Dry hair, overheated skin? Our advice for taking good care of yourself after the sun

You've had a long day in the sun. Maybe it was the beach, a walk in the park, or just running errands during a hot day. Either way, your skin's flushed, your scalp feels tight, and your hair looks frazzled.

That mix of sun exposure, hot weather, and sweat does more than wear you out. It affects how your skin and hair recover. Your scalp loses natural oils, your strands get brittle, and your body temperature can climb to uncomfortable levels, especially in extreme heat.

Here's how to stay cool, rehydrate, and take care of your body and hair after too much time in the sun.

1. Start with a proper rinse

After time outdoors during the summer months, the first step is to wash off the sweat, salt, and SPF. But don't just jump into a hot shower. Use cool water. It's gentle on your skin and won't strip it of what little moisture it has left. It also helps lower your body temperature after a heatstroke heat exhaustion. A quick rinse can remove surface buildup, but you'll need more than that if your hair feels dry or stiff.

Choose hydrating hair products like a moisturising shampoo or cleansing cream. Look for ones without sulphates or drying alcohols, especially important if you're dealing with dry hair. And if you've been in a pool, use something that gently removes chlorine without irritating your scalp.

Don't skip conditioner. Use a rich formula, leave it in for a few minutes, and apply it mainly to the ends, where most of the sun damage happens.

2. Treat your scalp like skin (because it is)

Most people forget about their scalp. But it's skin too, and it's often the first place to burn or dry out during extreme heat. If your scalp feels tight or itchy, avoid harsh scrubs. Instead, go for calming treatments with aloe, oat extract, or panthenol. These are especially helpful after long exposure to direct sunlight and dangerously high temperatures.

Massage the product gently into your scalp with your fingertips. That helps boost circulation and encourages your blood vessels to relax and recover. If there's any burning or flaking, a clean towel soaked in cool water can ease discomfort. Even better, use cold packs for quick relief.

3. Deep condition your hair at least once

After sun, wind, or air pollution, your hair needs more than a quick wash. Use a hydrating mask or deep conditioner at least once after a long day outside. Focus on mid-lengths and ends, and leave it on for at least 10 minutes. If your hair feels particularly coarse, look into dry hair treatments that offer long-lasting moisture.

Wrap your hair in a towel while it sits, and rinse gently with cool water to help seal the cuticle. You're aiming to restore what your natural oils couldn't protect you from during the heat. If you're short on time, rub in a few drops of lightweight oil before bed. That small step helps rebuild healthy hair strength while you sleep.

4. Take a break from styling and tight accessories

If your hair feels brittle, now's not the time to blow-dry it or use heated electrical equipment. It's already stressed. Let your hair air dry when possible. Skip the straighteners and curlers for a few days. The goal is to give your hair space to recover, not push it further (on top of environmental conditions).

And if you're tying it up? Use a silk scrunchie. It won't tug or cause split ends, and it protects your strands overnight. Drowsy's padded scrunchies are a solid option—soft, breathable, and safe for fragile hair. This is especially important if you've spent hours in hot weather. Your scalp and strands are already sensitive, so treat them gently.

5. Soothe your skin without overdoing it

Your skin probably feels warm, dry, or a little tender. That's normal after sun damage, especially if you were out in warmer temperatures or sweating heavily. Use a gentle cleanser, then layer in hydration. A light gel-based moisturiser works well—look for calming ingredients like niacinamide or centella.

Avoid layering on too much. You don't want to trap excess water under heavy products, especially if you're still sweating or prone to heat rash. And if your skin's still red the next day, it's okay to seek shade, skip makeup, and stay home cool.

6. Hydrate—inside and out

When you're hot, you sweat. That's your sweat glands trying to keep you cool. But it also means you're losing fluids fast, especially if you were moving around or wearing unnecessary clothing.

So don't wait to feel thirsty. Drink lots of cold drinks throughout the day. You might also want a sports or rehydration drink if you've lost a lot of salt. Signs of heat exhaustion, like dizziness or fatigue, can creep up without warning, especially if you're taking certain medications, have paler skin, or are doing physical activity.

On the outside, keep layering moisture: mist, serum, moisturiser. And for hair, use a leave-in or oil once it's dry. All of this helps keep your skin, strands, and general physical health balanced.

Support recovery while you sleep

Your body does most of its repair work overnight, and that includes calming inflamed skin and restoring dry hair. So give it the right setup.

Keep your room cool. Stick to breathable fabrics. Avoid heavy lotions or thick bedding that might trap heat. And swap out rough pillowcases for silk pillowcases if you haven't already—they're gentler on both skin and hair, especially after long days in the sun.

Drowsy's sleep essentials, like our padded scrunchies and eye masks, are designed to support this kind of nightly recovery. Lightweight, soothing, and made for sensitive skin, they help you wind down while protecting what the sun wears out. Explore Drowsy's full range to start taking better care of your hair and skin, day and night!