The pro advice to wear SPF daily applies, not just to your skin but also to your scalp, which is just as susceptible to UVA/UVB damage and cancer.
That’s why hair sunscreens exist, as shields made specifically to protect hair and scalp from the sun. After all, you can’t simply lather your body sunscreen on your scalp or hair. As those aren’t made for hair, they can cause irritation, buildup, or contain ingredients that may slow down hair growth.
But which hair sunscreens out there are effective and cost-friendly? In this article, we’ve reviewed five hair sunscreens that offer great sun protection for your hair and scalp.
5 Hair Sunscreens That Offer Good Sun Protection
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- Sun Bum – Scalp & Hair Mist (SPF 30)
- Ulta Beauty – Mineral Hair & Scalp Powder (SPF 45)
- Rita Hazan – Lock and Block Protective Spray
- Coola – Organic Scalp & Hair Mist (SPF 30)
- Aveda – Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
Now let’s look at these in detail.
1. Sun Bum Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30
Best For: Lightweight Scalp Protection
If you are wearing protective styles like knotless braids, twists, or cornrows, your scalp is highly exposed to the sun. The Sun Bum Scalp & Hair Mist is a fan favorite because it is incredibly lightweight and sprays on completely clear. It delivers a fast-drying SPF 30 mist directly to your exposed parts without making your roots feel greasy or leaving any chalky residue. Plus, it has that signature, summery banana-coconut scent.
Get the Sun Bum hair sunscreen on Amazon.
2. Ulta Beauty – Mineral Hair & Scalp Powder SPF 45
Best For: Oily Scalps & Silk Presses
If you have just straightened your natural hair or you struggle with a scalp that gets oily quickly in the heat, a liquid spray might ruin your style. This Ulta Beauty Mineral Powder acts almost like a dry shampoo mixed with a high-level SPF 45. You simply brush or tap the powder onto your part. It absorbs excess moisture and sweat while providing a powerful physical barrier against the sun’s harsh rays.
3. Rita Hazan – Lock and Block Protective Spray
Best For: Color-Treated Natural Hair
Did you recently dye your coils a gorgeous honey blonde or a vibrant copper? The sun is the number one culprit for colour fading and brassiness. Rita Hazan’s Lock and Block spray is specifically formulated to lock in your hair colour while blocking out UV rays. It contains powerful antioxidants that prevent the sun from stripping your dye job, ensuring your colour stays rich and your hair stays protected from environmental stress.
4. Coola Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30
Best For: The Organic Ingredient Lover
If you are cautious about the chemicals in your hair products, Coola is a fantastic choice. This mist provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection using an organic formula packed with plant-based antioxidants. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it the perfect companion for a beach day or a poolside vacation. It protects your scalp without disrupting the natural pH balance of your hair.
Get the Coola hair sunscreen here.
5. Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
Best For: Deep Hydration & Frizz Control
Aveda’s Hair Veil is practically made for coily and kinky textures that crave moisture. This lightweight, water-resistant UV defence mist is formulated with wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils to help protect hair from sun damage. More importantly for naturalistas, it contains a conditioning blend of green tea extract, certified organic shea butter, and coconut oils. It defends your hair from the sun while simultaneously smoothing your cuticles and fighting frizz.
Shop Aveda hair sunscreen here.
Conclusion
Whatever the form – sprays, sticks, powders or lotions – hair sunscreens are an absolute must-have. Depending on your budget, the products in this article are great, natural-hair-friendly options to try to help you protect your scalp, hair colour, and growth. And if you’d rather DIY, then you should check out our DIY hair sunscreen recipes.