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Serious UV Damage to Hair Beyond the Face: What New UV Strategies Have Been Derived by "SOLAMY"
As temperatures gradually rise and the strong sunlight becomes noticeable, UV rays become a concern.
Even for those who are diligent in their UV protection, are they fully equipped to protect their hair?
This is where “SOLAMY” was born to safeguard hair from UV rays. This time, we spoke with Rio Ichigaya from I-ne CO., LTD., who is involved with beauty items like BOTANIST and YOLU, regarding current UV conditions and hair UV protection strategies.
PROFILE
Rio Ichigaya
I-ne CO., LTD.
SOLAMY Brand Manager
An Increasing Number of People Concerned about UV Damage more than Hair Coloring or Perms
Many people may feel that heat is becoming more extreme each year.In fact, there is a tendency for increased UV radiation yearly, along with reports of longer sunshine hours.
On the other hand, hair—said to be exposed to about three times more UV rays than the face［1］—has few corresponding products, and effective care isn’t widespread.
According to a hair damage awareness survey conducted by our company［2］, over half of the respondents are concerned about UV damage, and more people worry about hair sunburn (UV) damage than damage from coloring or perms.
This is attributed to the evolution of hair dyes and perm solutions incorporating care ingredients, which have reduced treatment-related damage compared to the past, while hair UV protection has not progressed much.
Negative Effects of UV Rays on Hair, Such as Dryness & Color Fading
While the harmful effects of UV rays on skin, like photoaging, are widely known, what kind of impact do they have on hair?“For example, sunburned skin dries out. Hair similarly experiences dryness when UV rays damage the cuticle, causing internal moisture levels to drop, leading to dryness, brittleness, and roughness.
"Additionally, it's mentioned that UV exposure to the scalp disrupts scalp health, hindering hair growth and can contribute to gray hair and hair loss.”
It's concerning that UV rays can even affect gray hair. So how can we protect our hair from the daily barrage of UV rays?
“I believe there are two main approaches. The first is to directly protect hair from UV rays. Wearing hats or using umbrellas, along with supplements that provide internal sun protection, are options.
"The second approach is restorative hair care. Hair comprises dead cells, meaning it does not regenerate like skin does. Therefore, moisturizing treatments or using out-of-bath items for damage care can be effective.”
What is the Trendy UV Protection Concept of “Sanification” Abroad?
Overseas, with the rising awareness of UV, the term “sanification” has emerged and become a trend.This refers to incorporating sun protection functions into skincare and makeup products to meet the needs of those who feel it’s cumbersome to apply dedicated sunscreen.
Utilizing the idea of sanification, the hair care brand SOLAMY was developed to provide UV care without increasing hassle.
The product lineup includes shampoos and treatments for after-care of UV damage, along with hair oils that directly block UV rays.
“All items utilize our proprietary ‘Shiny Damage Repair Formula.'
"It contains the hair-repairing ingredient ‘Shield Fullerene’［3］ that penetrates deeply into the hair to repair damage sustained throughout the day from dryness due to UV rays. Additionally, it features ‘Silk Protein’［4］, a key ingredient to suppress the decline in moisture retention, balanced uniquely in the formula.
“Moreover, to care for the often-dry scalp caused by UV exposure, it includes ‘Glycyrrhizic Acid 2K’ to maintain skin health, ‘Aloe Vera Leaf Extract’ for hydration to the scalp and hair, and moisturizing elements like ‘Moisturizing Vitamin C Derivative’［5］ and ‘Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid’ to address damaged hair.”
In the out-bath market, hair oil, which occupies the largest market share at 28%［6］, features the "UV Protect Hair Oil" infused with sunblock ingredients.
By equipping a popular hair oil with UV protection, it allows for regular styling while facilitating UV care.
"It's not just about cutting UV rays. Historically, adding UV-cut features often resulted in negatives like roughness and stickiness, making them inadequate as styling products.
"Thus, by carefully balancing the weight, thickness, and spread of each plant oil used in the formulation, we achieved a smooth and moisturizing finish. While maintaining UV protection, it was quite challenging to create a texture that is non-sticky and easy to apply during development."
Applying it is simple. Similar to regular hair oil, after blending the oil into the ends of your hair, it is effective to rub the oil that remains on your hands onto the crown of your head, which is more exposed to UV rays.
"There has been a growing awareness of the need for UV care for hair, but many people still do not know how to tackle this issue, and the market has previously offered few products to address this need.
"I hope customers first recognize the damage UV can cause to their hair and understand that products like 'SOLAMY' are available. I also aim to expand our product lineup in response to customer needs moving forward."
With increasing UV levels predicted year after year, it is indisputable that hair UV care, much like skin care, becomes essential. To maintain beautiful hair through the increasing UV levels in the coming seasons, I encourage you to reconsider your hair's UV care.
《Notes》
［1］I-ne Survey
［2］I-ne Survey (n=159)
［3］Fullerenes, γ-Dodecalactone (both hair repair ingredients)
［4］*Isostearoyl Hydrolyzed Silk (hair repair ingredient)
［5］3-Glycerin Ascorbic Acid
［6］ Source: "Intage SRI+(DRUG) [Monthly] Out-of-Bath Hair Care Market Sales Amount Share, January to December 2024"
Text by Junko Hayashida
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