While it's impossible to have missed the regular PSAs on the importance of sunscreen for your face and body, you may not have got the memo re. sun protection for your hair and scalp. Yep, it's a thing. UV rays cause damage to your head as well as your skin, so a high-quality SPF and soothing post-sun products are the name of the game.
Whether you're squeezing in a last minute summer getaway or making a date with an island sunlounger come January, these are the picks to keep your hair healthy and your scalp nourished while in (and after) the sun.
By Emily Kemp, 19 August 2021
Why do you need sun protection for your hair and scalp?
Just like the skin on the rest of your body, your hair and scalp can suffer the harmful effects of too much sun. Your scalp can burn, and your hair can become dry, discoloured and more prone to breakage. All this sets the scene for a sore, dehydrated scalp, colour fade and split ends aplenty. But aside from wearing a hat 24/7 (not practical in the best of times), what can you do to combat the rays and save your strands?
Luckily, there's plenty of suncare brands who've launched expert formulas, specifically designed for your hair and delicate scalp area. Read on for our pick of the best. Oh, and if you're tempted to skimp on SPF elsewhere for whatever reason, you should probably spruce up on these 7 Suncare Myths before you start.
How we choose the best sun protection for hair and scalp
When rounding up the best sun protection for hair and scalp, we look for the key elements of great suncare: from ease of application, SPF ratings and lightweight texture (no greasy manes here, thank you) to value for money, waterproof formulas, and treatment style (because time is of the essence and leave-ins are life).
Calling on our beauty experts for recommendations and combing through your all-important customer reviews, when a product racks up the praise - we pay attention. Read on for the picks that made the cut.
Soleil Bain Après-Soleil, £16.85
Best for: Swimmers
This rinse-out remedy gently removes chlorine, sand and salt water build-up to help cleanse your strands from their drying effects. Enriched with Coconut Water for instant hydration, this beach bag must-have lathers like a dream to purify the scalp and lengths. The result? Nourished, smooth and glossy locks. The delicate scent of Jasmine and Tuberose will leave you reaching for the bottle long after summer’s gone. To use, apply to wet hair after sun exposure, then massage gently before rinsing thoroughly. For extra cleansing, perform two shampoos before applying Kérastase’s Masque Après-Soleil – the matching mask to this deeply hydrating range.
The hype: “Must have for your holiday or the gym. Wonderful shampoo for after swimming, it washes away all chlorine and salt water from your hair and leaves it silky soft.” - Carol, Customer review
Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, £18.40
Best for: Thin hair
With natural UV filters from Wintergreen and Cinnamon Bark oils, this light-as-air hair mist is your first line of defence for sun-drenched strands. Its innovative formula imparts up to 16 hours of protection, shielding your tresses from colour fading and dryness. Plus, its tangle-taming blend of organic Shea Butter and Coconut Oil means you can bid bye-bye to knots and breakage. Spray evenly on dry or damp hair before and during sun exposure - start small and layer as needed – there’s no need to saturate. Just remember to reapply post-swim.
The hype: “I buy this all year round. It protects my hair in the sun and out of it too. I feel that my colour lasts longer when I use this product on my hair.” - Ruth, Customer review
Scalp & Body Scrub, £32
Best for: A 2-in-1 detox
One for the end of a sun-soaked day, this deep cleansing scrub is like a trip to rehab for your scalp and skin. Powered by a polishing blend of Sugar, Coconut Oil and Probiotics, the luxe formula buffs away dead skin cells and product build-up from both scalp and body. The ultimate detox for every hair type (fine, medium and thick) and both oily and dry skin, expect refreshed, silky-soft skin from head to toe.
The hype: “One of the best hair care products I’ve ever used. Doesn’t leave my hair feeling greasy or weighed-down and smells incredible.” - Lizzie, Customer review
Hairdresser's Invisible Oil UV Protection Dry Oil Finishing Spray, £26
Best for: Dry hair
For invisible UV defence and an instant boost of shine, it’s all about this featherlight mist from Bumble and bumble. With an impressively weightless formula, it fights frizz and grants a welcome dose of glossiness - without flattening your style. Use as a finisher after styling, then stash in your bag for top-ups during the day. The best bit? It’s certified cruelty-free, so you can spritz away without second thought.
The hype: "Best product ever. Smells amazing. Will be a product I will continue to buy again and again. Makes my hair shiny, smells amazing and protects it from the strong UV rays.” - Lucy, Customer review
Soleil Crème UV Sublime, £20.80
Best for: Shine
Thanks to natural antioxidant Vitamin E, this leave-in nourishes your tresses and grants mega-watt shine. Guarding against UV damage and dryness, alongside supplying superior hydration, it keeps hair silky-smooth on even the most sweltering summer days. Ever the multi-tasker, you can apply to lengths and ends on damp hair and style as usual, or use on dry hair to tame flyaways and refresh dry ends. Combining Jasmine and Tuberose for a sublime scent, this shine-bestowing cream truly is a gift from the haircare gods.
The hype: “Great product, smells divine, and protects your hair. It leaves it feeling so soft that I’ll be using this all of the time, not just on holiday. I love it - will definitely buy again! Also, you only need to use a pea size amount on each side, I definitely recommend!” - Khyei, Customer review
Protect & Prevent Spray, £22.65
Best for: Bleached hair
More bottle blonde than naturally fair-haired? Meet your new best friend. Designed with micro-encapsulated technology to repair and seal even the weakest hair cuticles, this nourishing spray is an in-sun essential. Its unique blend of antioxidants helps offset damage from even the most aggressive free radicals (think: UV rays, pollution and other environmental nasties). And with top-quality thermal protection, it guards against heat and colour fade to send those brassy tones packing. To use, mist evenly through mid-lengths and ends on towel-dried hair, then style as usual.
The hype: “This is an essential product for me. It’s such a great heat protector for bleached hair!” - Isobel, Customer review