Hair sunscreen – something I forgot even was a thing but BOY do I wish I had bought some in hindsight.
For the first time this summer, Robin and I spend a day lounging in Golden Gate Park this past weekend soaking up sunshine. I wore my hair in space buns which kept it out of my face… but that left a huge middle part of my scalp exposed.
AND I woke up the next day with an incredibly sunburnt scalp and I kicked myself for not wearing protection. I used to use hair sunscreen all the time as a kid, but that was years ago. So, I asked you guys on Instagram what your favorite sunscreens for hair and scalp are and these are the winners!
The 4 Best Sunscreens For Your Hair & Scalp
Sunscreens for hair and scalp are different than sunscreen for your skin. I love my Neutrogena spray sunscreen but I’ve tried spraying it on my hair before and BOY it left my hair looking greasy and janky.
Hair and scalp sunscreens are formulated to work more like styling sprays so they’re light on your hair while still providing broad-spectrum SPF protection against the sun’s rays. These are my readers’ favorite products to use in the summertime.
4 Best Sunscreens For Your Hair & Scalp (SPF That Won't Leave Hair Greasy!)
These are the best SPF sunscreens for hair and scalp to protect from sunburns but won't leave your hair too greasy.
This was our reader's favorite brand as it's a spray vs a powder or oil. It's " A lightweight yet powerful blend of plant-based antioxidants and sunscreen actives work to lock-in color, diminish dullness, and strengthen environmentally damaged hair." This one is great for sensitive skin and it also reef-friendly if you plan on swimming in the ocean or lakes.
Sun Bum also has a mist sunscreen for hair. A few readers said this leaves their hair a little greasy but not too noticeable. It's also about half the price of COOLA if you're shopping on a budget. This works well for all hair types and can be worn daily.
This SPF hair product sprinkles on like baby powder. Once you rub it in, it gives you hair a volume boost a bit like dry shampoo. This is really great if you have fine hair since it'll leave your hair less greasy than with spray sunscreens!
I LOVE Playa products - I have a lot of their stuff and they're all SLS and Paraben Free. I use them to style my hair a few times a week. This Endless Summer spray doesn't have an SPF number but it DOES provide UV protection and is a great option to incorporate into your daily hairsytle routine in the summer to get a small extra boost of protection.
I almost didn't put it on this list since this product won't be enough on its own for a long day in the sun. BUT, I think it's great for everyday use in the summer (ie days you aren't planning on sitting out in the sun for hours on end.) And if you plan on parking yourself on the beach all day, also use one of the SPF sunscreens above!
Because San Francisco is so foggy for large parts of the year, I usually forgo a hat during park days because I just NEED to feel the sunshine on my face. That’s why I’m so eager to start using sunscreen for my hair and scalp again – it protects hair and skin while still allowing me to channel my inner cat and soak up the rays!
Do you have a favorite hair sunscreen that didn’t make the list? Leave a comment below so everyone can see! Also drop a comment if you have questions or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul and I’ll be happy to help.
Stay safe!
1 comment
Using sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner is better for hair health