If you only applied sunscreen to your forehead this summer, you’re missing out. Sunscreen for your scalp and hair may seem superfluous, but it’s not a superfluous step in your skin care routine. According to skin experts, it’s essential.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Anita Sturnham is a general practitioner specializing in dermatology and anti-aging medicine at Solice Health.
- Lucy Shaw is a skincare expert and head of skincare education at Mecca Cosmetica.
“Your scalp is an extension of the skin on your face,” says Dr. Sturnham. “Just as UV rays can damage your skin cells and accelerate skin aging on your face, we know they can also damage your scalp and hair follicles.” This damage most commonly appears as sunburn, but there are lesser-known consequences of sunbathing without adequate scalp protection.
What are the risks of not protecting your hair and scalp with sunscreen?
- Sun damaged hair: If you’ve ever noticed that your hair has bleached after prolonged exposure to the sun, you’ve probably suffered a sunburn on your scalp. “Acute sunburn weakens hair, causing dryness and brittleness, and changes hair color,” says Dr. Sturnham, stressing that the latter is especially likely in synthetically colored hair.
- Hair loss: Then there’s the risk of damage to the follicles, which can become inflamed when exposed to UV radiation, leading to healthy hair growth. “At a cellular level, studies have shown that UV radiation slows cell repair and increases the rate of cell death in parts of the hair follicle.” This, combined with the fact that UVA rays “trigger the release of inflammatory signals” that send your hair into the catagen (or shedding) phase, can lead to increased hair loss and thinning.
- Increased risk of skin cancer: These relatively superficial risks are just the beginning – Dr. Sturnham adds that even a single sunburn on the scalp can increase your risk of skin cancer. “Repeated UV exposure over the years increases your lifetime risk of skin cancer,” such as melanoma, which often occurs on the scalp but can go unnoticed under a full head of hair.
Do you need sun protection for your hair and scalp?
“Sun protection is absolutely essential for the scalp,” says Shaw, a skincare expert at Australian sunscreen brand Mecca. People with bald patches or lighter hair should take note: In her expert opinion, it is especially important for “areas that are not naturally protected by thick or highly pigmented hair,” such as the hairline and crown. “I recommend applying a light sunscreen to both the face and hairline, and of course wearing a hat.”
This is how we selected the best sunscreens for the scalp:
To help you find the best sun protection for your hair, we tested a variety of sunscreens, looking for formulas that are comfortable, effective, and easy to use. Of course, you can apply your existing sunscreen to your hairline and scalp and still reap the benefits, but our selection below features elegant formulas specifically designed for the delicate skin of the scalp. From oil-free products that won’t cause buildup or interfere with your hair styling to expert and editor favorites, only the best formulas made our list. Below are the scalp sunscreens you should stock up on before your next vacation.
The best sunscreens for hair and scalp at a glance:
