When most people think about sunbathing, they think about getting the best tan. But for some, the intense sun can change hair color as well. Hair photobleaching is when hair takes on a lighter hue after prolonged sun exposure.

Some people are more likely to have sun-bleached hair. But there are also ways that you can encourage this effect. In this article, you can learn all you need to know about why your hair gets lighter in the sun.

What Causes Hair Photobleaching?

Some people start the summer as brunettes. But by the end of the season, they are sporting a blonde look. And oddly enough, they did not need to spend a minute in the salon for that to happen. So let’s look at the ways that hair photobleaching can occur.

Exposure to Sunlight

There are a few reasons why a person’s hair can become blonder in the summer. The main reason has to do with the sun’s effect on melanin.

Melanin is a pigment that helps to determine the color of your hair and skin. When you expose your hair to the sun, that sunlight can have an effect on the melanin in your hair strands. The UV rays present in sunlight can cause the melanin in your hair to lose its color. That is what causes your hair to appear lighter.

Salt Water and Chlorine

Beyond copious amounts of sunlight, there are other summertime factors that can lighten your hair. After spending time in the sun, you will likely want to cool off. One of the best ways to do that is to go swimming.

Surprisingly, swimming is another source of sun-bleached hair. But it is not the act of swimming that makes this happen. Instead, it is the compounds in the water that affect your hair. Both chlorine and salty ocean water can have a lightening effect on your hair.

Genetics

One of the most significant factors in whether your hair will be sun-bleached is your genes. People of certain ethnicities are far more likely to experience hair photobleaching. Research shows that those of European descent are far more likely to have sun-bleached hair.