Your Hair Loss Might Be Caused By The Summer Sun. Here’s What You Need To Do

by | Jan 31, 2025 | Hair

When it comes to protecting your skin, you’re well aware of the need to wear sunscreen and protective clothing. So why is it that so many people neglect a crucial area that is often exposed to the elements? We’re talking about your scalp, of course! And during summer, it’s even more important to pay attention to your scalp and hair health, because as you’ll learn it may be possible for the sun to cause hair loss.

READ MORE: 7 Brilliant Ways To Protect Your Hair And Scalp From Sun Damage

How Does The Sun Cause Hair Loss?

Excessive sun exposure can cause dryness and irritation on the sensitive skin of your scalp, affecting the health and growth of hair follicles over time.

“Unchecked and repeated sun damage can accelerate existing hair loss conditions.”

“The scalp is a unique area of skin. It’s highly sensitive due to its rich network of blood vessels and hair follicles. As a result, prolonged exposure to UV rays can create a hostile environment for hair follicles, and while mild sun exposure is normal and even beneficial for things such as vitamin D synthesis, unchecked and repeated sun damage can accelerate existing hair loss conditions,” says Dr. Kashmal Kalan, Medical Director of Alvi Armani South Africa.

“It’s easy to assume that hair automatically protects the scalp, but if you have thinning areas or if your hair is naturally fine, the underlying scalp is not as shielded as you might think. Over time, sun damage can dry out the scalp, create inflammation, and potentially speed up certain forms of hair loss,” explains Dr. Kalan.

What To Look Out For

While the sun’s UV rays primarily impact the outer layers of the skin, these harmful effects can extend deeper, affecting the structures that nurture hair.

Sun Exposure Over A Long Period Of Time

Continuous exposure can contribute to dryness, inflammation, and free radical formation. Over the years, these subtle injuries can accumulate, especially in people already dealing with a genetic predisposition to conditions like androgenetic alopecia (aka male and female pattern baldness).

Sunburning Your Scalp

In severe cases, like getting intense sunburns on your scalp, your skin may even blister or peel, also damaging hair follicles. So, although the sun alone is unlikely to cause permanent hair loss without significant burning, it can exacerbate pre-existing conditions, making hair thinning more pronounced.

What To Do If You’ve Sunburned Your Scalp

So, despite knowing better, you spent too long in the sun and it’s now your scalp is tender and red? We’ve all been there. There are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort.

First, just like you would if your skin was sunburned, avoid hot showers and shower in cool water. Use a shampoo that is sulfate-free like the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and apply something soothing such as coconut oil or aloe vera (OGX’s Coconut Miracle Oil and Garnier’s Ultimate Blends Hair Food will serve you well). Plus, as always, remember to stay hydrated!

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

This hydrating and sulphate-free shampoo works overtime to soothe a sunburned scalp.

OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Penetrating Oil

OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Penetrating Oil

OGX’s oil revives and repairs dry hair while calming frizz (and coconut helps the scalp).

Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Aloe Vera & Coconut

Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Aloe Vera & Coconut

Containing aloe vera and coconut, use this as a conditioner, rinse-out hair mask or leave-in conditioner.

But remember that prevention is always better than treatment. According to Dr Kashmal Kalan, safeguarding the scalp from the sun should be a key component of anyone’s overall hair care strategy, especially now during the sunny summer period.

READ MORE: 10 Random Daily Things That Are Making Your Hair Fall Out

When Does The Sun Do The Most Damage To The Scalp?

Sun intensity varies throughout the day and changes with the seasons. What might be safe around 5pm as the sun sets could be harmful at noon when the sun is directly overhead.

“If the sun is at its peak and you’re feeling that unmistakable heat on your scalp, it’s time to think about protection. Even an hour of strong midday sun can be problematic for those with sensitive scalps or thinning hair. But, if you’re quickly heading to the mall, for example, and know you won’t be in the sun for too long, there’s probably nothing to be concerned about,” notes Dr. Kalan.

“In contrast, if you plan on spending hours outdoors at the beach, or in the pool, at a braai, or hiking, especially during peak summer months, take your scalp protection as seriously as you do your skin and eyes. Prevention is always better than treatment.”

READ MORE: The Exact Ingredients For Better Hair Growth, According To Experts

How Can I Protect My Scalp From Sun Exposure?

Fortunately, protecting your scalp doesn’t have to mean avoiding the outdoors altogether. Dr. Kalan emphasises common-sense measures as the first line of defence and wearing a hat is one of the simplest and most effective protective methods. However, not all hats offer equal protection. The hat you choose should fit comfortably, and ideally be made from a breathable, light-reflecting material.

“If you prefer not to wear hats or find yourself in a situation where a hat may not be practical, a water-resistant, scalp-friendly sunscreen can also offer protection. When applying sunscreen to yourself or your children’s bodies and faces this [summer], remember to work it into the scalp as well.”

Sun Bum SPF30 Scalp & Hair Mist

Sun Bum SPF30 Scalp & Hair Mist

This is a lightweight, fast-drying scalp mist that won’t weigh your hair down or make it feel greasy. Plus, it smells like summer!

Coola Suncare SPF30 Scalp & Hair Mist

Coola Suncare SPF30 Scalp & Hair Mist

Packed with colour-protecting ingredients, this ocean-scented sunscreen spray also helps prevent UV-related colour fade

HeadBlade HeadLube SPF50+ Lotion & Sunscreen

HeadBlade HeadLube SPF50+ Lotion & Sunscreen

This reef-safe moisturising sunscreen has UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection and can be used on your face and body.

Who Needs To Worry The Most About Sun-Exposure?

If you’ve recently undergone a hair transplant or other hair restoration treatment, scalp protection is all the more critical. In the first four to six weeks after a transplant, the healing tissue is extremely delicate. Significant sun exposure during this period can interfere with proper healing, potentially leading to scarring or poor graft survival. Patients need to take extra precautions during these times.

READ MORE: What Type of Hair Porosity Do You Have? And What Products Might You Need?

“Even after the initial healing phase, newly transplanted follicles remain sensitive for some time. Minimising exposure and protecting the scalp ensures that the implants can take root and thrive. We want to create the ideal environment for the transplanted graphs to take and grow, as giving them a healthy, protected space will ensure better long-term results.

“So, by acknowledging the role sun exposure plays in damaging hair follicles and accelerating hair loss, people can take proactive steps to preserve their scalp health. Whether through smart clothing choices, applying specialised protective creams or powders, or simply being aware of peak UV hours, these measures are simple yet powerful,” concludes Dr Kalan.

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