What steps can be taken to treat sunburn on the scalp?

When we think of sunburns, we mainly picture our shoulders, back, or face. However, the scalp is also a delicate area that’s far too often overlooked when it comes to sun protection. Its direct exposure to sunlight, combined with the fact that hair doesn’t always provide adequate coverage, makes it a prime target for ultraviolet rays.

Some individuals are particularly at risk. This applies to children, whose thinner skin burns more quickly than that of adults. Infants under 12 months should in fact never be directly exposed to the sun. Fair-skinned phototypes (I to III) are also more vulnerable, as their skin contains less melanin—the pigment that acts as a natural filter against UV radiation. This is further compounded in individuals with thinning hair or partial to complete baldness, where the physical protection provided by hair is reduced. The risk of sunburn on the scalp can also be intensified by certain medications or hair-care treatments containing exfoliating acids (AHAs or BHAs), which increase photosensitivity.

When sunburn occurs on the scalp, the skin turns red, becomes sensitive, and can even be painful. Since this area is covered by hair, applying the appropriate care is not always straightforward. Nevertheless, certain measures can help soothe inflammation and promote skin repair.

The initial response is to gently cool the area. A rinse with lukewarm to slightly cool water (avoiding ice-cold water that would exacerbate irritation) or the application of a cold compress helps soothe the sensation of heat. It is then advisable to apply hydrating and soothing scalp treatments, such as those containing aloe vera or panthenol, which support the regeneration of the skin barrier. We recommend choosing lightweight products to avoid excessively greasing the roots.

To soothe sunburns on the head, thermal water mists or hydrosols can be used as complementary treatments to provide an immediate calming effect. However, it is preferable to avoid any potentially irritating products, such as anti-dandruff shampoos, essential oils, or alcohol-based lotions, which could intensify the burn. For a few days, it’s also best to avoid using heat-styling tools, like blow dryers or straighteners, to prevent exacerbating inflammation.

If the sunburn is severe – with blisters or signs of infection on the head or fever – a medical evaluation is necessary. The physician can then prescribe a wound-healing cream based on corticosteroids or another treatment to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.

Note : Most sunburns of the first degree take at least one week to heal. In contrast, more severe sunburns can take weeks or even months to heal.

If treating a sunburn on the scalp requires patience and appropriate care, the best strategy, of course, remains prevention.

The wearing a hat or cap is the most reliable way to prevent sunburn. Thick fabrics and broad brims offer optimal protection, particularly during prolonged outdoor exposure. For individuals with thinning hair or baldness, this precaution is essential, as the lack of scalp coverage significantly increases the risk of sunburn on the scalp.

The application of a scalp-specific sunscreen is another effective solution. Lightweight sun sprays, often formulated to prevent the hair from becoming greasy, are available and enable protection of the skin without leaving a sticky residue. This step is particularly recommended for sensitive areas such as the hair parting, where the skin is directly exposed.

Finally, seek shade and avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hottest hours (between 11 AM and 4 PM) as additional effective measures to prevent sunburn on the scalp.

• MAIBACH H. & al. Management of acute sunburn. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2012).

• DALTON E. & al. Keys to sunburn treatment and prevention. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association (2021).

• RAN Y. & al. Acute sunburn presents with scalp edema: A case report and literature review. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine (2022).

• BAZYLKO A. & al. The potential of medicinal plants and natural products in the treatment of burns and sunburn – A review. Pharmaceutics (2023).