In the beauty cosmos, countless things seem quite too over-the-top – brow gels, essences, and ice rollers. So, it might not be surprising to see you cringe at the idea of a scalp SPF. Like when did humans become sooo dramatic and extra AF?
Well, after weeks of perusing through what felt like a million studies, we’re here to tell you- scalp sun protection is just as important as that of your face and body. You see, just like your skin, the sun can literally fry your locks until they become a frazzled mess, not to mention trigger skin cancer.
And that’s not all.
According to experts, UV rays have the same effects on your strands as bleach – they degrade your tresses’ protein structure, leaving them weak, brittle, and thoroughly heat damaged. Ouch.
But there’s no need to raise the alarm. By spritzing a fast-drying UV-blocking scalp formula, you can easily combat these issues. Its UV filters will coat your hair with hardworking molecules that either absorb the rays or reflect them so they can bounce off before they get a chance to cause severe damage.
Plus, if you’re a hair color addict, hair and scalp SPF is a no-brainer. The sun can bleach TF out of your locks, resulting in a horrendous color shift (who wants to walk by their crush’s house with brassy, ashy tones? Not us).
Convinced yet? You have to be. Now, check out some of the market’s best scalp sunscreens to add to your all-season hair routines. No need to thank us – just get yourself one.
SunBum Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30, $14.99
This spray-on scalp SPF checks all the boxes: it’s featherweight enough that it weighs your hair down, it dries super quickly (even after spritzing it through your strands), and combines chemical blockers, hydrating ingredients, and broad spectrum SPF 30 to shelter your hair from UV damaging rays and minimize static.
Oh, did we mention it’s also water-resistant? Yap! This formula comes with up to 80 minutes of zero water contact.
Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Hair/UV Protective Primer, $13
This Bumble & Bumble Heat/UV Protective Primer not only works as a super-potent protection spray but also uses a nourishing blend of botanicals to hydrate, soften and tamp down frizz – all without leaving behind any form of unwanted residue. Now that’s a true multitasker.
Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Defense Sunscreen SPF 30, $7
Don’t feel like dropping $$ on a scalp sunscreen? No worries. This oxybenzone-free formula is just as effective as its pricier counterparts.
Moreover, the product is water-resistant (up to 80-minutes) and contains a featherweight, fast-drying SPF 30 that won’t leave your tresses feeling slick or heavy.
Korres Red Vine Year Round Hair Sun Protection Spray, $12.60
This scalp-protecting spray from Korres comes with water-resistant UV filters that protect your strands from radiation and prevents hair color from fading. It’s also free from mineral oils, paraffin wax, silicones, and SLES and uses aloe vera + pro-vitamin B5 to help hydrate, nourish and protect your strands.
