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Nothing kills the highs of summer like a bad sunburn. And though we try to be meticulous when it comes to our SPF habits, we’re not perfect. At some point sunburn is practically inevitable. However, with proper after-sun care, the damage and cringeworthy aftermath of a bad burn can usually be contained. But when said burn is on your scalp and not, say, your shoulders, proper care and damage control can get a lot trickier—and wreak havoc on your hair. Even worse? Some store-bought remedies (we see you, dandruff shampoo) may do more harm than good in terms of calming that irritated and flaky skin.
In order to avoid getting sunburned on top of your head in the first place, dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD, says, “You should minimize your exposure to sun during the hours of 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. If you are out in the sun, make sure you apply a broad-spectrum sunblock at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and apply every two hours.” She recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Mineral Sunscreen ($34) and MD Solar Sciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 ($30). David Lortscher, MD, suggests a scalp-specific formula, such as Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part and Scalp Powder SPF 45 ($34). Both doctors also note that the supplement Heliocare can boost skin’s protection against UV rays, though it’s not a replacement for sunscreen.
Read on for our top expert-approved tips for taking care of a sunburned scalp at home.
Do a Green Tea Rinse
It’s no coincidence that green tea can often be found in top-of-the-line skincare products. Green tea naturally and effectively reduces inflammation, which makes it perfect for soothing an angry and itchy scalp. When applied in the form of a compress or rinse, green tea can help heal the irritated skin and also expedite recovery. Hayag also approves of this method.
For a rinse, you need to first brew green tea. If you’ve never done this, just pour boiling water over a green tea bag and let steep for about 10 minutes. Next, you’re going to want to remove the bag and place the tea in the refrigerator to let it cool all the way down. 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’ve 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—you shouldn’t be using heat styling tools on burnt skin anyway.
Use Aloe Vera
“Aloe is well known for its skin-soothing and skin-healing properties,” says Lortscher. He suggests looking for a moisturizer that features aloe vera as an ingredient. There are also aloe vera gels on the market that often have the added benefit of providing cooling relief to inflamed skin.
But choose your formula wisely and avoid added fragrance. “Scented products, including scented aloe vera, should be avoided since the fragrances may irritate the sunburned skin,” says Lortscher. Hayag likes the Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel ($20).
Avoid Harsh Exfoliants
It’s probably best to skip your scalp scrub for a couple of weeks; both Hayag and Lortscher caution against using abrasive or harsh products on your scalp while healing from a sunburn. “I would stay away from products with acids and fragrances as they have a potential of further irritating compromised sunburned skin,” says Hayag. “Try to stay away from exfoliating products and products that contain alcohol. The alcohol can further dry out skin that is already damaged,” adds Lortscher.
Try an After-Sun Mask
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Don’t want to DIY? Hayag recommends reaching for an after-sun mask like this one from Aveda. The creamy formula contains moisturizing and fortifying morikue protein and a blend of plant oils that promote healing and hydration.
Cool the Area Down
You’ll notice that a common denominator in a lot of these tips is cooling. You can get fast relief from an uncomfortable sunburn and cut down on inflammation with this method. “You want to try to reduce the inflammation of a sunburn right away,” says Hayag. “One way you can do this is by cooling the area down with an ice pack wrapped in a damp cloth and apply it to the burn. It will cause blood vessel constriction and reduce swelling. A bag of frozen vegetables (like peas) works well also. You should apply ice packs or cool compresses no longer than 15 minutes at a time.”
Take a Painkiller
When in doubt, there’s always good old-fashioned Ibuprofen. If your sunburn is feeling itchy, Hayag suggests applying an OTC hydrocortisone like Cortizone-10 ($4). Both doctors say it’s best to steer clear of lidocaine and benzocaine, which can cause further irritation. And isn’t that the last thing you need when you’ve already got an itchy, red, inflamed scalp?
