Ultimately, says Dr. Mathieu, properly shielding your skin comes down to finding a product you’ll apply consistently. “The most important thing when searching for a sunscreen is finding one that you know you’ll use every day,” she says.
Shop the best scalp sunscreens
Below, we’ve rounded up the top scalp sunscreens from brands like Supergoop, Coola, and Sun Bum. Our top picks are easy to use and protective, whether you’re headed to the beach or kicking back by the pool.
1. Supergoop! Poof Part Powder
Pros: High SPF rating, helps absorb sweat
Cons: May leave a residue if you use too much; can appear orange on light skin tones, according to Amazon reviewers
For a day at the beach or on the trails, think of Supergoop’s Poof Part Powder as a dry shampoo with a boost of sun protection. In addition to its SPF 35 rating, “it’s a nice option for somebody who’s active because the powder formula is going to help to absorb some of that excess sweat,” Dr. Garshick says. One SELF editor agrees, saying she regularly turns to this product to help tamp down second-day hair greasiness. “Its beige color works especially well with my wavy, bronde-ish hair,” she says. And while “part” is in the name, don’t forget to cover the hairline around your face during application too.
2. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Scalp and Hair Mist With SPF 30
Pros: Dries quickly, affordable price point
Cons: May give blonde hair an orange tint, according to Ulta reviewers
Not all scalp sunscreens are formulated with your hair in mind, but Dr. Mathieu says it’s important to protect your strands as well as your part. “Prolonged sun exposure can damage hair, leaving it dry and brittle,” she says. While hats provide the most sun protection for your head and hair, she recommends using this nongreasy formula from Sun Bum to coat your roots when headwear isn’t an option.
One user tells SELF that the light formula is what keeps her reaching for this bottle to use on her active twins. “I have fair-haired kids who don’t keep hats on, and it’s been great having an option for sunscreen that doesn’t make their hair super greasy and tangled,” she says. To avoid any sliminess, Dr. Mathieu recommends starting light and building from there.
3. Coola Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist With SPF 30
Pros: Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, cruelty free
Cons: Can leave hair feeling greasy, according to Amazon reviewers
Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, recommends this sunscreen “mist” from Coola to prevent the dreaded scalp sunburn and keep your hair shiny through Labor Day. In addition to having SPF 30, it’s fortified with moisturizing ingredients like panthenol and monoi oil to leave your hair looking smooth and shiny. “Having tried both the Sun Bum and Coola scalp sprays, I prefer this one thanks to its better scent and less greasy formulation,” one user with medium-thick, wavy hair tells SELF.
4. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush On Shield With SPF 50
Pros: Comes in multiple shades, high SPF rating
