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There are few things I dislike about summer. The world seems to slow down in the best way, the sunny weather is an instant mood-elevator, and I spend as many waking moments as possible outdoors. Still, there is one specific downside that can really put a damper on my seasonal bliss—a sunburnt scalp. Despite a decently rigorous sunscreen routine, my part is one area I often forget, which means I’m often battling with an uncomfortably scorched scalp from June to September.
Vogue’s Favorite Scalp Sunscreen Picks:
However, this year, I’m determined to be burn-free, which is where a great scalp sunscreen comes into play. The ideal option needs to be non-greasy, lightweight, and easy to apply. To suss out the best scalp sunscreen options, I chatted with dermatologists and gathered their tried-and-true favorites.
In This Story:
- Why We Love It: Specifically formulated for the scalp, Sun Bum’s SPF hair mist can be a great addition to your sun-protection routine. Lauren Moy, MD, a board certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist says this scalp sunscreen is one of her favorites. She loves that it features a nozzle that makes application a breeze, plus it’s water-resistant.
- Key Ingredients: Sunflower Seed oil
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical
- SPF Level: 30
- Type: Spray
- Size: 2 fl oz
- Why We Love It: This scalp sunscreen is designed to protect the scalp without weighing hair down. In fact, Dr. Moy says she loves this SPF because it’s extremely lightweight and non-greasy. What’s more, it’s great for color-treated hair as it features projecting ingredients to minimize UV-related color fade. Plus, it’s water-resistant, which makes it ideal for exercise or other outdoor activities.
- Key Ingredients: Gotu kola extract, panthenol, monoi oil
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical
- SPF Level: 30
- Type: Spray
- Size: 2 fl oz
- Why We Love It: This sunscreen stick comes highly recommended by multiple dermatologists. “It works very well for targeted application to areas like the part of the scalp,” says Castilla. “Even though it is zinc based it can rub in essentially transparent.” For those who prefer a brush-on application, the brand also makes a powdered formula that’s a favorite of Kseniya Kobets, MD, director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in New York City.
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- SPF Level: 50
- Type: Stick
- Size: 2.1 oz
- Why We Love It: I’m personally a big fan of any sunscreen that Vacation makes, and this SPF stick is no exception. It’s incredibly easy to apply on my part, and doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on my scalp. Plus, it features skin-soothing and -protecting ingredients like vitamin E and aloe vera.
- Key Ingredients: White Tea, Vitamin E and algae, aloe, banana, coconut
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical
- SPF Level: 45
- Type: Stick
- Size: .7 oz
- Why We Love It: Supergoop makes a sunscreen for just about every scenario and preference, including the part powder—which has a similar consistency to dry shampoo. Dr. Moy says this sunscreen is a great mineral powder option: It’s 100% zinc, completely translucent, and works for all hair types.
- Key Ingredients: Zinc
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral
- SPF Level: 35
- Type: Powder
- Size: .7 oz
- Why We Love It: Dr. Moy loves Shisheido’s sunscreen stick, since it can also serve as a hair tamer or gel, with the added bonus of sun protection. Plus, it goes on clear, without leaving behind any buildup or residue—making it ideal for applying on the part or other areas of the scalp.
- Key Ingredients: Licorice Root, SynchroShield Technology
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical
- SPF Level: 50
- Type: Stick
- Size: .7 oz
- Why We Love It: This easy-to-apply mist is ideal for protecting your face, scalp, ears, and the back of your neck. Its non-greasy, lightweight, and features ingredients that can help nourish your scalp (think: antioxidant rich safflower and sunflower seed oils.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, safflower seed oil, sunflower seed oil
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical
- SPF Level: 35
- Type: Spray
- Size: 1.5 fl oz
Everything You Need to Know:
Does scalp sunscreen actually work?
In short: absolutely. “Scalp sunscreen benefits those who have thinner hair and areas where the scalp is visible such as the part line,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. That said, “it is important to realize, for scalp sunscreen to be effective, it must be applied directly to the skin, not just sprayed or rubbed onto the hair itself,” she notes.
Is it necessary to wear sunscreen on your scalp?
“Just like other parts of your face and body, the scalp is also important to protect,” says Dr. Moy. “It is considered a high risk site for skin cancers so people with fair and light hair or thin hair should definitely be more aware to use products to help prevent damage.”
Dr. Castilla notes it is essential to wear sunscreen in areas of the scalp that do not have adequate hair coverage, particularly amid prolonged sun exposure. “Scalp sunscreen protects your scalp skin from sun burns and accumulated UV damage that can ultimately lead to discoloration and skin cancer. Any area the scalp is visible from thinning hair, a part line, or hair loss should be protected with sunscreen or sun protective clothing,” she says.
“It’s surprisingly common to overlook the scalp when applying sun protection. I see the consequences of this daily in my practice—sunburns on the scalp are incredibly common. The scalp is skin like any other part of the body and is therefore just as vulnerable to sunburns.” Similar to facial sunscreens, a formula of SPF30 or higher is recommended.
What to Look for in a Scalp Sunscreen
While you can certainly rub any standard sunscreen onto your part and any exposed area of your scalp, there are certain sunscreens that are better suited for this area. “Scalp sunscreens are formulated to be light weight and be less greasy,” explains Castila. “You can still use body or face sunscreen on your scalp, but it may not be the most cosmetically elegant option. For targeted protection, like along the hair part, a stick sunscreen is often the easiest to apply as it gives you more control over the application.” She also recommends opting for sprays, creams or sticks, as you may not get as much targeted UV protection from a powder.
That said, “mineral powder SPF for the scalp as it’s easier to use when traveling, and it also doesn’t make the hair greasy,” says Kobets. And, any sun protection is better than none at all—so if you’re more likely to use a powdered formula, then that’s an ideal option. “You can also use a zinc stick since those are easier to carry on the go and reapply throughout the day,” she says.
Castilla advises using sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” with SPF 30 or greater.
How else can you protect your scalp from sunburns?
As with any kind of time in the sun, Dr. Kobets recommends staying in the shade whenever you can. What’s more, hats are your best friend—especially a wide-brimmed hat that can protect your scalp, tops of ears, face, and neck.
That said, even when you wear a hat, she still recommends wearing scalp sunscreen, since you don’t always keep the hat on. Also worth noting: “Straw hats still let the light in, so if you have no hair on your scalp and also have a history of skin cancer and pre-cancer is on the scalp then wearing a thick material cap is prudent,” says Dr. Kobets.
- Lauren Moy, MD, a board certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist practicing in Beverly Hills, CA.
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care in New York City.
- Carmen Castilla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
#Scalp #Sunscreens #Dermatologists
