9 Best Hair and Scalp Sunscreens and Sun Protectants
Yes, you should be shielding your head and hair from the sun.
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By now, you know the drill: Before you leave the house, you should coat yourself in a solid sunscreen (SPF 30, at least). But even if you religiously slather your body in SPF from head to toe and reapply often, you still might be missing a key area: Your scalp. At the top of your head and facing directly up at the sun, your scalp is especially prone to sunburns and UV damage, which is why about 10% of melanomas occur on the scalp, according to Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and a spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation. "As you get older and your hair starts to thin, that's when you become a little bit more susceptible because you don't have as much natural protection of the scalp," says Sophia Reid, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
It can be difficult to detect skin cancer on the scalp, so it's especially important to protect it. Rest assured, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tests all kinds of sunscreens continually (from zinc oxide sunscreen to sunscreen for sensitive skin to face sunscreens and more) for efficaciousness, texture, residue and more. While we haven't formally tested scalp sunscreen in our Lab, our experts do know what goes into a great SPF. We found plenty of sunscreen options that are formulated either with the scalp in mind or with ingredients that won't interfere with your hair.
Our top picks:
To protect your scalp and mane, keep reading for the top-reviewed and dermatologist-recommended products that offer your scalp some extra protection for your next day in the sun.
Pros
- Smells great
- SPF 30 protection for hair and scalp
This spay works on both your hair and scalp. Not only does it prevent your head from sunburn, it's also infused with rockstar organic ingredients: Gotu kola extract helps promote circulation for overall scalp health, while monoi oil offers UV protection. "It has a pleasant scent and keeps our scalps from burning," says one reviewer. Dr. Reid approves of this spray to protect against the sun's harsh rays.
This scalp and hair mist is lightweight and it has good-for-your-hair ingredients like algae. It's water-resistant up to 80 minutes, perfect for the beach or sweaty days. "I used this for the first time on an eight-hour trip floating a river," says one reviewer. "It got the job done beautifully and is perfect for those who still want a cute hairstyle while in the sun that involves exposed parts. Perfect for braids!"
Pros
- High SPF 45
- Powder helps absorb sweat and grease
Cons
- Can leave a white cast on dark hair
Leave it to this beauty editor-favorite sunscreen brand to make an innovative "part powder" to keep your scalp safe. The mineral formula comes out in a powder form designed to be sprayed (or "poofed") onto your part. "It will absorb sweat throughout the day and will not feel like a thick barrier," says Dr. Engelman.
Pros
- Won't leave white cast
- Easy application
Cons
- Not formulated specifically for scalp
This fragrance-free, water-resistant sunscreen stick makes scalp application precise. "Stick sunscreen is helpful for easy application," says Dr. Engelman. "The balm will absorb easily and not leave hair white or chalky."
Pros
- SPF 50, non-greasy
- Easy brush-on application
Cons
- Powder formula doesn't offer as strong protection
This powder sunscreen is another favorite for the scalp. Reviewers love how easy to use and practical this sunscreen powder is, and GH's Beauty Director says the high level of SPF and easy application is mess-free and super convenient. Since it's tinted, it works well on dark skin and hair without leaving a white cast.
Pros
- Oil-free, matte formula
- No white cast
Cons
- Not formulated specifically for scalp
Dr. Engelman likes that this sunscreen is oil-free and matte, so it won't make your hair feel greasy. "I have been on a quest to find a daily sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, has zinc in it, doesn't burn my sensitive skin, and that I don't hate wearing (due to greasiness, white cast, etc.)," says one reviewer. "I feel like I've tried nearly every brand and formulation, and this is by far the best I have found!"
Pros
- Hydrating and lightweight
Think of these innovative drops as a sunscreen serum. "They're not heavy or greasy," says Dr. Reid. These drops are super light and absorb easily, making them ideal for scalp use.
Pros
- Absorbs oil on the scalp and hair
- Convenient individual packaging
Cons
- Not formulated specifically for scalp
These pads are especially good for oily scalps. "It uses a specialized foam to absorb oil on one side, flip it over and use the all mineral UVA/UVB broad spectrum SPF 30 to re-apply," says Dr. Engelman. This is great for re-applying on the go.
Pros
- UPF 50+
- Wide brim to protect face, neck, and shoulders
If you're looking for foolproof scalp protection, Reid says your safest bet is to cover up with a bucket hat. She recommends looking for one with UPF (SPF for clothes!) like this beach hat. Not only does this hat protect your scalp, but the wide brim also offers a degree of face protection.
What to consider when using scalp scunscreen
✔️Formulation: Dr. Reid advises looking for a mineral-based sunscreen, if possible. Plus, "when applying SPF to the scalp, look for oil-free and water resistant," recommends Dr. Engelman. "This will limit the sunscreen running, especially into your eyes."
✔️Application: You don't have to coat your strands in SPF — just apply it to your part, any thinning or balding spots, and around your hairline, according to Dr. Engelman.
Does your hair need SPF too?
Just like hair can get damaged from bleach or hot tools, your hair can also get damaged from the sun. "The sun dehydrates hair, leaving it brittle and prone to split ends," says Meri Kate O'Connor, senior colorist and educator at Eva Scrivo Salon in New York City. "UV exposure can break down the hair strands weakening them, leading to more breakage and shedding," says Dr. Engelman.While your hair isn't getting sunburned like your skin would, it still feels the negative effects of the sun. "When those cuticles are open, that's when you see the split ends, the frayed hair," says Dr. Reid. "All of that UV damage can also affect the quality and the strength of your hair."
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Former Beauty Assistant Katie Berohn teamed with the GH Beauty Lab to research and vet the best scalp sunscreen products out there. Katie covered all things beauty, including mineral sunscreens, at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and Prevention magazines. She rounded up our top picks here as well as consulted outside experts for additional tips on how to shop.
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