Can hair loss be caused by sunburn?
The sun puts you in a good mood, which is why many people enjoy spending long periods of time in sunny places. In summer, the sun's rays are particularly intense. While many protect their bodies from UV rays by applying sunscreen, their heads are often neglected. What many overlook is that sunburn can also cause hair loss.
Table of contents
- Why can hair loss be caused by sunburn?
- Does hair loss from sunburn occur immediately?
- Is the hair loss permanent?
- What to do if hair loss is permanent?
- 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 solar radiation. The number of melanocytes present varies from person to person. This number determines the epidermis's resistance to the sun. However, human skin is not able to adequately protect itself against prolonged exposure to the sun. People who spend a lot of time outdoors develop better resistance. People who live in southern regions also have a larger number of protective cells against solar radiation. If you do not protect your scalp and thus your epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, from excessively intense UV radiation, this can trigger hair loss. The sun penetrates not only the outermost layer of skin, but also the subcutaneous tissue. For this reason, the epidermal stem cells can also be severely damaged. Due to the disruption of cell production, the skin on the head dries 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 only become noticeable after some time. Hair loss may not occur until weeks or even months after the sunburn.
Is the hair loss permanent?
Because the effects only become apparent long after the actual sunburn, the damage can be permanent. This is the case when the severe burns to the scalp also cause permanent damage to the hair cells. Many sufferers, however, are unaware that their 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. Most often, however, this is the long-term effect 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 the entire hair becoming thinner and sparser. This form of hair loss can therefore 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 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, they can still experience skin burns.
How should the scalp be protected in summer?
To avoid sunburn in the warmer months, you should always protect your head properly. Headwear, such as a scarf, sun hat, or cap, is ideal. Before exposing yourself to the sun, you should also thoroughly apply sunscreen not only to your body and face, but also to any bald patches on your scalp. Also, be careful not to expose yourself to direct sunlight for too long and regularly seek out shady spots.
What to do if hair loss is permanent?
If the hair cells are so badly damaged by constant exposure to the sun that new hair growth is no longer possible, there is only one option to replenish the bald patches on the scalp: a hair transplant. A transplant of your own hair enables new hair growth in the bald patches on your scalp. For this purpose, individual hair follicles are taken from a donor area. This removal is carried out using a special hollow needle and under local anesthesia . After preparation, the so-called grafts can be implanted into your scalp. New hair growth begins after a few weeks. Hair transplantation is permanent and, using the modern FUE method, achieves natural results. The hair experts at Elithair led by Dr. Balwi have extensive experience with hair implantations and always offer you the latest methods and procedures. Around one 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, new hair can no longer grow in those areas. The effects of sunburn on the scalp are often not visible until 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 for this hair problem is hair implantation.
The hair professionals at Elithair have already made thousands of patients happy with hair transplants, helping them experience a whole new outlook on life.