Sunscreen isn’t just to keep your face and body protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Making sure you keep your sensitive scalp protected with SPF is just as important. Sun damage to your hair can look like anything from a sunburn to a change in your hair color, whether natural or dyed. While you can’t just head to the sunscreen aisle and slather any product on your head, there are tons of SPF products specially suited to care for your scalp and protect your hair. Read on for the best sun protection for your scalp.
Best Scalp Sunscreen
Banana Boat Sport Quik Dri Scalp Spray Sunscreen SPF 30
Offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, this water-resistant scalp sunscreen spray is ideal for a long day of sun exposure. Whether you’re at the beach or out for a run, this broad-spectrum SPF has your back...er, scalp.
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
A 16-hour UV-defense sunscreen mist, Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is the waterproof tool you need in your beauty arsenal once the weather heats up. Not only that, wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils offer the ultimate hair care by protecting your hair from drying out while in the sun.
Brush On Block Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30
You won’t find a more multi-purpose SPF than this product from Brush On Block. Not only can you easily brush it onto any part of your scalp to protect it from the sun, but you can also use it on your face, neck, and ears. It’s refillable and easy to bring on the go for reapplication. Skincare has never been easier.
COOLA Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
Everyone loves a good misting product. Refresh your hair, beat the heat, and protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays with this non-greasy mist from COOLA. We love that this hair mist SPF is vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and reef-friendly—it’s actually Hawaii reef compliant.
Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray
Who doesn’t already own a million Moroccanoil products? Well, it’s time to purchase another. This Protect & Prevent Spray is perfect for those with color-treated hair types because it helps prevent residual oxidation of hair color and the stripping of hair color pigments.
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Scalp and Hair Mist
Sun Bum has a slew of products that smell incredible, and this one is no exception. Keep your strands smelling fresh, all while protecting them from heat, frizz, and UV rays with this fast-drying hair sunscreen.
Supergoop Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35
This mineral sunscreen is a favorite among many for a reason. It feels like dry shampoo and doesn’t weigh your hair down, and it also offers UV protection. Application (and even reapplication) are a breeze thanks to the spray tip. Be sure to use it as the final step in your hairstyling process during the summer.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
While expensive, Colorescience is totally worth it. This is the best product to keep on you at all times and it comes in a variety of colors. While great for your skin and resetting your makeup, it can also add tint to sparse areas on thinning hair types. Oh, and did we mention it’s recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation?
Oars + Alps Face + Scalp Mist with SPF 35
Another multipurpose product, carry this with you to the beach, on hikes, or on a walk around the city whenever you need a quick reapply. Aloe and cucumber provide hydration, while antioxidant-rich safflower oil, sunflower oil, and alpine caribou moss defend your skin and scalp from environmental damage.
Shisheido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Trust us, using this clear sunscreen stick isn’t going to make your hair a greasy mess. Just rub a small amount on your part or hairline and it leaves a velvety smooth finish. And you can rest easy knowing the formula is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate.
