7 Best Sunscreens For Your Head & Scalp According to Experts
7 of the Best Sunscreens For Your Head and Scalp, According to Dermatologists
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Broken record or not, here is the truth: wearing sun protection is the most important thing you can do for your skin — not just during the summer months or when you're spending an extended amount of time at the beach, but on a consistent basis. Applying SPF to your face, neck, and body is one thing, but did you know that it's also important to protect your head and scalp from the sun as well?
"The sun emits UV radiation, and this UV radiation is absorbed by our skin cells, including on our scalp and damages the bonds between DNA, therefore directly causing DNA damage. Whilst thick dense hair can protect the scalp from UV radiation, as our hair becomes less dense, there will be exposure of our scalp to the damaging effects of UV rays," Dr Ellie Rashid, consultant dermatologist at One Welbeck, tells PS UK.
"This DNA damage leads to pigmentation changes such as age spots, (solar lentigines) and freckles, and of course increases the risk of skin cancer," she adds. "Hair can also be affected by UV radiation with damage to the hair cuticle, leading to brittleness, dryness and frizziness. This dryness of the hair means it breaks more easily and is more fragile, increasing split ends. Using SPF on the hair and scalp protects you from these effects."
Hair experts Sarah McKenna, Founder of London Hair Lab, and Daniel Argenio, Founder of 65 Walton, also swear by UV protection for keeping colour-treated hair healthy and vibrant. When sharing their key to the perfect cowboy copper hair colour, McKenna told us: "Make sure you protect your hair from UV rays, as bright sun can cause your colour to fade quicker. Minimising heat styling will also help prevent damage and fading."
And Argenio echoes this, adding: "To make your hair colour last longer, consider using a colour-depositing conditioner or gloss between salon visits to refresh the colour and protect your hair from sun exposure by wearing hats or using UV-protective hair products."
Dr Sophie Momen, consultant dermatologist at Cadogan Clinic has you covered if you're wondering which hair and scalp SPF is best for you. She tells us: "Cream preparations are well suited to those with bald areas, but for those with hair, creams can be difficult to apply and they leave the hair greasy with a white cast, which understandably people do not want.
"Spray formulations are easy to apply to the hair line and scalp or alternatively powder formulations may be more preferable for those with oilier scalps as it won't leave hair greasy. It is important to re-apply sunscreen every two to three hours or after swimming or exercise and other measures such as a wide-brimmed hat can also be used to protect the scalp from harmful ultraviolet rays," Dr Momen explains.
So, for the best sunscreens to keep your scalp and hair protected from UV rays and sun exposure, keep reading for the PS UK top picks.
Ultrasun SPF 50 UV Face & Scalp Mist
If you have a sensitive scalp, the Ultrasun SPF 50 UV Face and Scalp Mist (£24) is the SPF spray for you. It's transparent, water-resistant and made up of a hypo-allergenic formulation, free from perfume, mineral oils, emulsifiers and alcohol. The mist is also reef friendly and ocean-safe.
Soltan Clear and Cool Protect Suncare Mist SPF50
Dr Momen recommends Boots' Soltan Clear and Cool Protect Suncare Mist SPF50 (£8) which offers an instant cooling affect while provding a transparent and non-greasy layer of UV protection to your hair and scalp. It also boasts a tropical fragrance, so you can look good and stay safe in the sun.
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Mist
The Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Mist Skinscreen (£32) is a favourite of Dr Rashid's and works as a multipurpose SPF spray that works for your skin (and over makeup), hair and scalp. It's lightweight and made with soothing ingredients, so you can stay future-proofed with fast touch-ups, any time of the day.
La Roche-Posay Sun Protection Invisible Face Mist SPF50+
Dr Momen loves how easy the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50+ Face Mist (£15) is to apply to the hair line and scalp. This water-resistant, ultra-fine mist also delivers high UVA/UVB protection while minimising the appearance of unwanted shine.
Curlsmith Miracle Shield
Exclusively for curly hair types, the Curlsmith Miracle Shield (£24) is a multi-purpose product that cloaks the curls with a protective mist. It's protein-packed, so expect healthier locks and hair that is shielded from heat, UV rays and chlorine, so you can enjoy glossier, radiant curls, and minimal damage.
Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF30
Dr Rashid says the Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF30 (£28) is an ideal mineral SPF powder for easy application on the go. It's formulated with 100% mineral filters but would need topping up throughout the day if you're planning to take a dip in the pool.
Vichy Capital Soleil Hydrating Sun Protection SPF30 Water Spray
The Vichy Capital Soleil Hydrating Sun Protection Water Spray SPF30 with Hyaluronic Acid (£15) is formulated with UV filters and hydrating hyaluronic acid, delivering high protection in a lightweight, quickly absorbed formula, ideal for refreshing your hair and scalp while staying safe in the sun.
Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.
