Summer is here and the proof is in the scalp. Is your scalp sore from heat or wet from heat? Either are promising a shampoo is next on your to do list, but how do you know what you are surviving this summer?
Sunburned scalp symptoms The symptoms of a sunburned scalp are basically the same as a sunburn elsewhere on your body, and include:
redness
feeling warm or hot to the touch
tenderness or pain
itching
small, fluid-filled blisters
If your sunburn is severe, you could also experience:
headache
fever
nausea
fatigue
It can take a few hours for the first symptoms of sunburn to appear, but it might take 24 hours or longer to determine its full extent.
You can treat your burnt scalp at home. For about a week, or until your sunburn has healed, follow these simple steps:
Shower in cool — or at most tepid — water. Hot water will increase sunburn discomfort.
Check the label on your shampoo and conditioner. Until the sunburn has healed, avoid shampoos with sulfates, they can dry the scalp and create more irritation. Also avoid conditioners with dimethicone, it can block pores, trapping heat, and create more damage.
Skip using too many hair products. Many contain chemicals that can irritate your sunburn. Including hair oil which could cause more attraction to heat.
Dry and style your hair naturally. The heat from blow dryers and flat irons can dry and damage your healing scalp.
Sooth the pain with cold compresses.
Moisturize. Spray scalp with high PH water and aloe vera gel gently into the sunburned area may relieve discomfort and promote healing. Advocates of natural healing suggest soothing sunburn with essential oils such as helichrysum or lavender at the end of your day outside.
Stay hydrated. Along with other benefits, drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will help moisturize your skin.
If you need pain relief, consider taking an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as aspirin (Bayer, Excedrin), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen(Aleve).
Wear a hat. While your scalp is healing, stay out of the sun or keep your scalp covered.
If these tips and strategies helped you leave us a comment below. Do you have any helpful hair and scalp tips to survive the summer? Comment Below.