Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Do you have sunburn on the scalp? I have a few tips on how to treat sunburn on the scalp and to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Check it out!
Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to direct sunlight. It is quite common to apply SPF to your body before leaving the house. Be it a sunny day or a beach day, it is necessary to use SPF. The only question is – How can you stop your scalp from sunburn?
The scalp is exposed to sunlight, and it gets difficult to take care of it. There are various ways in which you can make sure that your scalp is safe from sunburn. So, in this article, I will talk about how to prevent and treat sunburn on the scalp. Let’s go!
Key Takeaways:
- Sunburn on the scalp is a real concern, especially with direct sun exposure.
- The scalp, like any other part of the skin, is susceptible to sunburn, particularly for those with thinning hair or bald spots.
- Identifying sunburn on the scalp can be challenging due to hair coverage, but symptoms include redness, tenderness, and even blistering in severe cases.
- Prevention methods include wearing hats or scarves, applying sunscreen to exposed areas, opting for protective hairstyles, avoiding peak sun hours, and minimizing heat styling tools.
- If sunburn does occur, treatments like cold showers, cold compresses, aloe vera gel application, hydration, pain management, and avoiding sun exposure aid in healing and relief.
Is It Possible To Get Sunburn On Scalp?
Absolutely, it is possible to get sunburn on your scalp. The scalp is just like any other part of your skin, and it’s susceptible to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
This is particularly true for individuals with thinning hair, bald spots, or partings that expose the scalp directly to the sun.
Without sufficient protection, such as wearing a hat or applying sunscreen, the scalp can become sunburned, leading to symptoms like redness, tenderness, and in severe cases, blistering and peeling.
Those with full heads of hair aren’t completely shielded either; UV rays can penetrate through to the scalp, especially if the hair is fine or light-colored.
It’s important to remember that UV exposure can occur even on cloudy days or in the winter, so protection is always necessary when spending extended periods outdoors.
Specialized scalp sunscreens are available in the form of sprays, powders, and lotions that are designed not to leave a greasy residue in your hair.
Applying these products, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade are effective strategies to prevent scalp sunburn and protect your overall skin health.
How To Identify Sunburn on Scalp?
Identifying sunburn on the scalp can be slightly more challenging than on other parts of the body due to hair coverage, but there are clear signs to look for.
The most common symptom is redness on the scalp, which may feel tender or sensitive to the touch. You might experience a sensation of tightness, and the area can be itchy or painful, similar to sunburn on exposed skin.
In more severe cases, the scalp may exhibit signs of blistering or peeling a few days after the initial sun exposure.
Additionally, you may notice that brushing or combing your hair becomes uncomfortable.
If your scalp feels unusually warm after being in the sun, and you observe any of these symptoms, it’s likely that you have sunburn on your scalp.
It’s essential to treat the affected area gently and protect it from further UV exposure to facilitate healing.
How to prevent sunburn on the scalp?
Wear protective gear like hats or scarves
One of the best ways to protect your scalp is to wear a hat. Even on a non-sunny day, the ultraviolet radiation can harm your skin.
You can opt for a baseball cap, a wide-brimmed hat, or any sort of hat that covers your whole head.
If you don’t like wearing one, you can always pick up an umbrella, take cover in the shade, or walk on the street where there is shade on a hot sunny day.
Apply a sunscreen on exposed areas
You must be thinking – Sunscreen for the scalp? Well, it does exist. If you have thin hair or your scalp is exposed more than usual, you can apply sunscreen. This will prevent your scalp from getting sunburnt.
There are plenty of sunscreens available on the market. The ones including oils with UVA/UVB protection will do the task. It won’t leave your hair greasy.
Moreover, it will even protect your hair from color fade. I recommend using SPF 30 if you are going to stay in the sun for a longer time. If you are on an average outing, you can always go for SPF 15.
One of the products that you should use is COOLA Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist. It consists of Gotu Kola extracts that improve microcirculation in the scalp for overall scalp health and nutrition.
It also has Monoi oil that offers natural UV protection and improves the shine and condition of dry and damaged hair. It is lightweight and non-greasy.
Try out some protective hairstyles
Changing your hairstyle can help you cover up the scalp. If you do not like wearing hats and want to still cover your scalp, go for a ponytail, updo, or bun.
This will not only cover your scalp. If you can, carry a comb or hairbrush, and make sure to brush your hair and change your hairstyle now and then.
This is because your hair tends to lose its shine and becomes weak as well when exposed to direct sunlight.
Avoid going out at peak hours
Did you know that the sun is strongest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.? This is when you need to avoid going out.
During this time, the sun is at its brightest and can affect your skin as well as your scalp. I recommend not scheduling anything at this hour. If you can, plan your event early in the morning or late afternoon.
If, by any chance, you end up staying out during these hours, make sure you find proper shade. Stand beneath the trees or walk on the shady side of the street. All of these measures will help you prevent sunburn.
Avoid using excessive heat styling tools
It is important for you to avoid using excessive heat via curling rods, straighteners, etc. This damages the keratin of your hair, leaving it open to sunlight. It damages your hair and leaves it bleached and brittle.
If you are using a blow-dry, make sure to use it in a cool setting, avoiding any sort of heat treatment.
Check for coal tar in your shampoos
It is necessary for you to check for coal tar in your shampoos. In some of the dandruff shampoos, the ingredients include coal tar.
It makes your scalp more sensitive to sunlight. Make sure you read the back of your shampoo before buying it.
How to treat sunburn on the scalp
If, by any chance, you get sunburn on your scalp, you need not worry. I have got you covered. There are ways in which you can feel better. Before I dive into the ways to treat it, let us find out how to know if you have a sunburnt scalp.
Look for the following symptoms!
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Feels hot to touch
- Pain
- Extreme cases – blisters
If you feel the above-mentioned symptoms, I have treatments for you. Just note that if it gets serious, you should consult a doctor.
Cold shower
The best way in which you can soothe your sunburnt scalp is with a cold shower. Hop into the shower a few minutes after you come from the outside.
Make sure you do not stand under the shower for a long time. If you do so, your skin will dry out. Moreover, avoid using dandruff shampoo as it can worsen the condition.
If you want to rinse your hair, you can use sulfate-free shampoo.
Cold Compress
You can opt for a cold compress to get relief from the burning sensation. Avoid applying direct ice to your scalp; it does more harm than good.
You can make a cold compress at home by using a sealable bag. Fill it with ice water and remove the air before sealing it.
Once done, wrap it up in a damp towel and use it on your scalp. Do it a couple of times throughout the day. You can also do more than that, depending on the sunburn.
Use Aloe Vera Gel
It is a given fact that aloe vera gel is a solution to most body problems. You can use it to treat sunburn. The anti-inflammatory property allows the gel to provide you with relief and also heal the scalp.
Let the scalp heal and then apply the gel. I recommend that you use Oars + Alps After Sun Cooling Spray. This spray includes aloe vera, niacinamide, and kukui oil that not only heals the scalp but also hydrates it.
Additionally, it is lightweight and has great fragrance. You can buy it here!
Take painkillers
If the pain gets unbearable, you can consult a doctor and go for a painkiller. It will make the pain go away and also control the inflammation. It is advised that you get a proper prescription from a professional before taking one.
Don’t touch the blisters
Sometimes there are severe cases of sunburn that can cause you to get blisters. If you do so, you need to leave it alone.
Popping one or even touching one can cause immense pain and might worsen the case. If you are applying any product, avoid that area.
It will take some time but will eventually heal by itself. If you find blisters, it means you have a second-degree burn. It is advised to wear a hat and avoid further exposure of it to the sun.
Drink a Lot of Water
You must be wondering how drinking water can help you with sunburn. When you are sunburnt, the area pulls the fluids from the skin’s surface.
This will make you dehydrated, and drinking water in an adequate amount will help your skin to heal. Increase the intake of water and electrolytes to ensure that your skin is hydrated.
Want to know if you are hydrated or not? Just check the color of your urine. If it is light yellowish or white, you are hydrated. Anything beyond that means you need to increase the amount of water you drink.
Avoid going out in the sun
Lastly, you need to avoid going out in the sun if you have a sunburnt scalp. If you do want to go out, as stated before, use a hat and apply sunscreen.
Always try to find shade to ensure that you are not under direct sunlight. Carry your water bottle and stay hydrated. Avoid peak hours and find a suitable time to step out of your house.
Give your scalp some time to heal before you are out and about.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Summary on Protecting Scalp From Sunburns
Sunburn on the scalp can be irritating and painful. You need to take extra care to ensure that your skin heals from sun damage.
There are plenty of ways to prevent and treat sunburn. One of the most important things to do to prevent it is to wear hats.
Not only will it cover your scalp, but it will also protect your hair as well. You can also opt for protective hairstyles to prevent exposure of the scalp to the sun.
If by chance you do get a sunburn, you can treat it with a cold shower and cold compress.
In order to avoid dehydration from sunburn, you should drink plenty of fluids. Finally, stay out of the sun unless absolutely necessary, and cover up if you must.
Also Read:
How To Protect Hair And Scalp From Sun
How To Prevent Your Scalp From Itching After Hair Coloring
How To Treat Scabs On Scalp From Bleach
To Summarize
