We all know by now that SPF is an essential, but most of us forget about our the health of our scalp, which is where the best scalp suncream comes in. Yep, that's right - there are scalp and hair protectors out there - and you should be adding them to your summer shopping basket.
If you've ever burned your scalp, you'll know the redness and flakiness can be irritating and painful. Not to mention the damage that UV rays can cause your hair if you're out in the sun for too long. In the same way an SPF moisturiser works to keep your face protected, scalp moisturiser works to protect your scalp from any long term damage. So, they're just as necessary.
Closer's best scalp suncream at a glance:
We've even enlisted the advice of haircare experts, CLOUD NINE on tips for how to keep your hair and scalp protected from the sun. So, wave goodbye to sun damage, because we've found the best scalp and hair sun protectants out there. Just spritz, wait to dry and you'll be good to go.
What hair and scalp sun protectors do we recommend, you ask? Well, we've got the complete low-down of the best options below including some budget-friendly SPFs, so check out the best scalp suncreams right here,
SHOP: The best scalp suncreams to protect your hair and scalp this summer
Best scalp suncream overall
As one of the most highly rated scalp suncreams on Amazon, it's clear why this Malibu Sun Clear Hair And Scalp Protector Spray is top of our list. In our opinion, this is the best scalp suncream on the market, given it's affordable price point, high SPF and thousands of reviews. Fans of the product say, 'I use this every single holiday' and 'it was my saviour' on trips abroad and days in the sun. A clear winner, it keeps your hair and scalp protected while you enjoy drinks around the pool.
Pros
- Highly rated on Amazon
- High SPF protection of 50
- Long lasting product
Cons
- May dry crunchy
Best budget scalp suncream
We all know Calypso for its variety of sun creams and aftersun options, and now it's ventured into scalp protection too. Keep your scalp away from burns with a scalp and parting SPF of up to 30, with customers saying it's 'really easy to apply and non-sticky on the scalp'. It's not just that either, it's price point makes it a fantastic budget option if you're looking to cut back on your spends for your holiday.
Pros
- Highly rated on Amazon
- Ridiculously good price point
- Has up to 30 SPF protection
Cons
- May make some hair greasy
Best scalp and face suncream
Want something that's 2-in-1? This Ultrasun UV Face And Scalp Mist is made for both your face and your scalp, so that both areas are covered. If you're looking for something with high SPF protection, this is ideal, with it's long-lasting 50SPF rating. It comes in the form of a light mist that dries clear and non-great, so you can just spray and go. One reviewer said, 'this was non-greasy on my hair and protected it from getting burnt'. So, everything we could ever need, right?
Pros
- High SPF protection of 50
- Can be used on face and scalp
- Dries non-greasy and clear
Cons
- Doesn't last very long given the amount
Best scalp suncream for sensitive skin
www.laroche-posay.co.uk
La-Roche Posay have dubbed their Invisible Anti-Shine Face Mist as its best SPF for scalp protection. It's not just one to use on your face, this easy to use spray can be used to protect your scalp's health too. Known for its products that are suitable for sensitive skin, this mist is dermatologically recommended as an SPF protection mist. A customers wrote, 'use this on my scalp, easy to apply and non-greasy'.
Pros
- High SPF protection of 50
- Can be used on the face and scalp
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- May develop white cast at first
Best scalp suncream powder
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Sometimes you don't want to spray things into your hair, just in case it gets greasy. SPF powder is the way forward. Yep, you can use this SPF powder from Supergoop! on your scalp, and your face, to top up as the day goes on. One happy customer wrote, 'this is great for brushing along my parting and so convenient for popping in my bag when I go on holiday'. It looks like the Resetting 100% Mineral Powder with SPF30 really has us covered, then.
Pros
- Non-greasy formula
- Can be used on scalp and face
- Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
Cons
- Hard to tell how much product to use each time
Best scalp suncream with hair colour protection
shop.toniandguy.com
Wella know what they're doing with their hair care and this UV Protection Spray ensures that coloured hair is protected against any sun tinting or damage, so that you can have smooth locks no matter what. It contains UV protection to filter out unwanted ultraviolet exposure, keeping your scalp and your hair in good health. Customers have said, 'it keeps the colour of the hair looking good', so a great option for dyed locks.
Pros
- UV colour protection
- Keeps hair colour from fading
- Enriched with pro-vitamins
Cons
- May give hair a wet look effect
Best preventative scalp suncream
If you want to get to work before the sun has even hit your hair, make sure to grab this Morrocanoil Protect and Prevent Spray which prevents any colour fade and also protects from both UV and pollution. Simply mist through hair and let it do it's thing. Reviewers say, 'it has a beautiful scent' and offers 'great protection for the hair', so it's perfect for your next summer holiday.
Pros
- Sulphate and paraben free
- Protects from sun, pollution and other environmental factors
- Leaves hair feeling soft and silky
Cons
- Pump mechanism may be sporadic
Best leave-in scalp suncream
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Sun Bum is a brand that knows a thing or two about protecting yourself from the hot climate. Its heat protectant spray is an easy-to-use, leave-in spray that will keep you protected from UV rays. It's also vegan and reef-safe, so you've got sustainability on your side, too. A fab option to keep your hair and scalp protected while you're lounging in the sun, customers say 'it smells amazing' and smooths the hair out when you straighten it.
Pros
- Minimises heat and UV damage
- Enriched with vitamin C
- Fights frizz and flyway's
Cons
- May be heavy on finer hair
Best after-sun scalp suncream
www.sephora.co.uk
Ok, so we have SPFs for our hair during the day but what about after spending all day in the sun? Enter: The Aveda protective hair veil. Said to remove chlorine, product build-up and salt, you'll especially want to use this if you've been in the sea. Reviewers say 'it's perfect to take on holiday', as well as using after swimming sessions. Ideal for hair recovery when the elements take their toll.
Pros
- Contains organic ingredients
- Cleanses chlorine and salt build-up
- Maintains moisture balance in hair
Cons
- May not be suitable for coloured hair
FAQs
What are hair and scalp sun protectants?
Hair and scalp sun protectors come in a variety of forms and products - from scalp sprays to moisturisers, hair oils and more, there's a mass of ways to keep your hair safe from even the sunniest of days.
Just like applying heat protectant when we dry, straighten or curl our hair, we need to protect our hair from the natural heat of the sun as well as the sun rays that shine when it's particularly sunny.
Look for UV protection and creams or oils with SPF 30 and above to ensure that your hair gets the full coverage it needs before going out in the summertime.
How can I protect my hair and scalp from sun damage?
The never ending question of how to protect our hair and scalp from the burning sun is not always easy to answer... Luckily, we've spoken to haircare experts at CLOUD NINE to give us the low-down on how we really should be helping our hair.
Start at the root and protect your scalp: The base of all good hair days is a good scalp and root. Make sure to add SPF to your hairline and parting so that your scalp doesn't get dry and flaky with sunburn - and possible root damage.
Keep your hair and scalp covered: This is where fancy hats come in very handy. CLOUD NINE recommends loose hats particularly because they'll keep your hair and scalp safe without actually messing up your 'do.
Use conditioning products to protect your hair: We all know that crispy, dry feeling when your hair's been in the sun too long. Make sure to keep your hair moisturised with a good conditioner like the CLOUD NINE Magical Remedy, £25 which will leave your hair super glossy and seal up split ends.
Drink plenty of water: We've all heard this one before, but it's true. Make sure to pump yourself with water to stay hydrated because it will in turn, also keep your hair follicles hydrated from the inside out.
Hold back on hair washing: Washing your hair can strip a lot of the natural oils and therefore make it a lot drier. If you're desperate to keep your hair washed, do leave-in conditioning treatments and wash it out with water for full hydration. Avoid washing your scalp too much.
Caitlin Casey is a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covers shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.