Does Scalp Sunscreen Work For Protective Styles?

“The scalp, like other areas of the body, is susceptible to the damaging effects of UV rays, which can have both short-term and long-term consequences,” says Dr. Kikam. “These effects aren’t unique to not using SPF on the scalp, but what a lack of sun protection (on) the scalp can do.” Another issue is the lasting effects of a sunburn on the scalp. The scalp is particularly prone to this, and it can be painful and uncomfortable. “A severe sunburn on the scalp can cause inflammation and induce (hair) shedding although this is often temporary,” says New York-based dermatologist Darice Fadeyi, MD. In addition to this, some protective styles can put tension on both the hair follicle and the scalp, leading to further damage such as traction alopecia — a form of hair loss — among other scalp ailments. All of that, combined with the shedding that a sunburn can cause, can exacerbate hair loss — an unspoken emotional toll. Furthermore, UV rays can damage the protein structure of hair strands, causing dryness, brittleness, and color fade, while sun exposure can, at times, exacerbate some existing scalp conditions like dandruff and eczema by stripping the scalp of moisture leading to increased inflammation and irritation.