It was thought for a long time that the scalp does not suffer from the sun because it is protect by hair. But now dermatologists have a different approach: they believe the scalp is more vulnerable to UV rays. People often forget about protecting this skin area; in the meantime, the scalp is almost constantly subject to direct (the most dangerous) sun rays falling on the head almost perpendicular.
How to treat scalp sunburn?
Sometimes excessive carelessness and the desire to sunbathe at an emerald pool can lead to tragic consequences. A lotion with SPF helps create a luxurious tan and protects from burns, but it does not protect one important area – the scalp.
Scalp sunburn can be treated in the same manner as the sunburn of any other body part. Of course, you can use yogurt and aloe gel. This will save you, but the problem is that the hair will remain greasy and ugly. So we offer a few ways to treat scalp sunburn.
Washing your hair
The scalp affected by the sun is itchy, scaly, and red. You can even mistakenly take these as the symptoms of dandruff and perhaps try to wash your hair with a shampoo for dandruff. Doing this is undesirable because the chemicals contained in these shampoos can cause even more irritation.
Burnt scalp is dehydrated and in need of moisture, so washing can be a good idea. However, the shampoo should be gentle and moisturizing.
A hair mask
You will help your skin if you use a mask with good moisturizing properties immediately after the burn.
Green tea
In the first 24 hours after the sunburn, you can rinse the scalp with green tea and apply compresses with green tea. Boil a couple of tea bags and let the drink get cool. After you wash your hair with shampoo, pour cooled green tea on the scalp and hair. Leave it on the hair for 5 minutes and then rinse it. Antioxidants contained in green tea will soothe the scalp and ease itching and flaking.
Apple vinegar
This recipe of rinsing is known to many, but few people realize that the composition can soothe sun-damaged scalp as well. Mix apple vinegar and water in the ratio of 1:1 and rinse the hair after shampoo. In addition to the treatment of burns, this mixture gives the hair shine and smoothness.
Milk compress
One of the most effective anti-burn remedies for the scalp is a milk compress. Take 2%-fat milk and chill it well in the freezer. Soak a sponge or a washcloth in it and apply to the scalp for 5 minutes. Dermatologists use this recipe even for the treatment of chemical burns. Enzymes and proteins contained in milk promote the healing of inflammation and skin damages.
Styling in case of a scalp sunburn
The worst thing you can do when you get a burned scalp is to continue styling your hair and fixing the hair with a dryer and hair lacquer. This will only increase the pain and will prevent your hair from rapid healing.
Try to avoid heat styling; use hair oils as styling products. Mousses, lacquers, sprays are composed of corrosive substances, which will hurt the irritated scalp. Loose curls or a very light braid can become the most suitable hairstyle at the time of rehabilitation. Pulling hair into a ponytail or a bundle is undesirable because the roots of the hair are weak these days, and excessive physical effects lead to hair loss.
The healing process can take from several days to two weeks, and it is better to touch the hair and scalp as seldom as possible during this period. And do not try to remove exfoliated skin cells with a comb – it will lead to new irritation or even to infections.
Better prevention
If the above mentioned troubles scare you, and you do not want to face them, it is better to start with prevention. Do not forget to apply your lotion with SPF not only on the skin of the body and face, but also on the scalp. It is not difficult to do this: apply the product onto a cotton swab or a sponge and carefully treat the scalp without affecting the hair.
There are also special products intended to protect the scalp from the sun, they are issued in the form of powder or spray. You may pay attention to heat and sun protection hair sprays, which work in two directions: affecting the hair and scalp.
Do not forget to wear scarves and hats, if you are going to the beach or a barbecue.
