An estimated 40 percent of Brits experience sunburn while on holiday, and with temperatures set to soar across popular European holiday destinations, they’ll need to ramp up their sun protection efforts.
But while you may be worried about your face, back, and other areas typically vulnerable to sunburn, you should also take care to protect your scalp. Sunburn on this area can be particularly painful and itchy and has even been linked to temporary hair loss.
Here’s how to spot the common causes and symptoms of sunburn-inflicted scalp itchiness, how to treat it and how to avoid it.
Post-sunburn itchy scalp
Scorching temperatures and prolonged sun exposure will likely cause many people to experience the uncomfortable aftermath of a sunburnt scalp. 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 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, which can further irritate the burn and cause more flaking, even potentially leading to infection.
How to treat a sunburnt scalp
If you’re suffering a scalp sunburn, there’s no need to panic. But you will need to give your scalp a bit of TLC with soothing and gentle treatments to avoid further irritation.
Unfortunately, this means foregoing hot showers in favour of lukewarm or cool water.
You should also switch your products to 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.
You can also apply aloe vera 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.
How to avoid sunburns on your scalp
The best way to deal with scalp burns is to prevent them from happening all together.
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.
UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, so make sure to take breaks from the sun and stay in the shade where possible.
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.
Your locks may also feel or look damaged after excessive sun exposure, so it’s important to take care of them too. 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.
You should also take a break from heat styling and minimise direct sun exposure to help your lengths recover.