July 14, 2025, 5:51 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The scalp is particularly exposed to sunlight, often without protection, as few people think to apply sunscreen to their part. STYLEBOOK explains how you can prevent sunburn on your scalp—and how to treat it if it does occur.
A sunburn on the scalp initially manifests as redness. It burns, stings, and can be quite painful; sometimes the skin peels after a few days. A burn causes significant stress to the scalp, sometimes even after the acute sunburn has healed. The affected area may suffer from nutrient deficiency due to drying out, which can lead to hair loss.
Overview
In general, sunburns anywhere on the body are not harmless. The inflammation, which can penetrate deeper skin layers, accelerates skin aging and can, in the worst case, promote the development of cancer. “It’s important to raise awareness that the scalp also needs protection from sunburn,” emphasizes dermatologist Dr. Timm Golüke.
Sunburn on the Scalp–Prevention Tips
Thick, full hair that generously covers the scalp offers at least some protection against sunburn. However, UV rays can easily penetrate through thinning hair or certain hairstyles.
Sunscreen and Sun Protection Spray
For those with bald heads or undercuts, the case is clear: They should thoroughly apply sunscreen to their scalp. For protecting the skin under or between the hair, oil-free and transparent textures are more suitable. These are available in spray form.
Avoid Parting
In strong sunlight, it’s best to avoid a middle or strict side part. Alternatively, change the position of the part occasionally so that one area of skin is not constantly exposed to the sun. Fortunately, many beautiful hairstyles work well in summer heat (such as buns and ponytails) without a part.
Head Covering
A fabric cloth (such as a bandana) for head covering is a good idea, but it does not offer comprehensive protection. With ordinary textiles, the sun protection factor (SPF) is about 15, warns the dermatologist. “There are special sun hats with SPF 50 for that.”
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What Helps With Sunburn on the Scalp?
Proper Treatment for Sunburn on the Scalp
Treating a sunburn on the scalp is quite similar to treating it on the rest of the body:
Drink Plenty
The burned skin lacks moisture. Therefore, ensure an adequate intake of water or other unsweetened beverages—this is advisable during hot summer temperatures anyway.
Cooling
The classic home remedies that have a cooling, soothing effect on sunburns elsewhere on the body work just as well on the scalp. Apply curd and yogurt to a damp linen cloth and place it on the affected area.
Medications
Depending on the severity of the sunburn, medications can help alleviate the inflammation and improve the situation from within. Dr. Golüke recommends aspirin or ibuprofen, depending on tolerance. “For local application, there are cortisone-containing creams and foams,” he adds.
See a Doctor
If a sunburn is accompanied by diffuse symptoms like fever and severe headaches, home treatment may not be sufficient. This is especially true if the skin develops large blisters that do not heal. The risk of sunstroke is particularly high with a scalp sunburn. In case of suspicion: Please consult a doctor.