“Temperatures are set to reach over 35 degrees Celsius across parts of the UK today, and while many Brits will be generously applying suncream to their body and ramping up their sun protection efforts, an often forgotten location that can result in painful sunburn is your scalp.
“Sunburn in this area can be particularly painful and itchy, and has even been linked to temporary hair loss in extreme cases, so it’s essential to keep your scalp protected during intense heat and sunlight.
“It’s easy to overlook your scalp when protecting your skin from sunburn, but it’s actually just as vulnerable to burning as the rest of your body. It’s particularly susceptible to UV damage as the skin is thinner on the scalp and typically receives more direct sun exposure.
“When you burn your scalp, the skin’s moisture barrier is compromised, which is what causes dryness and flakiness before peeling which can be incredibly uncomfortable and irritating.
“The most common symptoms of a sunburn scalp include redness, tenderness and a persistent itch that can be difficult to soothe. A burnt scalp may also feel hot to the touch and be sensitive when attempting to brush or wash your hair.
“Flakiness, which can be mistaken for dandruff, is often the result of a peeling sunburn scalp which can be uncomfortably itchy but resist the urge to scratch that itch as this can further irritate the burn and cause more flaking, even potentially leading to infection.
How to avoid scalp sunburns and treat them
#1 Shield your scalp from the sun
“Prioritise protecting your scalp from excessive sun exposure by wearing a hat to physically shield it from harmful UV rays.
“If, however, you want to wear your locks loose, try applying hair products with built-in UV protection. These can provide an extra layer of protection to minimise the risk of sunburn and damage to both your scalp and your locks.
#2 Hydrate your scalp
“Keep your scalp hydrated and moisturised, especially after sun exposure. Leave-in conditioners and hydrating scalp treatments help maintain a healthy moisture barrier, which will minimise dryness and flaking caused by irritation.
“Frizziness, breakage and changes in texture can all be signs of UV damage, but you can restore your mane by applying a hair mask to the mids and ends of your hair.
#3 Take breaks from heat
“UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, so make sure to take breaks from the sun and stay in the shade where possible.
#4 Avoid hot showers
“Not only can hot showers be painful for sunburns, but they can also be irritating and cause peeling and high sensitivity.
“Instead, rinse your scalp and hair under lukewarm or cool water to soothe it.
#5 Use fragrance-free products
“Switch out your haircare products for sulphate and fragrance-free shampoos rich with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil to cleanse the scalp without angering the inflammation.
“It’s important to avoid stripping the scalp of its natural oils which will help to maintain moisture and reduce dryness which can cause flaking and itchiness.
#6 Opt for soothing treatments
“Aloe vera can be applied directly to the scalp to help cool and hydrate the area and soothe inflammation.
“Raw coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids and can improve blood circulation in the scalp, can also provide deep moisturisation to restore the inflamed skin barrier.
“Alternatively, you can treat the burn with a chamomile tea rinse, as it has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated skin.
“If the inflammation and itchiness persist, you may need to apply an over-the-counter steroid cream to reduce swelling and provide itch relief. Some pharmacies may also stock specially formulated scalp treatments that target itchiness.”
Comments by Nicole Petty, Hair Expert at Milk + Blush
