The vibrancy of your hair colour can fade or become dry with repeated UV exposure, including from sunbeds. However, simple steps like covering your hair, using a leave-in conditioner, and keeping it hydrated can help protect both the colour and condition.
If you’ve recently coloured your hair, it’s completely normal to wonder how sunbed sessions might affect it. Whether you’ve gone blonde, brunette, or opted for a brighter shade, keeping your colour fresh is just as important as looking after your skin.
The good news is, you can still enjoy indoor tanning, it just comes down to a few small adjustments that make all the difference over time.
Do Sunbeds Affect Hair Colour?
Yes, UV exposure can gradually affect hair over time.
This isn’t unique to sunbeds. It’s the same process that happens when hair is exposed to natural sunlight. Research shows that UV light can break down the pigments in both natural and dyed hair, leading to visible fading and changes in tone.
Source: Nature, 2023
In simple terms:
- UV light can weaken the colour molecules in your hair
- This can cause colour to fade or shift slightly
- Hair can also feel drier after repeated exposure
Some studies also show that UV exposure can affect the protein structure of hair, which contributes to dryness and a rougher texture over time.
Source: PMC, 2023
For a step-by-step guide on indoor tanning whilst protecting your hair, check out the best sunbed routine to follow.
Why Is Coloured Hair More Sensitive?
Treated hair tends to be more sensitive to UV exposure than natural, untreated hair.
This is because the colouring process slightly changes the outer layer of the hair strand. When this happens, hair can lose moisture more easily and the colour pigments inside the hair may fade faster when exposed to UV light.
In simple terms:
- The cuticle is opened slightly, so it can lose moisture more quickly and become porous, meaning the strands are more prone to dryness and colour fading.
- Dye molecules are more sensitive to UV exposure.
- Lighter or freshly coloured hair may show fading sooner.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science studies on photo damage in hair fibres highlight how UV exposure can contribute to colour fading and structural changes over time.
That’s why people with blonde, highlighted, or freshly coloured hair may notice changes more quickly if their hair is left unprotected during repeated UV exposure.
There’s also more recent studies confirming that this process can be slowed by using conditioners enriched with antioxidants, like grape seed extract, which help neutralise the free radicals generated by UV exposure and reduce the rate of colour fading.
Source: Science Direct, 2022
Ways to Protect Hair in a Sunbed
Cover Your Hair
Use a Leave-In Conditioner
Apply a Heat Protectant
Tie Your Hair Up
Avoid Heavy Styling Products
Keep Hair Hydrated Between Sessions
Does It Affect All Hair Colours the Same?
Not all hair reacts to UV exposure in the same way. The colour, pigment density, and previous chemical treatments can make a big difference in how quickly your hair shows signs of fading or damage.
| Blonde | Blonde strands are often more prone to tone changes, dullness, or yellowing because the lighter pigments are less dense and more vulnerable to oxidation. |
| Brunette | Darker hair tends to fade more gradually. The higher melanin content in brown hair provides a natural shield against some UV damage, so colour changes are usually slower. |
| Red or Brighter Colours | Red, pink, purple, or other vibrant colours are often the most fragile. Their pigments are larger and more chemically sensitive, so they tend to fade faster under UV light. |
| Bleached | Bleached or very light hair has the lowest pigment levels, making it highly sensitive. The hair cuticle is slightly more open from the bleaching process, which means moisture escapes faster and UV damage can occur more quickly. |
Can Sunbeds Damage Your Hair?
UV exposure doesn’t damage hair in the same way as bleach or heat styling, but over time it can:
- Dry the hair out
- Reduce shine
- Make strands feel more brittle
This is because UV light can affect both the pigment and the protein structure within the hair.
The key takeaway is that small, consistent protection steps can help prevent this. If you want to understand exactly how sunbeds work and why our high-quality bulbs make a difference to your tanning experience, find out more about what a sunbed is and how it works.
Do You Need to Cover Your Hair Every Session?
If your hair is coloured, it’s a good habit to get into.
Even occasional exposure can contribute to gradual fading, especially if you’re tanning regularly or preparing for a holiday.
Covering your hair is quick, easy, and one of the most effective ways to maintain your colour.
Simple Hair Care Routine for Regular Tanners
If you use sunbeds regularly, keeping your hair routine simple makes a big difference:
- Cover your hair during each session
- Use a leave-in colour conditioner before tanning
- Wash with a gentle, colour-friendly shampoo
- Deep condition once or twice a week
- Wear a hat when whilst out in the sun
*Swipe left to view the full infographic on mobile
Step 01
Cover your hair during each session
Use a UV-protective cap or towel to shield strands from direct UV exposure.
Step 02
Apply a leave-in colour conditioner
Work through damp hair before your session to lock in moisture and protect colour.
Step 03
Wash with a gentle, colour-friendly shampoo
Sulphate-free formulas cleanse without stripping your colour or natural oils.
Step 04
Deep condition once or twice a week
A weekly mask restores hydration and keeps hair soft, strong, and vibrant.
Step 05
Wear a hat when out in the sun
Ongoing UV protection outdoors is just as important as inside the salon.
These small steps help keep your hair feeling soft and your colour looking fresher for longer. As well as keeping your hair moisturised, using our tanning accelerators helps keep your skin hydrated and smooth, giving you a better overall tanning experience.
Plus, our sunbeds feature top-of-the-range bulbs, which means you can achieve a tan more quickly. Shorter sessions not only save time but also reduce UV exposure on your hair, helping to keep it conditioned and colour-rich for longer.
Protect Your Hair & Enjoy Your Tan
Looking after your hair while using a sunbed doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple habits, like covering your hair and keeping it well-conditioned, can help maintain both the look and feel of your hair over time.
If you’re ever unsure, the team at The SunShine Co. is always on hand to offer guidance during your visit. You can also find your nearest salon and speak to a member of the team for advice tailored to your routine.
