If your sunscreen routine this summer hasn’t extended beyond your forehead, you’re overlooking an important detail. Using an SPF on your scalp and strands may seem unnecessary, but it’s far from a frivolous step. Skin experts agree that, just like choosing the right sunscream for your face, safeguarding your scalp is essential.
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“Your scalp is an extension of the skin on your face,” says Dr Sturnham. “In the same way that UV rays can damage your skin cells and accelerate facial skin ageing, we also know that it can harm your scalp and hair follicles.” Most notably causing sunburn (which can increase the risk of developing skin cancer), but there are also other consequences of sun lounging without adequate scalp protection; they include brittle or damaged hair, premature ageing (leading to unhealthy hair), itchiness and flaking.
What are the risks of not using sun protection on your hair and scalp?
- Sun-damaged hair: If you’ve ever noticed your hair looking lighter after prolonged sun exposure, it’s likely a sign of scalp sunburn. “Acute sunburn can weaken the hair, making it dry, brittle and prone to colour changes,” says Dr Sturnham, who notes that these effects are especially pronounced on chemically treated or dyed hair.
- Hair loss: UV rays don’t just damage the hair surface — they can also affect the follicles beneath. Prolonged exposure can cause inflammation at a follicular level, disrupting healthy hair growth. “Research shows that UV radiation slows cellular repair and accelerates cell death in parts of the follicle,” explains Dr Sturnham. Additionally, UVA rays trigger inflammatory responses that push hair into the catagen (shedding) phase, contributing to increased hair fall and thinning.
- Higher risk of skin cancer: These concerns are just the start. Dr Sturnham warns that even one episode of scalp sunburn can raise your risk of skin cancer. “Chronic UV exposure significantly increases your lifetime risk of developing skin cancers,” she says, including melanoma, which often develops on the scalp — and may go unnoticed beneath a full head of hair.
To help you discover the best sun protection for your hair and scalp, we tested a range of sunscreens to find formulas that are effective, pleasant to wear and easy to incorporate into your routine. While applying your regular sunscreen to your hairline and scalp is a good start, the options in our edit go a step further. Most of them are specifically designed for the delicate skin on the scalp – they’re lightweight and non-greasy. From expert-approved picks to editor favourites, only the standout performers made our list. Ahead, the best scalp sunscreens to pack for your next getaway.
- Best for: SPF top-ups while travelling, during watersports
- Size: 75ml
- Why we love it: Trusted by athletes for its efficacy at shielding skin from high levels of outdoor UV exposure, Ultrasun is the Swiss-chemist-formulated brand to know for robust suncare. This spray deploys an aerosol mist that doesn’t leave a greasy finish, plus it comes in a can that conveniently fits in your carry-on and does not leak. One to take on holiday or while you’re playing sport.
- Best for: grease-free sun protection
- Size: 50ml
- Why we love it: With a texture typical of the best K beauty finds, this fast-absorbing serum is well suited to the scalp. For starters, it has advanced PA++++ filters – the kind you can only find in Korean and Japanese sunscreens – for additional sun protection, and a non-sticky formula with no white cast. Second, it helps a long list of scalp issues, thanks to a formula rich in niacinamide and anti-inflammatory ginseng.
- Best: for on-the-go face and scalp touch-ups
- Size: 75ml
- Why we love it: While not strictly for scalp, this La Roche-Posay mist SPF is featherlight and formulated with anti-shine protection to ensure excess oil is kept at bay. So, if you’re on the go and need something that will kill two birds with one stone, it’s a no-brainer.
Read more: Experts On The Best Hair Masks For Damaged Tresses
- Best for: supercharged styling and UV protection
- Size: 100ml
- Why we love it: While this formula is not designed to protect your scalp entirely, it is a great styling formula that contains added UV protection to fend off UV rays on the hair’s surface – preventing colour fade, breakage and so on. Creating a tousled texture (no heat needed), all you need to do is mist into the hair, then twist and scrunch for your beachiest hair yet. A multitasking wonder.
- Best: powder sunscreen for several skin tones
- Size: 6g
- Why we love it: Mineral sunscreens act like a physical guard against UV rays, but subsequently often leave a chalky finish that can result in a white cast. Enter Colourscience’s zinc-based brush-on sunscreen, which offers people of several skin tones a way to protect partings on the scalp without adding grease. Also in the mix are free radical-neutralising antioxidants to ward off UV-induced damage, and a powdered form of hyaluronic acid to keep your scalp comfortably hydrated. Well worth the spend.
- Best: scalp sunscreen spray
- Size: 75ml
- Why we love it: For quick and easy application right at the roots, look to Coola’s SPF 30 mist. “The nozzle on this easily gets through my thick afro textured hair to dispense sunscreen precisely where it’s needed – it’s neither greasy, nor drying,” says beauty writer Tracy Achonwa. “On those very hot days where the sun beats down, it is super soothing to apply, with centella asiatica and panthenol on hand to alleviate burning sensations.”
- Best for: sun-frazzled strands
- Size: 100ml
- Why we love it: Not only does this condition and perfume your hair with an incredible neroli aroma, but it is also infused with antioxidants to defend against pollution and UV damage. Aveda’s mist is composed of potent plant extracts and utilises natural UV filters that form a light shield around the strands to block out harmful rays.
Read more: Everything You Need To Know About Derma Rollers For Hair Growth, According To Trichologists
Do you need sunscreen for your hair and scalp?
“Sunscreen is absolutely necessary for the scalp,” says Shaw, a skincare educator at Australian SPF brand Mecca. Those with bald spots or lighter hair should take note: in her expert opinion, it is especially important on “areas that are not naturally protected by dense or highly pigmented hair,” like the hairline and partings. “I recommend applying a lightweight sunscreen to both the face and hairline and, of course, wearing a hat.”
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- Dr Anita Sturnham is a GP specialising in dermatology and anti-ageing medicine at Solice Health.
- Lucy Shaw is a skincare expert and head of skin education at Mecca Cosmetica.