Can hair loss be caused by sunburn?

Table of contents

1. Why can hair loss be caused by sunburn?
2. Does hair loss from sunburn occur immediately?
3. Is the hair loss permanent?
4. What to do if hair loss is permanent?
5. The damage caused by sun exposure can be permanent

Why can hair loss be caused by sunburn?

Hair loss due to sunburn can occur when various layers of the epidermis and scalp are damaged. Melanocytes protect the skin from sun exposure. The number of melanocytes present varies from person to person. This amount determines the epidermis's resistance to the sun. However, human skin is not able to adequately protect itself against prolonged sun exposure. People who spend a lot of time outdoors develop better resistance. People living in southern regions also have a greater number of protective cells against sun exposure. If you don't protect your scalp, and thus your epidermis, the top layer of skin, from excessive UV radiation, this can trigger hair loss. The sun penetrates not only the top layer of skin, but also the subcutaneous tissue. This can also severely damage epidermal stem cells . Disruption of cell production causes the scalp to dry out. The result is a disruption of the scalp's acid balance.

Does hair loss from sunburn occur immediately?

You won't notice hair loss immediately after a sunburn. Sun damage to the scalp has long-term effects that usually take some time to become apparent. Hair loss may not occur until weeks or even months after the sunburn.

Is the hair loss permanent?

Because the effects don't become apparent until long after the actual sunburn, the damage can be permanent. This is especially true if the severe scalp burns also permanently damage the hair cells. However, many sufferers are unaware that hair loss is due to excessive sun exposure, as hair loss in the early autumn months is often attributed to the turn of the year. However, this is usually the long-term consequences of increased UV radiation in the summer. Once the hair roots are irreversibly damaged, new hair can never grow in those areas of your scalp. Hair loss caused by sunburn usually manifests as thinning and thinning of the entire hair. Therefore, this form of hair loss can be classified as diffuse hair loss.

Who is at high risk of hair loss from sunburn?

There are six different skin types, each determined by genetic predisposition. Sensitivity to sun exposure also varies depending on the skin type. People with very light skin (Type 1) are particularly susceptible to sunburn. Although people with very dark skin (type 6) have a higher number of melanocytes and therefore have better protection against the sun, skin burns can still occur.

How should the scalp be protected in summer?

To avoid sunburn during the warmer months, you should always protect your head properly. Headwear, such as a scarf, sun hat, or cap, is ideal. Before you expose yourself to the sun, you should also thoroughly apply sunscreen not only to your body and face, but also to bald patches on your scalp. Also, make sure you don't expose yourself to direct sunlight for too long and always seek out shady spots.

What to do if hair loss is permanent?

If the hair cells are so severely damaged by constant exposure to the sun that new hair growth is no longer possible, there is only one way to refill the bald spots on the scalp: a hair transplant. A hair transplant allows for new hair growth in bald areas of your scalp. Individual hair follicles are removed from a donor area. This removal is performed using a special hollow needle and under local anesthesia . After preparation, the grafts can be implanted into your scalp. New hair growth begins after a few weeks. Hair transplantation is permanent and, with the modern FUE method, achieves natural results. The hair experts at Elithair, led by Dr. Balwi, have extensive experience with hair implantation and always offer you the latest methods and procedures. About a year after the procedure, the damage caused by sun exposure will be a thing of the past and you can enjoy your new, full head of hair.

The damage caused by sun exposure can be permanent

A scalp burn from the sun's rays can lead to permanent damage to hair cells. Because the sun penetrates to the deepest layer of skin, hair loss can result from sunburn. Once the hair roots die, no new hair can grow in those areas. The effects of sunburn on the scalp often only become visible weeks or months later, meaning the damage is already irreversible. Many sufferers suffer greatly from bald patches on their heads and are looking for a permanent solution to finally regain full, healthy hair. The only effective and truly permanent solution to this hair problem is hair implantation.

The hair professionals at Elithair have already made thousands of patients happy with a hair transplant and helped them achieve a completely new outlook on life.