7 Best Types of Scalp Sunscreen for the Ultimate Protection
As the summer months quickly approach, and the days start to get longer and longer, one of the most essential steps in taking care of your hair and scalp is protecting it from the sun.
Sun damage can leave your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. But with the right sunscreen for your scalp, you can keep your head covered without compromising on style or comfort.
Here's an ultimate guide to protecting your scalp from the sun with nine expert-approved recommendations on some of the best scalp sunscreens on the market today.
What is Scalp Sunscreen?
If you've ever experienced a sunburn on your scalp, then you know how painful and uncomfortable it can be.
That's where scalp sunscreen comes into play. It's a specialized type of sunscreen that is designed to be used specifically on the scalp and hairline.
Unlike regular sunscreen, which can leave your hair feeling greasy and weighed down, scalp sunscreen is formulated to be lightweight and non-greasy.
It comes in various forms such as mists, powders, and sprays, making it easy to apply and blend into your hair.
By using scalp sunscreen, you can protect your scalp from harmful UV rays and prevent sun damage to your hair.
How do you use it?
Protecting your scalp from harmful UV rays is crucial during the summer months, but applying sunscreen to your hair can be tricky.
To properly apply hair sunscreen, start by sectioning off your hair and applying the product to your fingertips.
Then, gently massage the sunscreen into your scalp and hairline, taking care to cover all exposed skin. For added protection, wear a hat or cover your hair with a scarf.
Remember to reapply hair sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. This product can be applied to wet or dry hair.
How to Make the Most Out of this Article
We all have our own skincare goals and we want to help you reach yours.
Before you dive into our reviews, take a minute to jot down the top 2 to 3 concerns that you hope to solve with this product.
Throughout the reviews, we highlight key features to help you browse with ease. Read on to spot the best hair sunscreen for your needs!
Some Things to Keep in Mind
When it comes to taking care of our hair and scalp, sometimes traditional hair products just don't cut it.
This is where mists and powders specifically designed for the scalp and hair can come in handy.
The key is to find a non-greasy mist or sunscreen powder that will nourish and protect your hair and scalp without leaving behind any residue.
There are many great options out there, but here are some of our favorites!
Spray Options
1. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Scalp and Hair Mist
Why We Are Passionate About It
Sun Bum Scalp and Hair Mist (SPF 30) is a fast-drying, lightweight mist perfect for all hair types, providing a safe barrier from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Just apply this non-comedogenic mist, dermatologist and Sonny approved, before heading outside.
Not only does it provide superior protection from the sun, but its oil-free formula means it won't leave your hair feeling greasy or weighed down – just moisturized and protected.
Sun Bun is perfect for daily scalp and hair protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include avobenzone.
This product is made phthalate, oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten, cruelty, and paraben-free.
2. Coola Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
Why We Are Passionate About It
Coola's 70%+ Organic Ocean Salted Sage Scalp and Hair Mist is a water-resistant mist designed with SPF 30 protection that helps prevent UV-related issues like color fade on blonde hair while also being reef-friendly - saving our oceans and keeping you safe in the sun!
This product is 70% organic and farm-to-face, meaning the products come straight from an organic farmer's field into the product. And it won't make your hair greasy!
Plus, it smells good! If you're looking to protect your hair and scalp from sun damage while nourishing your hair and protecting the environment, this is the product for you.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Monoi Oil and Gotu Kola extract.
This product is made gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
3. Oars + Alps Face & Scalp Mist
Why We Are Passionate About It
Oars + Alps Face & Scalp Mist is a quick, lightweight formula with both water and sweat resistance for long-lasting cover.
This SPF 35 sunscreen mist provides broad-spectrum protection ensuring that you stay safe in the sun. Aloe and cucumber hydrate the skin and counteract drying sun exposure.
Additionally, this product contains antioxidants such as Safflower Oil and Sunflower Oil to help defend against environmental damage while Caffeine offers anti-inflammatory properties too.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Aloe, Cucumber, Amber, Bamboo, and Coconut Water.
This product is made free of Aerosol, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Parabens, and Phthalates.
4. Banana Boat Sport Quik Dri Scalp Spray Sunscreen SPF 30
Why We Are Passionate About It
Banana Boat Sport Quik Dri Scalp Spray provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is water-resistant for 80 minutes so you can be sure of long-lasting defense from the sun.
What's more, this product won't run into your eyes - no more stinging when it comes to swimming in the pool!
Furthermore, reviews confirm that this product is non-greasy and comes in a convenient pump spray-type package, so the application couldn’t be easier.
And if you’ve recently colored or dyed your hair, don’t worry - reports indicate that Banana Boat Sport Quik Dri Scalp Spray will not affect that color job!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include vitamin E and avobenzone.
Powder Options
5. Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder
Why We Are Passionate About It
Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder offers broad spectrum SPF 35 protection in an invisible, yet luxurious powder form that mimics dry shampoo. Oily-hairred folks definitely need to give this a try!
Boasting a 100% mineral formula made up of clean, antioxidant-rich ingredients and an oxybenzone- & octinoxate-free composition, this sunscreen is both gentle and kind to your scalp as it nourishes and protects you from the sun.
Not only that, but it also works with all hair colors and types. If you're looking to protect your hair and scalp from sunburn, then give this powder formula a shot!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include zinc oxide.
This product is made vegan, reef-friendly, oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, and cruelty-free.
6. Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder
Why We Are Passionate About It
Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 is a gentle but effective mineral powder that protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
This dermatologically recommended formula contains broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen to provide superior protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Their patented EnviroScreen Technology gives you the coverage you need while protecting your sensitive or acne-prone skin if you wanted to use the product on your face. Oily-hairred folks also need to give this one a try!
Enjoy up to 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage and peace of mind with a lightweight, sheer coverage finish that won't clog pores or feel heavy on the face.
As an added bonus, it's the only brush-on powder sunscreen recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation — making it a great choice for skincare enthusiasts!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and patented enviroscreen technology.
This product is made oxybenzone, octionoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone free.
Bonus Option
7. milk_shake Incredible Milk
Why We Are Passionate About It
If you're a skincare enthusiast looking for the ultimate hair protection that shields like an SPF-based product while having repairing properties, milk_shake's Incredible Milk is here to help!
This gentle yet powerful formula locks in moisture and shields strands from UV rays and heat styling tools. It effectively repairs all types of hair and helps maintain color intensity and shine level, helps control frizz and prevents split ends.
Milk_shake Incredible Milk detangles, maintains the hairstyle, and boosts body and volume so you have the perfect look with minimal effort.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include organic muru muru butter, glycolic fruit extracts, milk proteins, and vitamin A.
Scalp Sunscreen FAQs
Protecting your scalp from the harshness of the sun can be an effective way to ward off sunburns and other skin problems, but it's not always clear where or how to start.
Do you wear hats all the time? Is sunscreen enough? What about those awkward areas around your ears and near your hairline?
We have the solution – scalp sunscreen faqs from Scalp Sun Solutions. Our handy questions and answers will quickly help you figure out what kind of protection is best for both your hair and skin so you can enjoy a safe and comfortable day outdoors.
What is the purpose of hair sunscreen?
Sunscreen is an important part of any hair care routine and it serves a very specific purpose. Hair sunscreen helps to protect those strands from the harmful UV rays that are present in sunlight, which can cause damage over time.
UV exposure over long periods of time has been linked to various forms of hair aging, such as discoloration, brittleness, and split ends. Hair sunscreen works by blocking out some of these harmful UV rays before they can penetrate your hair shafts and cause damage to the protein fibers that make up each strand.
Can I use regular sunscreen on my scalp?
Yes, you can use regular sunscreen on your scalp, but you should be careful when doing so. It is important to look for oil-free and water-resistant products since these will not run into your eyes which could be a very uncomfortable experience!
Sunscreen should also be applied regularly throughout the day when out in the sun for extended periods of time. When applying sunscreen to the scalp, it is best to part hair down the middle and then apply a generous amount of sunscreen with gentle circular motions to ensure even coverage all around.
Do you need sunscreen on scalp with hat?
Yes, you should always wear sunscreen on your scalp even if you plan to wear a hat. It is important to remember that most hats are not truly waterproof and even if they keep the sun off your head for the most part, some of its rays can still reach through gaps in the material. Furthermore, over time hats can become worn out or stretched and no longer block out light completely. This means that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is almost always guaranteed once you take off your hat. It's especially important for those with thinning hair to use sun protection to protect scalp skin against scalp damage.
Can sunscreen damage your hair?
No, sunscreen will not damage your hair. In fact, just like it protects your skin from UV rays and other elements that can cause sunburns and/or accelerated aging of the skin, sunscreen can also protect your hair from environmental factors that can be damaging such as humidity and salt water.
However, some formulas of sunscreen may be a little heavy or cause greasy hair it is important to choose one specifically designed to protect your hair from the sun. Sunscreens designed for use on the head contain ingredients that are lightweight so they won’t weigh down your hair or leave a greasy residue behind.
Best Scalp Sunscreen - What We Recommend
Hair sunscreen is an invaluable asset and should be considered a must-have when it comes to your summer beauty routine. Our list of the 9 best scalp sunscreens will help you make the best purchase for your skin health. With additional tips and suggestions from our blog, you'll become an expert in protecting your scalp from damaging UV rays.
We take pride in being an educational source for all things beauty! To learn more about scalp sunscreen and other important beauty tips and information, review the articles on our site. Don't forget to apply SPF sunscreen today, and every day - keep your skin safe while staying stylish!
How We Curated Our List
There are many options for the best scalp protection sunscreen on the market with many different ingredients from aloe vera to vitamin E. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you, especially if you're just starting your skincare journey or have super sensitive skin that doesn't allow you to test just any product.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products, such as the banana boat hair mist Ulta sells, that will fit both your budget and your needs. Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.
Thanks for reading!
Next Up: Eye Sunscreen | 9 Must-Have Types of SPF for Your Eyes
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