Sunscreen for hair: Dermatologists say UV rays can fade and dry strands
Dermatologists told NBC Selected hair UV protection can help preserve color and shine, while scalp skin still needs SPF 30 or higher.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Sun protection may need to go north of your forehead. Dermatologists told NBC Selected that sunscreen for hair can help limit UV-related fading, dryness and texture changes, while the scalp itself still needs real SPF protection.
The distinction is simple: scalp is skin, so dermatologists recommend guarding it against burns, premature aging and skin cancer risk. Hair shafts are made of keratin, and sun exposure can weaken them over time, according to board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
Do you need sunscreen for your hair?
Dermatologists told NBC Selected that hair UV products are mainly about keeping strands looking and feeling better, rather than preventing the medical risks tied to sun-damaged skin. Green said UV exposure can strip hair of natural oils, dull or fade color and leave it more prone to breakage and split ends.
Dr. Kseniya Kobets, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care Cosmetic Dermatology Center, said lightweight leave-in UV protectants can help reduce moisture loss, damage and color fading without making hair greasy.
Green told NBC Selected that color-treated, chemically processed or already damaged hair can be more vulnerable because it is often more porous. Kobets said hair UV protectants can be especially useful for people who spend long stretches outdoors or swim often.
What should you use on your scalp?
For scalp protection, NBC Selected reported that experts recommend broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. The format can vary by hairstyle and hair density: sprays, light lotions, sticks and brush-on mineral powders were all cited as options.
For hair itself, experts recommended lightweight UV sprays, mists or leave-in styling products instead of regular sunscreen lotions, which can make strands oily or sticky. Green said UV-filtering sprays and mists spread more easily through hair and are less likely to disturb a style.
Powder sunscreens can also help protect the scalp along a part line without adding oil, according to the report. Green also suggested looking for products that pair UV filters with hydrating or nourishing ingredients such as antioxidants or plant oils.
Which hair sunscreens did NBC Selected highlight?
NBC Selected named Coola Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist its best overall pick. Senior editor Shalwah Evans said she uses it in warmer months and likes that it feels cooling, avoids a greasy finish and has a fresh scent.
The guide also highlighted Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Scalp and Hair Mist as an everyday spray option. NBC Selected noted that it is water-resistant, broad-spectrum and noncomedogenic, and said Sun Bum recommends spraying it four to six inches from the scalp before spreading it with fingertips.
For a lower-cost pick, NBC Selected chose Pantene Sunkiss Glow Spray UV Hair Protection Leave-In Conditioning Treatment, listed at $9.99. The report said it is designed to help protect hair from UV damage while conditioning, adding shine and addressing frizz and breakage.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tracy Evans, medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, recommended Colorescience Total Protection Sheer Matte SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush for hair and scalp. NBC Selected said the powder absorbs oil, dries matte and is fragrance-free and untinted, though it may leave white residue if not shaken out.
Other highlighted options included Australian Gold SPF 50 Face & Scalp Mist, Naked Sundays UV Hair Protectant Mist and It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product. NBC Selected said the It’s A 10 spray contains green tea leaf extract for natural UV protection, plus aloe vera and panthenol for softness and shine.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.