How the Sun Supports Your Health and Hair

The irony in this post while writing: it has been raining for 4 days straight!!! So keep your hopes up that the sun will come out tomorrow!

There’s a quiet, radiant kind of joy that comes from standing in the warmth of the morning sun. You can feel your body soften. Your mind slows down. And something deep inside says, this is good.

We live in a culture that teaches us to fear the sun. To lather up with sunscreen, stay in the shade, and throw on big sunglasses anytime we step outside. But what if the sun isn’t the enemy? What if it’s exactly what we need?

As a mom, I know how tempting it is to protect ourselves and our kids from “too much sun.” We don’t want sunburns, and we’ve all heard the warnings. But the truth is—the sun isn’t what’s harming us. What’s causing damage is oxidation in our skin from polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) and the chemical stew found in most sunscreens. The sun itself? It’s a God-given life force that our bodies were designed to thrive in.

Your Hair and the Sun

One of the most overlooked benefits of sunshine is its impact on your hair. Healthy hair starts from within. And Vitamin D plays a major role in hair follicle health, growth, and strength. When you spend time outdoors, soaking up natural light (without sunscreen slathered over every inch of your skin), your body starts to produce its own Vitamin D—just as it was designed to do.

But here’s something most people don’t know: Your eyes play a critical role, too. When your eyes receive direct sunlight (yes, without sunglasses), it signals your brain to create more melanin and Vitamin D. Melanin isn’t just responsible for skin pigment—it’s also a natural protector that helps your body thrive in the sun. God really thought of everything.

The Real Risk: Not Enough Sun

Instead of worrying about too much sun, we should be more concerned about not getting enough. Low Vitamin D levels are linked to fatigue, weak immunity, mood swings, hormone imbalances, and yes—slower hair growth. So if you’ve been feeling low energy, brittle, or like your hair just isn’t what it used to be… your body might just be asking for a little more sunshine.

So What Can You Do?

• Ease into it: Start with 10–15 minutes of direct sun on your face and arms each morning.
• Skip the sunglasses when you can: Let your eyes “see” the sun, especially in the early hours when the light is soft.
• Ditch the chemical sunscreens: Look into mineral-based or non-toxic options that don’t block your body’s natural connection to the sun.
• Trust the design: Your body is equipped to be in the sun. When supported with nourishing food and a low-tox lifestyle, it knows how to thrive.

The next time you step outside, let yourself bask for a moment. Let the light touch your skin. Close your eyes and thank the One who made the sun to warm you, energize you, and give you life. Your body, your hair, and your spirit will thank you.