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.