Scalp Sunburn: 10 Treatment Methods Approved by Dermatologists

Stay Out of the Sun and Use Protective Measures—Always

Dermatologists will always recommend seeking shade, using SPF 30 or higher (at minimum), and wearing protective hats and UPF clothing whether you're sunburned or not. But it's especially important to practice these measures while your scalp and hairline are healing from a recent sunburn. Fortunately, both sunscreen formulas and protective hats have come a long way—our favorite scalp sunscreens include easy-to-apply brush-on formulas that won't leave your hair greasy, and our editors' favorite sun hats are both efficacious and stylish.

Shower in Cool Water

The first thing to do in the event of a sunburn on the scalp or anywhere on the body is to attempt to halt the inflammatory process that is occurring on the cellular level, Collins explains. She recommends that you cool down the affected area with cool water, but avoid ice, which can actually worsen the damage from a burn. "If the burn is on the scalp, let cool water from the shower run over it until the sting is relieved (usually about 5 to 20 minutes depending on severity)." Weinstein Velez also encourages a cool shower to soothe the scalp and hairline.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medications

Over-the-counter medications can help treat both the pain and inflammation of a sunburn. "NSAIDS (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help reduce the pain associated with sunburn, but typically oral medications are not required to speed up healing time," Weinstein Velez explains. Collins also recommends over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to slow the inflammation of the sunburn. Most people have these medications at home, and they can make sleeping with a sunburn more comfortable.

Try a Cold Milk Dip

Milk contains essential enzymes that may bond to the skin and speed up your skin's ability to heal. We recommend two percent or whole for this treatment because the fat, protein, and pH have anti-inflammatory properties that help calm the skin. Hayag approves of using milk as an at-home sunscreen treatment, though Lortscher doesn't recommend it as a total solution. "Although cold substances such as milk may provide some temporary relief, there is no known benefit beyond the soothing cool temperature," he explains.

Utilizing the soothing powers of milk is pretty simple: dip a clean washcloth into cool milk, then gently press the milk-drenched cloth against your scalp for roughly five minutes. You can repeat this up to three times in a session, but any more is overkill.

Use Cold Compresses

Help relieve the pain of the burn with cool compresses a couple of times a day. Applying ice directly to the skin can do more harm than good, but cold compresses made with ice water can provide strong relief. Collins adds that you can also spray on soy milk using a spray bottle, or add soy milk to the cool compresses for added benefit.

To make an effective cool compress, Collins provided the following recipe:

1. Add ice, water, and if desired, aloe or soy milk to a large bowl.
2. Place several soft cloths into the bowl to cool and soak.
3. Apply these to the skin for about 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.

Treat With Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is a must-have for burns all over the body. Aloe vera gel is moisturizing and helps to reduce inflammation, Weinstein Velez explains. The combination of hydration and anti-inflammatory properties makes aloe vera gel the perfect treatment for sunburn. Collins shares that, unlike some other treatments, aloe vera gel can be used several times per day after a burn.

Trichologist Penny James agrees, "I cannot say enough good things about Aloe vera," she says. "Not only does it help heal burns faster, but the plant has impressive antioxidant and antibacterial effects that are perfect for the scalp. To apply the gel, if you have a lot of hair, part the hair where your scalp is the most tender. Apply the gel to your index finger and gently rub it onto the affected area of the scalp, and use until conditions subside. If you don't have a lot of hair, massage the gel all over your head—and use a hat every time you go outside!"

In the first few days after a sunburn to the scalp and hairline, treatment of the burn should be your top priority. After your scalp has had time to heal, you can continue to apply aloe vera gel after diluting it with water to avoid weighing the hair down. "A messy bun or ponytail with a cloth headband can be a cute way to style while hiding emollients," Collins recommends.

Try a Green Tea Rinse

Green tea naturally and effectively reduces inflammation, which makes it perfect for soothing an angry and itchy scalp.2 When applied as a compress or rinse, green tea can help heal irritated skin and expedite recovery. Hayag also approves of this method.

For a rinse, you need to first brew green tea. If you've never done this, pour boiling water over a green tea bag and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Next, you will want to remove the bag and place the tea in the refrigerator to cool it. When you get in the shower, wash your hair as usual, making sure to cleanse and condition with an ultra-gentle shampoo and conditioner (we like Living Proof's Restore line). Once you have towel-dried your hair, pour the lukewarm tea over it and lightly massage it into your scalp. Don't rinse, and let your hair air-dry.

Apply Hydrocortisone Cream

Both dermatologists recommend applying a 1% or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream once a day as a remedy for sunburn of the scalp and hairline. Hydrocortisone is typically used to treat swelling, itching, and irritation. Hydrocortisone should never be used for more than seven days without consulting a doctor. Weinstein Velez says that if you do not see an improvement in your burn in 24–48 hours, call a board-certified dermatologist for a stronger prescription treatment option.

Cover With Occlusive Topicals

After applying hydrocortisone cream, it is important to keep an emollient on the skin for hydration and to aid in recovery and reepithelialization (wound healing), Collins explains. "Gentle skin moisturizers like Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($11)or CeraVe Healing Ointment ($11) can help lock in moisture if skin is peeling," she advises. Weinstein Velez agrees with both of these suggestions: "Use lotions containing ceramides, and if possible, apply to the scalp. More occlusive topicals like Aquaphor (now comes in a spray that can be easily applied to the scalp), and Vaseline can also be used to lock in the moisture to help your skin heal." Occlusives aid in the healing process because they lock in moisture, and moist skin heals better.

The experts also stress that peeling sunburned skin should be avoided at all costs. When the skin is forcibly peeled, surrounding skin can be damaged and raw and healing skin can be exposed, Collins explains.

James adds, "As the burn starts to heal, the skin will flake. Do not scrub the scalp or use an anti-dandruff shampoo."

Avoid Heat Styling

It is important to avoid any heat-styling tools while your scalp is healing, including hot rollers, curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers. Weinstein Velez also says to avoid hot showers during this time, as they will increase discomfort related to the sunburn and potentially cause further damage. Try to avoid complicated styling as well, as you may accidentally peel or irritate the burned skin when combing or brushing the hair.

Instead, try working an air dry cream through damp hair for a low-maintenance style. We love the Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Air Dry Cream ($11).

Stick With Gentle Cleansers

Stick to gentle cleansers and skincare products while your skin is healing. Weinstein Velez recommends that you avoid retinoids, acids, and any medicated topicals for acne (for example, a benzoyl peroxide wash or spot treatment). She also recommends avoiding highly fragranced or medicated shampoos and leave-in haircare products, which could potentially lead to more irritation. The Vanicream Unscented Gentle Facial Cleanser ($12) is a great option.

Increase Your Water Intake

The skin heals from the inside out, so rehydrating a sunburned scalp and hairline starts with hydrating your body. The entire body becomes dehydrated during a burn, so you will need to drink extra daily water and electrolytes, Collins explains. Weinstein Velez also encourages those suffering from sunburn to increase their daily water intake.