TLDR UV treatment can damage hair, so protection is advised.
The study investigated the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on hair in 20 patients with vitiligo undergoing UV treatment, compared to 10 healthy volunteers. It was found that UV exposure led to significant physical changes in hair appearance, with group 1 (psoralen plus UVA) showing more reduced hair follicle thickness and disorganized perifollicular collagen than group 2 (narrow band UVB). Transmission electron microscopy revealed nonspecific cell injury in hair follicles, particularly in group 1. The study concluded that UV treatment could damage hair, and patients should take precautions to protect their hair during such treatments.
59 citations
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January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology” 
5 citations
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March 2012 in “Microscopy Research and Technique” UVB radiation changes the chemical makeup and dries out human hair but doesn't alter its appearance or texture.
53 citations
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January 2009 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” UVB radiation harms hair growth and health, causing cell death and other changes in human hair follicles.
24 citations
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October 2008 in “PubMed” Excessive sun exposure damages hair, causing protein loss and color changes.
489 citations
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June 2005 in “The FASEB Journal” Human hair follicles can produce cortisol like the body's stress response system.
22 citations
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July 2004 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” UV radiation and visible light can damage hair, but there are ways to protect it.
47 citations
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April 2000 in “The American journal of pathology” Bcl-2 overexpression protects against UVB damage but worsens hair loss from chemotherapy.
106 citations
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July 2013 in “Advances in wound care” UV radiation can help sterilize wounds and promote healing but requires careful use to avoid damaging cells.
31 citations
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February 2019 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Caffeine applied to the scalp can protect hair follicles from UV damage.
281 citations
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January 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Manage vitiligo with treatments, address emotions, and use camouflage techniques.
7 citations
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April 2011 in “Expert review of dermatology” The document concludes that patients with skin of color need specialized dermatological care and education to manage unique skin conditions effectively.
5 citations
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December 2011 in “InTech eBooks” Eat antioxidant-rich foods, reduce fast food, and explore various treatments for vitiligo.
