The 4 Best Ways to Protect Your Scalp From Sunburn

On warmer days, more time outside means reaching for the sunscreen. But as you slather on that UV protection, don’t forget about an important part of your body: your scalp.

The top layer of your scalp is skin tissue. And even though that skin is slightly thicker, it can get sunburned, just like the skin on the rest of your body. 

Hair does offer some protection against sunburn on the scalp. But that protection isn’t always very effective, especially if you’re bald or have thin hair. And, even if you have thick hair, the skin along your hair part can still get sunburned. 

Luckily, there are ways you can protect your scalp from sunburn. 

Why is it important to protect your scalp from the sun?

There are a couple of reasons you’ll want to protect your scalp from the sun:

• Sunburns hurt. Scalp sunburn is uncomfortable and often painful. Scalp sunburn can make it painful to wash, comb, and style your hair. 

• Sunburns don't look great. You may not like the way scalp sunburn looks, especially if you’re bald or have thinning hair. When your scalp sunburn starts to heal, your body will shed the burned skin. This can cause dandruff-like flakes, which can be bothersome, too. Anti-dandruff shampoos won’t help in this situation and can make flaking worse.

• Sunburns increase your risk of skin cancer. UV rays from the sun penetrate the skin and cause damage to your cells, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer. That damage adds up over time. The more sunburns you experience in your lifetime, the higher your risk of developing skin cancer. 

Do you need to protect your hair from the sun?

Yes, you’ll need to protect your hair from the sun. Your hair isn’t made of skin, but it can still get damaged by UV rays. 

UV rays damage keratin, a protein that gives hair its strength. UV damage can make your hair weak, dry, and prone to breakage. UV rays can also cause your hair color to fade, especially if you have color-treated hair. 

Luckily, you can protect your hair and scalp from UV rays at the same time with these four skin protectors.

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1. Hats and head coverings

A hat is one of the easiest ways to protect your scalp and hair from the sun’s UV rays. Not only are hats portable but there are a huge variety of types, fits, and price points to fit any style or budget. For extra protection, opt for a wide-brimmed hat. This will offer additional protection to the skin on your face, neck, and shoulders. But, if you choose a hat with a loose weave (like some types of straw hats or trucker hats), you may need backup protection with sunscreen.

Scarves and other cloth head coverings can also protect your hair and scalp from sunburn. But keep in mind that loosely woven fabrics offer less protection than thicker fabrics. For better protection, opt for synthetic fabrics or silks and fabrics in darker colors. These are more likely to reflect UV light. Apply sunscreen, too, if you’re not sure whether your head covering offers enough protection. 

2. Sunscreen

Dermatologists recommend that everyone wear broad-spectrum sun sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from UV damage and sunburn. 

You can put regular sunscreen on your scalp for protection against sunburn. But, if you have hair, regular sunscreen can be messy and make your hair greasy. Fortunately, there are other options, including powder sunscreen. 

Powder sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is a great option to give your scalp protection from those harmful UV rays and prevent your hair from getting greasy. Several brands sell products that come with an easy-to-use, brush-on applicator, which makes applying (and re-applying) a breeze. Sunscreen sprays and sticks with SPF 30 can also be easier to use on your scalp. 

3. Umbrellas and parasols

Umbrellas and parasols can help protect your scalp and hair from UV rays. Like hats and head coverings, umbrellas and parasols can help block sunlight from reaching your skin. Choose an option with a tight weave. There are also products made with special, UV-blocking materials for additional protection.

Studies have shown that standard beach umbrellas can provide protection from the sun. But they don’t offer as much protection as sunscreen, and some products may not provide enough protection to prevent sunburns. So, it’s still best to pair umbrellas and parasols with sunscreen for maximum protection. 

4. Limit outdoor time during peak hours

Sunlight exposure is highest in the middle of the day between 10AM and 4PM. Spending time outside during these hours puts you at higher risk for developing a sunburn, including a scalp sunburn. 

To avoid sunburn, you can try to spend less time outdoors during these hours. Or, take extra care to use other methods of sun protection during these peak hours. 

What are the signs of sun damage on your scalp?

The symptoms of a scalp sunburn begin within 4 to 6 hours after sun exposure. If you develop a scalp sunburn, you may notice these symptoms:

• Tingling

• Pain

• Redness

You may notice these symptoms anywhere on your scalp. This includes your hairline and along any hair parts. Symptoms usually get worse over the next 1 to 3 days and then gradually get better over 1 to 2 weeks. 

If you get a severe scalp sunburn, you could develop symptoms like:

• Blisters

• Scalp swelling

• Nausea or vomiting

• Headache

• Fevers

• Chills

Seek medical care right away if you develop any of these severe symptoms. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Nishika Reddy, MD

Nishika Reddy, MD, is an attending physician at the University of Utah. She provides comprehensive and cornea medical care at the Moran Eye Center and serves as clinical assistant professor.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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