Sun Exposure After PRP Treatment

Avoid direct sun exposure on the treated areas of your scalp for at least 48 hours after PRP treatment. UV radiation triggers inflammation in recently injected tissue, can prolong redness at injection sites, and may interfere with the growth factor activity that PRP relies on to produce results. After the initial 48-hour window, sun protection remains important for long-term scalp health, especially in areas with thinning hair.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Why Sun Matters After PRP

PRP works by delivering concentrated growth factors into the scalp to stimulate follicle activity, reduce inflammation, and promote blood vessel formation around hair follicles. UV radiation does the opposite of several things PRP is trying to accomplish.

When ultraviolet light hits skin that has been recently injected, it triggers an inflammatory cascade. The body responds to UV exposure by increasing blood flow to the area, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and generating free radicals that damage cellular structures. In a scalp that has just received PRP, this inflammatory response can:

• Counteract the anti-inflammatory effects of PRP growth factors
• Increase and prolong redness and swelling at injection sites
• Cause discomfort in skin that is already tender from the procedure
• Potentially reduce the biological effectiveness of the treatment by disrupting the healing environment PRP creates

The injection sites from PRP are tiny, but they represent points where the skin barrier has been temporarily broken. These sites are more susceptible to UV damage than intact skin for the first 24 to 48 hours until they fully close.

Sun Protection Timeline After PRP

First 48 Hours: Strict Avoidance

For the first 48 hours after PRP, keep your treated scalp out of direct sunlight as much as possible. This does not mean you need to stay indoors. Normal daily activities like walking to your car, running errands, or eating lunch outdoors are fine with basic precautions. The goal is to avoid prolonged, unprotected sun exposure.

If you must be outdoors during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) in the first two days:

• Wear a loose-fitting hat: A wide-brimmed hat provides the best coverage. Avoid tight baseball caps that compress tender injection sites. A loose cotton bucket hat or straw hat works well
• Seek shade when possible: Walking on the shaded side of the street or sitting under an umbrella reduces UV exposure significantly
• Avoid applying sunscreen directly to injection sites on day 1: Sunscreen products contain chemicals that could irritate fresh puncture wounds. A hat is the better option for the first 24 hours

Days 3 Through 7: Active Protection

By day 3, the injection sites have closed and your scalp has returned to its normal state. You can now apply sunscreen to exposed scalp areas if you will be spending extended time outdoors. Any redness from the procedure has typically faded within 1 to 2 days, and tenderness has resolved within 24 to 48 hours.

For this period, treat sun protection as you would for any day with outdoor exposure:

• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to any exposed scalp areas
• Reapply every 2 hours if you are sweating or swimming
• Continue wearing a hat during prolonged outdoor time

Week 2 and Beyond: Ongoing Best Practice

Sun protection after PRP is not just a short-term recovery measure. UV radiation is an ongoing threat to scalp health, particularly for patients with thinning hair or visible scalp. Areas where hair is sparse or miniaturized offer less natural protection from UV rays, leaving the scalp skin more vulnerable to damage.

Chronic UV exposure to the scalp can:

• Accelerate skin aging, which affects the tissue environment around follicles
• Increase oxidative stress that damages hair follicle stem cells
• Trigger chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to follicle miniaturization
• Cause sunburn on exposed scalp areas, which is painful and disruptive to any hair regrowth process

Making sun protection a consistent habit supports your PRP investment and overall scalp health between sessions.

Choosing Scalp Sunscreen

Not all sunscreens work well on the scalp. Standard body sunscreens can leave hair looking greasy, create white residue, and feel heavy. Several products are designed specifically for scalp application.

What to Look For

• Spray formulas: Easier to apply through existing hair than creams or lotions. Look for clear, non-aerosol spray sunscreens that do not leave white residue
• Lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas: Heavy sunscreens can clog follicles and contribute to scalp congestion. Oil-free and non-comedogenic labels indicate products less likely to cause issues
• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher: Both UVA and UVB rays damage skin. Broad-spectrum protection covers the full range
• Water-resistant options: If you sweat during outdoor activities, water-resistant formulas maintain protection longer

What to Avoid

• Thick, white-cast sunscreens: These are formulated for body application and will be visible in your hair
• Heavily fragranced products: Chemical fragrances can irritate the scalp, especially during the first week after PRP when the tissue is still responding to treatment
• Sunscreen powders with talc: While powder sunscreens are popular for scalp use, products containing talc can clog follicles with regular application

Sun Exposure and PRP Treatment Scheduling

If you live in a sunny climate or have upcoming outdoor events, consider how sun exposure factors into your PRP scheduling.

Seasonal Considerations

What If You Get Sunburned After PRP

If you accidentally get significant sun exposure on your scalp within the first 48 hours after PRP, do not panic. The treatment is not ruined. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free aloe vera gel to the affected area to soothe inflammation. Avoid further sun exposure until the sunburn heals. Let your PRP provider know at your next appointment so they can assess whether any adjustment to your treatment schedule is warranted.

A mild sunburn after PRP is an inconvenience that may reduce the optimal effectiveness of that particular session, but it does not cause permanent harm or prevent you from continuing your treatment series.

Sun Exposure and Hair Loss Patterns

Understanding how sun affects different areas of the scalp is particularly relevant for patients at various stages on the Norwood scale. The crown and vertex, which are the first areas to thin in many male pattern baldness patterns, receive the most direct overhead sun exposure. Patients with thinning at the crown need to be especially diligent about sun protection in that zone.

The frontal hairline and temples, common areas for PRP treatment in early-stage hair loss, are also frequently exposed to UV from the front and sides. A wide-brimmed hat provides better coverage than a baseball cap, which primarily shades the face while leaving the ears, temples, and back of the scalp exposed.

Budgeting for PRP and Scalp Care

PRP sessions cost between $500 and $2,000 each, with results becoming visible after 3 to 4 sessions over 3 to 6 months. Maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months sustain those results. Adding a quality scalp sunscreen to your daily routine is a minor additional investment that protects a much larger one. See our PRP cost guide for a complete breakdown of treatment pricing.

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