When shopping for scalp sunscreens, our experts recommend you consider the following factors:
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Below, we compiled dermatologist-recommended scalp sunscreens as well as some highly rated ones to keep your scalp protected from UV rays. All of the products we list have a minimum SPF 30 rating in line with our experts’ guidance.
This sunscreen is great for both face and scalp coverage, and it has the added benefit of correcting sun damage, including sun spots, says Dr. Jamie DeRosa, a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Not only does it protect the skin from UV rays, but it also has ingredients like squalane to restore moisture in the skin and antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, to help prevent free radical damage, too, says DeRosa.
Type: mineral | SPF: 40 | Water resistance: none
If you’re looking to protect your scalp without making your hair greasy, you may prefer a powder formulation. This Supergoop Poof Part Powder comes recommended by both DeRosa and Green because it has silica to absorb excess oil on the scalp and vitamin C to protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation. Apply the product two inches away from your scalp and blend it into your skin using a hairbrush or your fingertips, much like you would a dry shampoo, according to the brand.
Type: mineral | SPF: 35 | Water resistance: none
This spray sunscreen has a narrow nozzle at the top that makes it easy to apply the product on specific areas of the scalp, says Wolinksy. The broad-spectrum and water-resistant mist is suitable for all skin types because it’s noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, according to the brand. The best way to apply this sunscreen is by spraying it 4-6 inches away from the scalp and evenly spreading out the product using your fingertips, according to Sun Bum.
Type: chemical | SPF: 30 | Water resistance: 80 minutes
This is our favorite expert-recommended sunscreen stick because it’s easy to apply, glides well onto the skin and goes on clear, so you won’t have to worry about an unsightly residue on your scalp. Its small size is great to take on the go when you’re on vacation or strolling outside, plus it’s sweat- and water-resistant.
Type: chemical | SPF: 50 | Water resistance: 80 minutes
Coola’s scalp and hair spray has a non-greasy formula and SPF 30 that protects your scalp without weighing your hair down, according to the brand. With hair protection in mind, this sunscreen prevents UV-related hair color fading, moisturizes the hair and improves your overall scalp health with ingredients like monoi oil, panthenol and gotu kola extract, according to Coola. It has a 4.4-star average rating from over 3,800 reviews on Amazon.
Type: chemical | SPF: 30 | Water resistance: 80 minutes
If you’re worried about your sunscreen leaving a white cast on your hair and scalp, consider this tinted sunscreen powder, which earned a spot in our guide to the best sunscreen for darker skin tones. Its broad-spectrum coverage can help protect against UV rays, infrared rays and high-energy visible light (blue light), experts say. It’s available in four shades — fair, medium, tan and deep — and you can dust it over your part and head or use it to touch-up your face makeup throughout the day, according to the brand.
Type: mineral | SPF: 50 | Water resistance: 80 minutes
This Oars and Alps spray, which has a 4.3-star average rating from over 200 reviews on Amazon, has cucumber and aloe to hydrate your scalp and prevent sun exposure from drying out your skin, according to the brand. Plus, it comes in a small travel-sized bottle, so you can easily take it on the go.
Type: chemical | SPF: 35 | Water resistance: 80 minutes
When shopping for a scalp sunscreen, choose one that will block both UVA and UVB rays to maximize protection, according to our experts. Below, we list some other factors to consider when it comes to deciding which scalp sunscreen is best for you.
Choosing between a mineral or chemical sunscreen is based on personal preference, according to Wolinsky. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, will have zinc oxide, titanium oxide or both as their active ingredients. These sunscreens are great for sensitive skin, but can leave a white cast on dark skin tones or on dark hair, depending on their formula, Wolinsky says. Chemical sunscreens have one (or a combination) of six chemical filters: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.
For some people, the scalp may be covered by hair, while others will have a completely exposed scalp. The density of your hair may impact which type of sunscreen you need.
If you have no hair covering the scalp, a cream or lotion sunscreen is the best option since it provides the most protection, and there is no worry about potentially making your hair greasy, according to experts.
If you have thinner hair, you may want to consider a spray since it’s the most comfortable and easiest to use, says Wolinsky. However, you can also apply a cream or lotion if it’s possible for you to access your scalp without getting your hair greasy, says Wolinsky.
For those with long or thick hair, you may be a bit more limited on where you can apply sunscreen since a majority of the scalp will be covered (though it’s still important to apply sunscreen regardless of your hair density). You should apply sunscreen to any exposed areas, including where your part lines are.
Factoring in your skin type will help you determine which scalp sunscreen will be the best option for you.
If you have oily and acne-prone skin, you may want to consider a lightweight formula when possible to avoid possible scalp breakouts, also known as folliculitis. Sensitive skin might want to avoid common irritants like fragrances, too, says Wolinsky. If you have sensitive skin, you should also consider a mineral sunscreen since chemical filters can be irritating, experts say.
There are three main scalp sunscreen formulations: lotions, sprays and powders. The type of sunscreen you choose is based on your personal preference.
“Lotion [sunscreens] are the most effective coverage, but they’re not practical to apply to a scalp mostly covered with hair,” says Deignan. If you do have hair, you can apply it to exposed areas of the scalp without making the hair greasy, says Wolinsky. You may want to opt for a sunscreen lotion if you’re going in the water because it’s thicker and stays on the scalp longer than spray or powder sunscreens, says Green.
Spray sunscreens are easy to use and reapply since they cover a larger surface area with one mist, Green says. They do need to be rubbed in, and it’s important to make sure you use a sufficient amount, according to Wolinsky. In terms of safety, you should close your eyes and hold your breath when applying spray sunscreens, Deignan says.
Powder sunscreens are the best to use if you’re worried about greasiness, especially if you have oily hair, according to experts. They absorb quickly, and they can also act as a dry shampoo, says Green.
Aside from the main formulations, stick sunscreens are another option to consider because they are easy to carry around and usually create less of a mess, but they do require at least four passes over an area to properly do their job, according to Wolinksy.
You should wear scalp sunscreen no matter what the hair situation is like atop your head, according to experts. But it’s especially important if you don’t have hair or don’t have dark and thick hair, says DeRosa.
“Hair provides a certain amount of baseline sun protection — the proof is to look at the scalp under the hair,” Deignan says. “There are fewer freckles and the skin doesn’t display as many signs of sun exposure.”
If you have thicker hair or aren’t balding but still want to protect your scalp, you should focus your efforts on the edges of the hairline and your hair part, DeRosa says. Overall, cover your scalp with sunscreen where you can visibly see the exposed area to avoid sun damage. You can also layer on a physical blocker like a hat, according to our experts.
It can be hard to notice if your scalp has sun damage, especially if you have hair blocking your line of sight. If you see the same hairdresser regularly, be sure to ask them to point out anything unusual they might find, says Wolinksy. Your dermatologist should also perform a scalp exam in their yearly full-body examination, and if there is a history of skin cancer, they should be undergoing more frequent screenings, according to Wolinsky.
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Justin Krajeski is a former associate editor for NBC Select. For this piece, Justin interviewed three dermatologists and highlighted their recommendations as well as other scalp sunscreens that are in line with their recommendations.
Bianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter who covered beauty and skin care. For this piece, she interviewed a dermatologist and researched scalp sunscreens that are in line with expert guidance.
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