOURCE OF VITAMIN D

Sunlight also helps the body produce vitamin D, a nutrient that plays a vital role in hair growth, as well as in maintaining bone and skin health.

“Drying hair in the light sun is beneficial,” Farhana said.

“However, excessive sun exposure is harmful to hair.”

RETAINS MOISTURE AND SHINE

Drying hair in the sun helps retain natural moisture.

Heat styling, by comparison, reduces natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle.

Sunlight can also reduce frizz and help preserve natural shine.

“Drying hair in the sun a few times a week can be a good habit to maintain the natural shine of the hair even during busy times,” Farhana said.

PRECAUTIONS

Experts, however, caution against overexposure.

“Leaving it in direct sunlight for a long time can increase the dryness of the hair. It can damage hair colour and protein. Especially the midday sun in summer is harmful to the hair,” Farhana said.

Safer times, she noted, are in the early morning between 8am and 10am or late afternoon between 4pm and 5pm.

Light conditioner or oil may also help preserve protein and moisture, and exposure should be limited to 20 to 30 minutes.

BENEFITS MAY VARY

Not all hair types respond the same way to sunlight.

Oily hair

Oily hair may benefit, since mild sun can reduce excess oiliness.

Dry hair

Dry hair, however, is more vulnerable to damage and should be exposed only to softer light.

Curly hair

Curly hair may retain its natural shape with sun drying, but only if the time is limited.

A COST-EFFECTIVE CHOICE

Sun drying is not only gentle on hair, it is also environmentally friendly.

Reducing reliance on electric dryers cuts down on energy use and lowers costs over time.

It also minimises the damage caused by excessive heat styling.

Yet, prolonged or unprotected exposure can do more harm than good, experts warn.