PSA: Your Hair Needs Sunscreen Too (+ Our Faves)

via Giphy

Your scalp is constantly exposed to the sun, which means it’s prone to burning, peeling, flaking – anything your skin would typically experience. The solution? Coating it with SPF saviors that’ll combat sun damage. To make your haircare journey easier, we’ve rounded up some scalp-lovin’ sunscreens to protect your roots all year round. Yup, sunscreen isn’t just for summer!

1. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray – SPF 70, $9

Source: Neutrogena

On the more affordable side of the spectrum, we have Neutrogena’s spray-on mist, which delivers SPF 70 protection at just $9. Its Helioplex Technology defends your scalp against signs of sun damage while staying water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

2. Black Girl Sunscreen Kids Spray & Play SPF 50 Sunscreen, $12

Source: Black Girl Sunscreen

Spray and play?! Yes, please. This sunny bottle contains a non-sticky SPF 50 formula, which quickly absorbs into your roots for a hydrating finish. Did we mention that the steady-stream nozzle’s a godsend for topping off your sunscreen at your desk? You’re basically getting a full-body SPF for just $12.

3. COOLA Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen SPF 30, $26

Source: COOLA

If you’ve committed to the red hair trend, consider investing in COOLA’s organic scalp sunscreen to prevent your gorg hair color from fading. The SPF 30 protector contains monoi oil and Gotu kola extracts, which are fortifying hair oils that strengthen your dyed strands. DW, it doesn’t weigh your locks down with a greasy feeling, and better yet, it has a natural ocean scent that’s diiiivine.

4. Sun Bum Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30, $15

Source: Sun Bum

We love Sun Bum’s scalp spray because it’s got this light-on-pocket, lighter-on-locks thing going on. It gets extra points for protecting all hair types with SPF 30 AND staying water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

5. Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50 PA++++, $21

Source: Supergoop!

Supergoop’s mist offers double-duty defense against the sun AND aging free radicals. The SPF 50 formula uses 35 percent less alcohol than other sprays, so it’s less likely to dry out your scalp – hallelujah! Vitamin C, green tea and acai extracts fight free radicals to provide antioxidant protection. We love that it can be applied over wet skin, so there’s no need to scramble for a towel if you’re hanging by the pool.

6. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50, $69

Source: Colorescience

Knock, knock, who’s there? The only mineral powder sunscreen approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation! It’s powered by Colorescience’s EnviroScreen Technology, which protects your scalp (and skin) against signs of aging caused by the sun or environmental pollution. The pocket-sized powder has a self-dispensing brush so you can easily sweep it over your scalp’s parting, face, neck, and ears – wherever really. It also instantly mattifies oily skin or greasy locks, which is a major bonus.

7. Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Protective Hair Fluid, $100

Source: Sisley Paris

She’s spenny but for good reason. The luxe fluid covers your entire scalp with a protective layer that keeps the sun and chlorinated water from damaging your stands. All hair types – from natural to colored, bleached to highlighted – can enjoy this formula… And the heavenly woody notes of verbena and amber.

8. Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+, $29

Source: Shiseido

Shiseido’s sunscreen stick is getting rave reviews for delivering clear – AKA invisible! – UV protection on all skin types. Their patented technology creates a lightweight veil that becomes more effective in water, sweat, and heat. The sunscreen also works under or over makeup, and stays water-resistant for 80 minutes – and let’s be real, the twist-up makes re-application a dream.

On a separate note, have you heard about this hair tool that’ll bless your scalp with the big “O”?

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.