Can a scalp sunburn cause hair loss or hair thinning?

Question

About 20 days ago, I went to the beach with a fresh fade haircut (I'm a male) and ended up getting a sunburn on my scalp. It really wasn't too bad, but a few days later, I peeled like a lizard. My hair was very short at the time of the peeling. Is it possible that some tiny hairs could have come out while the skin is peeling? The reason I ask is because my hair seems to be growing in patchy/uneven right now (I still haven't cut my hair again)

Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

A deep enough sun burn can lead to hair loss at times especially and can sometimes lead to telogen effluvium due to the inflammation. Telogen effluvium, often caused by stress, can sometimes cause hair loss in patches. If you’d like to read more about telogen effluvium and what you can do to prevent further hair loss, visit my website. You may want to consider meeting with an experienced hair transplant surgeon who specializes in the medical management of hair loss to discuss your options. The best way to avoid hair loss is to prevent it. This means acting at the first sign of hair loss.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This requires an in-person evaluation. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Craig L. Ziering, DO · Answer

A severe sunburn can be detrimental to hair growth and damaging to the scalp. It causes inflammation, which is known to cause hair loss. Depending on the degree of burn (depth of scarring) most of the hair is likely to grow back over time.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

Sun burn may cause a transient hair loss but  ı dont think so that it is possible for some tiny hairs could have come out while the skin is peeling.Hair bulbs may damaged under sun exposure , but hair will regrow again.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

A sunburn can cause a telogen effluvium (shedding) which can last a few weeks. Ultraviolet radiation is a powerful inducer of hair cycle changes. Burns can cause inflammation which also drives shedding. Most with sun burn induced telogen effluvium find things settle in 3-6 weeks. Please see your physician if issues persist.

Can a scalp sunburn cause hair loss or hair thinning?

Answers (7)

Answer: Scalp sunburn

Answer: Scalp sunburn

Answer: Sunburns and TE

Answer: Sunburns and TE

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can a scalp sunburn cause hair loss or hair thinning?

Answers (7)

Answer: Scalp sunburn

Answer: Scalp sunburn

Answer: Sunburns and TE

Answer: Sunburns and TE

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.