We all know by now that we MUST keep our face protected with face suncream. One thing we might not think about, though, is our scalps and hair. 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 had your scalp burnt, 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.
Well, you can 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 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 neverending 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: Okurrr, this is where fancy cute 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. Chic and safe.
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 desp 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.
What hair and scalp sun protectors do we recommend, you ask? Well, we've got the complete low-down of the best options below, just check them out here...
SHOP: Hair and scalp sun protectants you need to invest in
Hair sun protection and scalp sun protection 2022
1. Wella Professionals Invigo Sun UV Hair Color Protection Spray 150ml
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Best hair colour protection spray
Wella Professionals know what they're doing with their hair care - this Sun UV hair spray helps to protect coloured hair against any sun tinting or damage, so that you can have smooth locks no matter what.
2. Calypso Scalp Protection Spray SPF30
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Best scalp protection spray
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 & parting SPF of up to 30, with a non-greasy finish. Even better, it's super affordable.
The brand also has a UV protection hair cream with argan oil, if you want to protect all of your hair.
3. Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
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Best after-sun hair protectant
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.
4. Moroccanoil Protect and Prevent
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Best preventative hair protection spray
If you want to get to work before the sun has even hit your hair, make sure to grab this Morrocanoil spray which prevents any colour fade and also protects from both UV and pollution. Simply mist through hair.
5. Sun Bum Protecting Heat Protector
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Best leave-in hair protectant spray
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.
6. Ultrasun SPF50 UV Face & Scalp Mist 75ml
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Best face and scalp protector
Want something that's 2-in-1? This Ultrasun face and scalp SPF is made for both your facial skin and your roots, so that both areas are covered. It's a light mist, so you can just spray and go.
7. Supergoop! (Re)Setting 100% Mineral Powder Spf 30 Pa+++ - Translucent 4.25g
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Best SPF scalp powder protector
Sometimes you don't want to spray things into your hair, just in case it gets all greasy and sticky. Enter: SPF powders. Yep, you can use this SPF powder protector on your scalp and face to top up as the day goes on.
8. Beauty Works X Molly-Mae Protective UV Spray
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Best UV protective hair spray
Made with coconut oil and 100 per cent vegan, the Beauty Works x Molly Mae collection also has a hair spray that's UV protective, so you can make sure even those glossy locks are safe.