Summer in the UK isn’t always blazing hot, but when the sun does show up, kids are the first to take full advantage. Whether they’re playing in the garden, heading off to the seaside, or just soaking up the rare warmth, there’s one thing parents often overlook — their child’s scalp.
At our children’s hair cut salon in Wolverhampton, we’ve had parents come in confused about flaky spots or itchy patches on their little one’s head. Most of the time, it’s something that could’ve been prevented with a little bit of summer scalp care. So, let’s talk about it — no fluff, just useful advice.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Scalp in Summer
Most of us are good at remembering sunscreen for the face, arms, maybe the back of the neck. But how many of us think about the top of the head? Kids with short hair, fine hair, or even those with a parting can end up with sunburn on their scalp. And it’s not fun — it stings, it flakes, and it can make them dread brushing their hair.
And it’s not just the sun. Sweat, chlorine, and just being outside more often all add to the mix. A sweaty scalp can trap dirt and oil, which leads to irritation. Chlorine from swimming pools dries out both the hair and the skin underneath.
Three Problems We See Every Summer
1. Sunburn
It sounds odd, but it happens more than you think. Kids with fine or light-coloured hair are especially at risk. A red, sore scalp after a long day outside? That’s sunburn.
What helps?
Hats. Really, it’s that simple. A breathable cap or sunhat does the job and adds a bit of style, too.
2. Build-up from Sweat and Dirt
Active kids sweat. That’s just a fact. And if they’re playing in sandpits, parks, or even just running around the garden, all that muck ends up on their scalp.
How to deal with it?
A gentle shampoo a few times a week is plenty. Look for something made for kids — no harsh stuff. We’ve got some great suggestions at HairPlay Wolverhampton.
3. Chlorine Dry-Out
Nothing says summer like a splash in the pool. But chlorine can be tough on the scalp, stripping away moisture and making the skin dry or flaky.
Simple fix:
Rinse straight after swimming. Even just a minute under fresh water helps. And if your child’s hair feels straw-like, a little conditioner or leave-in spray goes a long way.
What We Recommend at HairPlay Wolverhampton
We’re not just a children’s hair salon in Wolverhampton — we’re parents, carers, and people who know how tricky it can be to keep kids still long enough for hair care.
That’s why we make it easy. We offer trims and treatments that not only keep hair looking tidy but also help with overall scalp health. Plus, we’re always happy to chat about what you can do at home.
Got a child with sensitive skin? We’ve seen it. Struggling with tangles after a swim? Been there. Need a product that doesn’t sting or smell too strong? We can recommend something.
Easy Things You Can Do at Home
- Check the scalp during bath time. A quick peek while shampooing can catch issues early.
- Use a soft brush. This helps lift dirt and gently exfoliate the scalp.
- Let the scalp breathe. Tying up long hair too tightly all summer can cause stress on both scalp and roots.
- Book regular trims. Shorter hair is easier to wash, easier to manage, and helps with airflow to the scalp.
Let’s Get Summer-Ready 🌞
If you’re not sure what your child’s scalp needs — or just want a fresh summer trim — come and see us at HairPlay Wolverhampton. We’re all about friendly, no-pressure advice, and making kids feel at home in the salon chair.
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Your child’s hair — and scalp — will thank you.