You know you should apply SPF on your face, body, and even lips, but—guess what?—your head needs some attention too. The best scalp sunscreens are an absolute necessity in any skin care routine. What about that gorg blowout, you ask? Thankfully, our year-long testing and research has yielded quite a few formulas that can give you the broad-spectrum sun protection your head deserves without slicking strands.
When testing, we tapped a handful of board-certified dermatologists to find out what they use personally and recommend to their patients, plus scanned the market for bestsellers. Then we tasked our expert editorial team with testing out more than a dozen options, eventually narrowing down to SPF powders, hair mists, sprays, and even one oil that will shield your scalp from the sun’s rays and maintain your strands all at the same time.
The best scalp sunscreens, at a glance:
- Best Overall: Coola Suncare Ocean Salt & Sage Scalp & Hair Mist (SPF 30), $20
- Best With SPF 50: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Sunscreen (SPF 50), $59
- Best Sunscreen Spray: Oars + Alps Face and Scalp Mist (SPF 35), $13
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Isdin Mineral Brush Powder ªSPF 50), $45
- Best Mineral Sunscreen: Brush On Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen ªSPF 30), $31
Your scalp sunscreen questions, answered:
Should you put sunscreen on your scalp?
Your scalp is very sensitive to sunburn, especially at your part, says Zaineb H. Makhzoumi, MD, director of clinical services and head of dermatologic surgery and oncology at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Plus, we tend to part it in the same manner every day, leaving the same area exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun over and over again, she says. So basically, applying SPF on the scalp with a focus on the part is not a step to be skipped. “When unprotected, the scalp is consistently exposed to the sun, and persistent exposure can result in sunburn, sun damage, and possibly skin cancer,” says Jeremy Brauer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York, who recommends using scalp sunscreen year-round—just as you would a face moisturizer.
What is the best scalp protector?
There are many products, like many of those above, that are designed specifically with the scalp in mind. But if you don’t have access to scalp sunscreen, regular sunscreen also works, says Dr. Brauer—just know that conventional formulas like lotions or even sunscreen sticks may leave strands a little greasy or limp.
No matter which direction you go, “it is important to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF 30 or higher,” says Dr. Brauer. It’s also a good idea to limit sun exposure and seek shade, particularly during peak afternoon hours, and wear a hat (or UPF clothing) for additional coverage, he adds. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day too—typically every two hours, more if you're swimming, working out, or sweating heavily.
Meet the experts
- Zaineb H. Makhzoumi, MD, director of clinical services and head of dermatologic surgery and oncology at the University of Maryland Medical Center
- Melanie Palm, MD, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD
- Keira Barr, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Gig Harbor, Washington
- Jeremy Brauer, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York