Many people notice their hair lightens in the sun during summer, so it’s natural to wonder if sunbeds—with their concentrated UV rays—can do the same. The short answer is yes, sunbeds can lighten hair, but the process, results, and risks are different from natural sunlight. Let’s break down how it works, what to expect, and how to keep your hair healthy.
1. How Sunbeds Lighten Hair: The Science of Pigment and UV Rays
Hair color comes from a pigment called melanin, which is produced in the hair follicle. Sunbeds lighten hair by breaking down this melanin—here’s the step-by-step process:
UV Radiation Targets Melanin: Sunbeds emit UVA and UVB rays (just like the sun). UVA rays penetrate deep into the hair shaft, while UVB rays affect the outer layer. Both types break down the chemical structure of melanin.
Melanin Degrades Over Time: As melanin molecules break apart, they lose their ability to absorb light and reflect color. This makes the hair appear lighter—similar to how sunlight fades a dark shirt.
Results Depend on Hair Type: Darker hair (with more melanin) may lighten slightly to a warmer tone (e.g., brown to chestnut). Lighter hair (blonde, light brown) may see more noticeable lightening or even develop highlights. Gray or white hair, which has no melanin, won’t lighten further.
2. What to Expect: How Much Lightening and How Fast?
Sunbed-induced hair lightening isn’t instant—it takes time and depends on several factors. Here’s what’s typical:
Gradual Results: You won’t see lightening after one session. Most people notice a subtle change after 3–5 sessions (each 10–15 minutes long). Significant lightening (e.g., 1–2 shades) may take 2–3 weeks of regular sessions.
Mild to Moderate Lightening: Sunbeds rarely lighten hair more than 2 shades. They’re better for subtle brightening or enhancing natural highlights than for dramatic color changes (e.g., black to blonde).
Unevenness Possible: Hair that’s already damaged (from heat styling or dye) may lighten faster than healthy hair. This can lead to uneven color, especially if the hair is dry or brittle.
3. Risks: Why Sunbeds Are Hard on Hair
While sunbeds can lighten hair, they also damage it—sometimes significantly. Here are the key risks:
Dryness and Brittleness: UV rays strip the hair of its natural oils (sebum) and break down the cuticle (the outer protective layer of the hair shaft). This leaves hair dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
Color Fading (for Dyed Hair): If you have colored or bleached hair, sunbeds can fade the artificial dye faster than natural sunlight. This may turn dyed blonde hair brassy or make dark dye look dull.
Weakened Hair Structure: Over time, repeated UV exposure breaks down the hair’s protein (keratin), making it thin and weak. This can lead to split ends and hair loss (in severe cases).
4. Tips to Protect Hair While Using Sunbeds
If you want to lighten your hair with sunbeds but minimize damage, follow these steps:
Use a Hair Protectant: Apply a leave-in conditioner, hair oil (e.g., coconut oil, argan oil), or a UV-protective hair spray before each session. These products coat the hair shaft and lock in moisture.
Cover Hair Between Sessions: Wear a hat or scarf when outdoors to avoid extra UV exposure. This prevents over-drying and uneven lightening.
Limit Session Time and Frequency: Stick to 10–15 minute sessions, 2–3 times a week. Longer or more frequent sessions increase damage without boosting lightening results.
Deep Condition Regularly: After sunbed sessions, use a deep conditioning mask once or twice a week to replenish moisture and repair the cuticle.
Avoid Heat Styling: Skip blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons while using sunbeds—heat will worsen dryness and breakage.
5. Common Questions About Sunbeds and Hair Lightening
Q1: Can sunbeds lighten dyed or bleached hair?
Yes, but they often fade artificial color instead of creating a “natural” light look. Dyed hair may turn brassy (for blondes) or lose vibrancy (for dark colors). Bleached hair, which is already fragile, will become even drier and more prone to breakage.
Q2: Is sunbed lightening better than natural sunlight?
No—natural sunlight is gentler on hair. Sunbeds have concentrated UV rays that damage hair faster, while sunlight’s UV intensity is lower and more gradual. For subtle lightening, spending time outdoors (with hair protectant) is safer.
Q3: Can I use sunbeds to lighten my hair if it’s already damaged?
It’s not recommended. Damaged hair has a weakened cuticle, so UV rays will break it down further. This can lead to severe breakage or uneven color. Focus on repairing the hair first (with deep conditioning) before considering sunbeds.
6. Key Takeaways: Sunbeds and Hair Lightening
Sunbeds can lighten hair by breaking down melanin, but results are gradual, subtle, and hair-type dependent.
Sunbeds damage hair by drying it out, weakening its structure, and fading dyed color.
If you choose to use sunbeds for lightening, prioritize protection: use hair products with UV filters, limit sessions, and deep condition regularly.
For safer lightening, opt for natural sunlight (with protection) or salon treatments (e.g., highlights, balayage) that are designed to lighten hair without excessive damage.
Hair health should come first—subtle lightening isn’t worth brittle, broken hair.
If you’re looking for safer ways to lighten hair at home, I can create a list of DIY, UV-free hair lightening methods (using ingredients like lemon juice or honey) that are gentler on your hair. Would you find that useful?