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10 Best Scalp SPFs To Prevent A Sore Head This Summer
Gone are the days of greasy, sunscreen-soaked hairlines
Nothing kills your post-holiday bliss faster than a burnt scalp. We’ve all been there (even the ELLE beauty team, who pride themselves on supreme sunscreen diligence) - fresh home with sensibly bronzed shoulder tops and a suitably radiant complexion, only to discover that our hair parting is suddenly pink, sore, or worse, peeling.
Protecting this delicate spot is notoriously difficult (aside from the classic baseball cap, which is still the best form of protection, by the way) without dealing with the greasy aftermath of traditional sunscreen. This hassle deters many from shielding the area at all, and we get it, but this excuse won't fly anymore; not since a whole host of new-gen formulas designed to sit prettily on your scalp have entered the beauty sphere.
Ahead, experts on why protecting the scalp from sun damage is so crucial, the best ways to shield the area, and our favourite travel-friendly buys to take away with you this summer.
What is a scalp SPF?
The scalp is just an extension of the face, so it makes sense that you would protect it in the same way. The scalp sunscreens curated below follow the same classification as regular sunscreens; you’ll recognise mentions of SPF30 or SPF50 on the labels.
Saying that, there are certain formulas more suitable for the scalp. ‘Scalp sunscreens tend to be less greasy than body sunscreens, formulated for the needs of the scalp and hairline, helping to reducing sunburn in these areas,’ says consultant trichologist Eva Proudman. ‘I can recommend Heliocare, the products are mineral based, lightweight and easy to use.’
Do you need to protect your scalp from sun damage?
‘Initially, sun damage may cause redness, pain and peeling, but overtime, this can lead to skin cancer,’ says trichologist Annabel Kingsley, brand president of Philip Kingsley.
‘Even though much of the scalp is protected by the hair (if you have hair), the parting is very much exposed,’ says Dr. Hiva Fassihi, a consultant dermatologist and La Roche-Posay expert, adding: ‘and due to the angle, you’re much more likely to damage the scalp than other parts of your face, like the cheeks.’
We’re becoming increasingly aware of the skin damage caused by sun exposure, but perhaps lesser known is the toll it takes on our hair health. ‘The sun’s UV rays can cause oxidative stress to the hair and follicles, potentially increasing hair shedding. Besides this, the lengths of the hair may become more prone to breakage and changes in tone or colour, and will likely feel dry overall,’ adds Proudman.
How to protect the scalp from sun damage
It should come as no surprise that the best form of protection is still the trusty hat. Eliminating the need for re-application and stylish at the same time, it’s a no brainer, right?
This might be true, but we know hats aren’t always appropriate. So, failing this, a good sunscreen is a must – and one that’s easy and fuss-free to reapply throughout the day. ‘If you don’t want to wear a hat, use sunscreen on your hair parting and areas where hair is thinner. Styling your hair without a parting (such as, wearing it slicked back) can also help,’ says Kingsley.
A word to the wise: 'You can use traditional sunscreens on the scalp, but often their formulations make them difficult to spread over the skin and cause hair greasiness. SPF mists or powders are a great option to avoid tackiness and oily strands - plus, some even contain ingredients to help nourish and moisturise the hair,' says consultant dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd, Dr Alexis Granite.
What is the best scalp protector?
You’ll want a formulation that isn’t too oily or messy. ‘I advise using a mist formulation, such as La Roche Posay Antithelios Sun Protection Face Mist,’ says Dr Fassihi.
‘Mineral based sunscreen products are advised for the scalp and hairline, and there are a number of excellent brands on the market to suit, such as Aveda, Ultrasun and Heliocare,’ Proudman explains.
Does thick hair protect the scalp from the sun?
As previously mentioned, hair does provide some protection from the sun, but there are still risks you should be aware of. ‘It’s likely that extended periods of sun exposure will dehydrate the hair, causing breakage and brittleness, and cause oxidative stress that can affect the colour of the hair and increase hair shedding,’ Proudman adds. ‘After a day in the sun, wash and condition the hair to add some hydration back.’
The best scalp SPFs for 2024, according to the ELLE team
Re-applying traditional sunscreen on-the-go is messy, especially in fiddly spots like the hair parting, but mists make it really quite easy, actually. Keep one in your handbag and simply spritz over the hair (and the face, for a two-birds-one-stone situation) as needed. Lightweight, completely traceless, and none of that sticky, greasy residue we steer so clear of.
SPF powder is pretty revolutionary, in our opinion. Not only is Supergoop's offering travel-friendly (any space saved in our liquids bag is a win), it's easy enough to apply without a mirror, mess-free, and frankly has the opposite effect of a greasy lotion; it'll help to banish oil and shine, too. Dab across your parting, and even bring down to your t-zone for additional shine-control.
Givenchy Skin Perfecto Stick UV SPF 50 PA++++ Protector
We already know and love SPF sticks for their ergonomic shape and painless application, making it easy to protect oft-forgotten spots like the tops of the ears or the bridge of the nose, but they also make for the ideal scalp protector. Be warned that this one contains light-reflecting pearls and thus leaves the skin with a pretty glow - but we really do mean a subtle glow; not sticky.
Think of this mist as your hair's personal bodyguard. A few spritzes overhead forms an invisible screen to help protect the hair and scalp from sun exposure for up to 16 hours, and minimise colour fading and dryness. While UVA and UVB filters get to work, organic shea butter, coconut and palm oils step in to condition and detangle - the nostalgic tropical scent is just a bonus. Apply on damp or dry hair, and always after a dip in the pool.
Everything Caudalie make is a treat to use, and this handy-dandy stick is no exception. Pocket-sized and water-resistant, the formula is wonderfully non-sticky and contains the brand's signature polyphenols (grape seed oil and organic buriti oil) to help keep skin nourished, whilst sun filters keep it safe. We'd choose this over a tender, peeling scalp any day.
Thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils, Hello Sunday's twist-up stick is as hydrating as it is protective. With the zingy and uplifting scent of lime, geranium and mint, the application ritual itself helps you sink deeper into your holiday-zen, sealed by the comfort of knowing your scalp is protected.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50
The ultimate handbag companion for when you're poolside, or meandering through cobbled Grecian lanes, for a refreshing hit of protection. Mist over the face and head, making sure the hairline and parting are covered, and enjoy the cooling effect that follows (so freshening, you'll actually want to keep topping up).
If mists and powders aren't your thing, Heliocare's airy matte-finish gel might be. Fortified with vitamins C and E to provide antioxidant defence against pollutants, while aminat G helps to reduce excess oils and sebum (ideal for the scalp) for lasting freshness up top.
Travelling hand-luggage only? Here's a bit of space-saving genius for you. With a dreamy tropical scent reminiscent of far-flung locales - and a purse-friendly price tag to boot - Hawaiian Tropic's SPF30 powder is one to keep around this summer. Amp up your protection and blot away oily roots and hairlines at once for fuss-free, on-the-go shielding.
With Monpure's fast-absorbing formula, this sunscreen can be applied to your hairline without leaving your strands feeling heavy or greasy. Plus, it's a great choice for your face, featuring skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for added ease and care.
Chloe Woodland is the Group Beauty Assistant at , , and , working across print and digital features. She’s worked in the industry for two years, beginning her career writing for trade publications and Professional Beauty. When she’s not demystifying the science behind growing your hair, gathering the best make-up products of all time or investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, you’ll most likely find her rewatching Modern Family for the thousandth time or trying to tame her two working cockers (who’ve never worked a day in their lives).
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