With summer almost here, it is time to start getting serious about sun protection, especially when it comes to your hair. As nice as that sunshine feels, it can be especially damaging on your scalp and strands, leading to faded color, extreme dryness, and even skin cancer along the hairline.
Thankfully, there are numerous hair sunscreens and UV protectants on the market to keep your strands and scalp safe. From sprays and mists to lightweight powders, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite products to fight those harmful UV rays.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Scalp and Hair Mist
If you’re looking for a scalp sunscreen that’s lightweight enough to also spray on your locks, look no further than this Sun Bum scalp and hair mist. This fast-drying mist is formulated with super nourishing ingredients like sunflower seed extract and glycerin in addition to SPF, so your strands stay moisturized as well as protected from the sun’s damaging rays. Best of all, this spray works for all hair types!
Promising review from Sun Bum: Kelly says, “I purchased this product before my beach trip to protect my new balayage from sun damage. I was beyond impressed with the product. Not only was my hair and scalp protected from sun damage, it added a perfect amount of texture to my hair. I still use this product at least three times a week to add some texture and volume to my shag.”
Shop: Sun Bum SPF 30 Scalp and Hair Mist, $14.99
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
Protect your hair from losing its shine and color while you have fun in the sun with this hair mist from Aveda. Not only is it lightweight and water-resistant, but it also provides an invisible screen to protect your locks from the sun’s damaging UV rays for up to 16 hours thanks to ingredients like wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils.
Promising review from Aveda: Caitlin says, “I love being out in the sun, but feel SO guilty, knowing that as I’m soaking up the rays, my hair color is fading fast! But with this product — no more guilt! I can go out all day and there’s no fading! Plus, no weird greasy, crunchy, or sticky residue! Way better than spraying body sunscreen into your hair at the beach!”
Shop: Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, $32.50
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
More than just a UV protectant, this Bumble and bumble leave-in hair treatment truly does it all: it helps soften, silken, tame, defrizz, detangle, and protects against breakage. Packed with coconut oil, macadamia oil, and safflower oil, this lotion can be used to style damp hair or refresh dry hair before heading outdoors.
Promising review from Sephora: Wren says, “This stuff is amazing! It enhances my natural waves and helps me detangle my hair. I like that there’s some UV protection as well, especially with summer coming up. It kind of smells like Moroccan oil which I love!”
Shop: Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer, $28.00
Supergoop Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 45
This Supergoop dry shampoo meets scalp sunscreen provides sun protection without all the grease. Beside keeping your scalp sunburn-free, this weightless, 100 percent mineral powder will also help absorb excess oil from your stands. Super easy to apply thanks to its pump, you’ll love how its superfine formula is virtually undetectable on both your hair and your clothes!
Promising review from Bluemercury: Sara says,” Amazing product. At first when you spray it on its powdery, all you have to do is run it in a bit and you don’t see anything at all. Highly recommend it as the scalp is a place most SPF brands ignore and this product is perfect for that. I also use it at the top of my forehead to get close between hair and face.”
Shop: Supergoop Poof 100% Mineral Part Power SPF 45 , $34.00
Coola Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
Say goodbye to burnt parts after spritzing on this scalp and hair mist from Coola. Not only does it have SPF 30 to protect your strands from UV damage, but it’s plant-derived ingredients, like soybean and palm, will ensure your locks stay nourished and hydrated. Best of all, it’s ocean salted sage scent makes it perfect for beach days!
Promising review from Ulta: Kelly says, “Where has this product been all my life?! As a fair skinned lady, I often suffer from the WORST sunburn on my scalp and traditional sunblocks have always weighed my hair. But now, I am so thankful to have found this product from Coola! Does not weigh my hair down, smells fresh, plus it does a great job of also adding some hydration to my hair. This product was gifted to me although I will purchasing it once I’m all out.”
Shop: Coola Scalp & Mist Organic Sunscreen SPF 30, $26.00
IGK Blocked Water-Resistant Hair Shield
Whether you are hitting the beach or the pool, ensure your hair stays safe from UV rays with the water-resistant hair cream from IGK. Made from a blend of natural waxes and balm mint extract, it’s creamy formula works to protect wet hair, keep color from fading, and prevent damage.
Promising review from IGK Hair: Mariane says, “I’ve been using this for a year now and it is definitely the best sun/water protector!! I swim a lot, and I am very thankful that I found this product early enough to see my hair looking good after a whole day of pool and sun!”
Shop: IGK Blocked Water-Resistant Hair Shield, $29.00
What’s your favorite hair and scalp sunscreen? Share with us below!
