By now, you no doubt know the importance of applying the best sun cream regularly to your face and body. After all, it’s the one skincare step dermatologists, doctors and beauty experts all agree you shouldn’t compromise on. But, there may be one area even the most seasoned protector is missing out on and it could be leaving you open to unwanted sunburn and skin damage. If you've ever been unfortunate enough to suffer from a burnt scalp, you don't need me to tell you that a scalp sunscreen should be in your bag at all times when you're expecting to encounter a lot of sun. Yep, a burnt scalp isn't just a sign of skin damage, but it also can lead to flaking, itching and general discomfort.
Don't just take my word for it, according to skin cancer expert, Dr Paul Banwell, a scalp SPF is absolutely necessary. "Obviously, hair offers some protection, but you are still exposed to the sun’s rays through your hair. If you have thin hair, you have less natural protection from the sun’s UV light," he explains. "The skin around your hairline and scalp is prone to burning and sun exposure damage, like the skin on the rest of our body and face,” adds Dr Munir Somji, dermatologist, aesthetic doctor and hair restorative surgeon. “You want to protect and take preventative steps to reduce risk to skin cancer like you would with the rest of your face and body.”
While a chic sun hat is one way to ensure your scalp stays protected from the sun, it isn’t always practical and very few of us wear a hat non-stop during the summer months, so, it’s important to also apply a scalp sunscreen for targeted protection against UV rays. The sun can wreak havoc with our hair. Not only can it turn blonde balayage orange and brassy and turns out lengths dry, it can also damage our scalps. When it comes to summer hair care, a hat, a nourishing hair mask, a UV protection spray and, of course, a scalp sunscreen are high on the priority list.
The skin on the scalp can be just as sensitive as on the face. "Without hair, your skin is directly exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. The thin skin on the scalp can burn quickly and is one of the most common places I see for skin cancer. Wearing sun cream is vital to prevent skin cancer, as well as taking precautions, such as wearing sun hats and staying out of the midday sun," says Dr Banwell.
Whilst it might not yet feel like we're in proper summer yet, we are experiencing some sunny days here and there. So it's a good idea to buy one of the best scalp sunscreens now so you're well prepared, especially if you're planning to go on a hot holiday soon too.
How do you apply sunscreen to your scalp?
The scalp isn't the easiest place to apply sunscreen—slathering on your usual cream can make your hair greasy. “Using a normal sunscreen on your scalp if you have hair is going to be messy and difficult,” says Dr Banwell. “You can buy sprays or mousses to help with this and even sunscreen powders, which are better suited," he explains.
If you are on holiday and directly in the sun, “make sure you apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen every two hours," suggests Dr Banwell. “I advise people to focus on the hair parting, which is exposed, as well as the hairline, and then continue parting the hairline to cover the scalp with the product.”
“Regular application lessens the chance of developing skin cancer and can also slow the ageing process. I recommend SPF 30 as a minimum, but ideally, you want SPF 50 to stop UVB rays as well as UVA rays," says Dr Branwell.
Shop the best scalp sunscreens
We put some of the best-selling scalp sunscreens to the test to see which ones offered ample protection without compromising too heavily on the look and feel of the hair.
From our testing, we’ve discovered a spray is a great way to ensure you’re covering a large surface area of your scalp without weighing hair down. If you’re wearing your hair in a parted style, like a slicked back ponytail, applying a stick directly down your parting allows for a targeted application. As with any sunscreen, the most important thing is to find a formula you enjoy using so you continue to top it up throughout the day so try different methods and see what works best for you.
Read more about how we test products here.
1. COOLA Scalp and Hair Mist SPF30
"One of the best sunscreens for scalp on the market right now, the COOLA mist offers sun protection for the scalp and hair. It has SPF 30 and is super easy to apply, just spray onto the scalp and brush through the ends for that UV protection along the lengths. It's super lightweight, so you won't even notice it's there (but still remember to reapply)." - Dionne
"When it comes to scalp protection, I find a mist the easiest to use as it allows for quick application and can easily be re-applied throughout the day. This one from Coola didn't leave my hair greasy and smelled delicious acting like a hair perfume as well as a sunscreen." - Jazz
2. Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50
"I love a multi-use product, and this SPF 50 mist can be used to protect the scalp from UVA and UVB rays and can be used for the face too. It's perfect because it means you only have to throw one product into your bag, and like the mist above, you can just spray on for a non-sticky feel." - Dionne
"When heading out I like to carry minimal beauty products with me so the fact that this is suitable for both the face and scalp was a game changer. It's easy to apply and doesn't feel heavy like you may expect from a face sunscreen. I only wish the aerosol allowed for a little more precision to target just my parting but as it's a very fine texture it doesn't feel too intrusive." - Jazz
3. SUPERGOOP! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++
"It seems as though everyone is raving about this product right now. Yes, it's technically made for the face but I've heard so many fellow beauty journalists talk about this for the scalp that I just had to try it too. And wow, it did not disappoint. The mineral sunscreen offers SPF30 protection, as well as PA+++ UVA protection. The powder formula is amazing for those who are worried about greasy hair." - Dionne
4. Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Protection Powder Brush SPF30
"On paper, this product is similar to the SUPERGOOP! powder, but it has a more affordable price point. It's a great intro product for those who don't want to fork out for an expensive scalp SPF but want to test the waters. If that's you, add this to basket." - Dionne
5. Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist
"Another one that is made for the face but will work just as well as sunscreen for the scalp is this. The Ultra Violette facial sunscreen is my top SPF for face, so when the brand released this reapplication mist, I had to try it for the scalp. I can't promise this won't make fine hair greasy, but for hot days when your hair is scraped back into a slick up do, it's great. Pop it in your bag for your face and use it for the scalp when the sun gets a little too much." - Dionne
"I think it works exceptionally well as a scalp mist. Alongside SPF 50 protection it also contains aloe vera, ideal to soothe any redness you may have, and vitamin C which further helps protect the scalp." - Jazz
6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF50+ Stick
"If you keep one product in your bag this summer, make it this stick from La Roche-Posay. Designed for easy application to all those awkward areas like the scalp, ears, lips, nose - the list goes on when it comes to the many ways you can use this stick. If you like to wear your hair parted, I found this is the perfect way to apply SPF just on the area as you can simply sweep it along the part with no need to rub in." - Jazz
How often should you apply a scalp sunscreen?
Much like your face and body, it’s important to apply sunscreen to your scalp regularly and keep it topped up to ensure adequate protection. In our expert guide on how to apply spf, Dr Nestor Demosthenous, aesthetics practitioner and owner of Dr Nestor’s Medical and Cosmetic Centre. advised it’s best to re-apply every 1-3 hours and this applies to your scalp too. It’s also important to reapply after water exposure or heavy sweating as this can wash your sunscreen away and lessen its effectiveness.
How to treat a sunburnt scalp
With a great scalp sunscreen, you shouldn't have to treat a burnt scalp anytime soon. But if you're searching for a sunscreen for your scalp after dealing with the pain and headache after being out in the sun for too long, then Dr Banwell tells us how best to treat a burnt scalp.
"Firstly, I would suggest cooling the area down by having a cool shower. Avoid hot water. You could add a cold compress to the scalp. Secondly, make sure you stay hydrated. You can try a hydrocortisone cream available from pharmacists to tackle the sunburn. Avoid using heat on the hair, such as hair dryers or hair straighteners," Dr Banwell tells us.
“You may also experience sunstroke,” says Dr Somji. “[If this happens,] ensure you drink lots of water and stay out of the sunlight. I also advise using a treatment or recovery product like the Night Recovery Cream, which contains ingredients to help repair and restore the skin barrier and also reduce inflammation.”
