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.
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 Powder
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. A SELF editor also agrees that she turns to this product regularly to help reduce second-day hair grease. “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 Hair Mist with SPF 30
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. Hats are the best way to protect your head from sun damage. You can also find out more about the following: hair, she recommends using this nongreasy formula from Sun Bum to coat your roots when headwear isn’t an option.
A user told SELF the light formula was what kept her coming back to this bottle for her 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. Dr. Mathieu advises that you start light and build up from there to avoid any sliminess.
3. Coola Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist With SPF 30
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 Total Protection Sunforgettable Shield Brush on with SPF 50
This Colorescience powder, despite not being specifically designed for hairline use, was unanimously chosen by all dermatologists that we spoke with, due to its high SPF (50) rating and multiple uses (face and head). With a handful of shade offerings, there’s less of a risk of a skin-tone mismatch. For easy application, Dr. Mathieu recommends dabbing the powder on with a thin makeup brush instead of the product’s wide, built-in puff.
5. Isdin Mineral Brush Powder SPF 50
According to Dr. Mathieu’s advice, physical (or mineral) sunscreens like the one offered by Isdin are gentler to sensitive skin because they use ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV radiation. Isdin’s mineral formulation, with its “elegant finish” that doesn’t leave hair feeling greasy, is a top choice for Dr. Liu.
6. Not Your Mother’s Sunscreen Beach Babe Scalp and Hair Mist With SPF 30
A delicious vanilla coconut scent and easy-to-use bottle (the nozzle focuses spray directly onto the scalp) earned this option from Not Your Mother’s raves from reviewers. And as one of the most affordable options on our list, your budget won’t feel the burn either.
7. Oars + Alps Face & Scalp Mist with SPF 35
Oars + Alps has created a formula that is ideal for both your face and your purse. You can also find out more about the following: This product is not suitable for scalp. This mist offers broad-spectrum SPF35 protection and is also packed with aloe Vera and cucumber, which help to hydrate skin.
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