Because
of the detrimental effects of excessive exposure to solar
ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on human skin health, wearable UVR detectors
have attracted more and more attention. Inspired by the artwork “Tian-tsui
hair pin with flora decoration” from the Palace Museum, a reversible
and photochromic peony-shaped hairpin is designed to realize the visualized
detection of solar UV radiation. It is prepared via electrospinning
a mixed solution containing thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) and
Zn-MOF@WO3 onto microfiber nonwoven fabrics (MFNFs). Because
of the enhanced UV responsive and photochromic capability from Zn-MOF@WO3 as well the excellent flexibility from TPUs and MFNFs, the
obtained hairpin presents an excellent photoresponsive and wearable
performance. When exposed to UV radiation from sunshine, the hairpin
switches from white to light blue and finally to blue with radiation
time. The colors light blue and blue can be used to indicate the UV
radiation doses for the synthesis of vitamin D and the induction of
erythema, respectively. With the assistance of oxygen in air, the
hairpin recovers to its original state after being maintained in a
dark atmosphere for 12 h. Even after six cycles of exposure to UV
radiation and recovery in the dark, the photochromic performance almost
remains unchanged. Only a minor reduction of 5% is observed. As a
traditional wearable headdress in China, the peony-shaped hairpin
prepared from the hybrid nanofibers not only presents oriental elegance
but also is suitable for cyclical use in the daytime to monitor UV
radiation for skin health management.