Best sun protection for hair and scalp 2024

25 June 2024 , 14:15

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WE'RE often told about the damage the sun's rays can cause to skin, but they can also play havoc with your hair.

UV rays can damage the cells in your hair resulting in dry, damaged and frizzy locks.

Fine or thin hair is particularly likely to be damaged, as is lighter-coloured hair, because it is easier for UV rays to penetrate.

Luckily there are plenty of ways to protect your hair from the damage of the sun, from sprays to serums and conditioning treatments.

When picking a product you'll want to check the level of protection it offers and also consider if you also need to protect your parting or scalp from further heat damage.

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If you've got sensitive skin or very fine hair you may also want to consider wearing a hat or scarf during the hottest parts of the day.

We've checked out the best products on the market to protect your hair and scalp this summer.

Best sun protection for hair at a glance

Best overall: Malibu Clear Hair and Scalp Protector
Best SPF30: Coola Scalp and Hair Mist
Best for family: Ultrasun Face and Scalp Protection Mist
Best for coloured hair: Wella Invigo Leave-In Spray
Best for nourishing hair: Leonor Greyl Treatment Oil

Malibu Clear Hair and Scalp Protector

Malibu Clear Hair and Scalp Protector, £4.99

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Pros: SPF50 protection, suitable for hair and scalp, water resistant

Cons: Nothing major

Rating: 5/5

This hair and scalp protector from Malibu offers SPF50 and four-star UVA protection at a bargain price.

I was really surprised how great this product was, particularly given the price.

It was really quick and easy to apply and absorbed immediately, without making my hair heavy or greasy.

It also smelt nice, reminding me of childhood summers on the beach.

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It's water resistant, although regular reapplication is advised if you're spending long periods in the sun.

I used it on the whole family during a day on the beach and found it worked really well.

If you're looking for a product for the whole family that's great value this is a brilliant choice.

Size: 50ml; Protection: SPF50

Coola Scalp and Hair Mist

Coola Scalp and Hair Mist, £23.20

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Pros: SPF30 protection, suitable for hair and scalp, water resistant

Cons: Nothing major

Rating: 4.5/5

Coola's hair and scalp mist is a great product that gives SPF30 protection for both hair and scalp.

The directional nozzle allows for quick and easy application and the spray dries quickly.

It kept my hair from drying out in the sun and protected mine and my child's partings from burning (this easy spray was a revelation for little ones).

It also has a really fresh scent and is water resistant.

It didn't make my hair look or feel greasy, but at the end of the day, after a couple of reapplications, I needed to wash it before heading to dinner.

But in terms of the sun protection offered for both hair and scalp this was a great choice.

Size: 60ml; Protection: SPF30; Key ingredients: monoi oil, gotu kola extract, and pro-vitamin B5

Ultrasun Face and Scalp Protection Mist

Ultrasun Face and Scalp Protection Mist, £18

BUY HERE

Pros: SPF50 protection, easy to apply

Cons: Not designed for hair

Rating: 4/5

Ultrasun's face and scalp mist is a great product for topping up your sun protection on the go.

The mist can simply be sprayed on the face and scalp to provide SPF50 against UVA, UVB, infrared A and blue light.

It feels really light, cool and refreshing on the skin and absorbs immediately.

This isn't a product designed for hair, but it offers great protection for scalps and is really easy to apply.

I sprayed it all over my toddler's head to protect her scalp and at the end of a day in the park she wasn't even slightly pink.

I really liked this product, it's great to throw in your bag and top up protection on-the-go.

Size: 75ml; Protection: SPF50; Key ingredients: sunflower shoots and tara tree

Revolution Hair Scalp Protect

Revolution Hair Scalp Protect SPF30, £5.95

BUY HERE

Pros: SPF30 protection, lovely scent

Cons: Not suitable for hair

Rating: 4/5

Revolution Hair's Scalp Protect offers SPF30 protection in a handy spray that's easy to apply on the go.

This water-resistant spray has been specially formulated to protect partings and other areas of the scalp that might be exposed to UV rays.

I liked this product, and found it really easy to apply to my parting thanks to the targeted, directional nozzle.

It absorbed really quickly and while I did get some in my hair, it didn't leave it greasy or heavy.

The spray has been enriched with coconut oil, which felt nourishing and left a lovely scent.

This is a really useful product if your scalp and parting are prone to burning.

Over all I felt it was a really good product, particularly for the price.

Size: 50ml; Key ingredients: coconut oil

Sun Bum Heat Protector

Sun Bum Heat Protector, £16.95

BUY HERE

Pros: Amazing scent, easy application

Cons: No SPF protection

Rating: 3/5

Sun Bum's heat protector is a leave-in hair treatment designed to protect your hair from frizz and breakage.

This isn't a sun-specific product and has been formulated to also protect your hair while blow-drying and styling.

It feels really nourishing and contains lots of super ingredients such as tahitian noni and sea kelp, which will to keep your hair healthy while you enjoy the sunshine.

I applied it before a day on the beach and absolutely loved it.

It's really easy to apply, feels refreshing and is unnoticeable aside from the scent, which is really, really lovely.

I tested this product in British sunshine and when using a hair dryer, and it did make my hair feel healthier and less flyaway.

But, if you were heading into stronger sunshine for prolonged periods you might want to consider something with greater UV protection.

Size: 177ml; Key ingredients: tahitian noni and giant sea kelp extract

Aloe First Natural Soothing Spray

Aloe First Natural Soothing Spray, £19.81 from Forever

BUY HERE

Pros: Light, soothing

Cons: No SPF protection, tricky to apply accurately

Rating: 3/5

Aloe First is an aloe vera based spray designed to both protect hair and soothe skin.

This natural product also contains bee propolis and plant extracts. It does not give SPF protection against rays but did prevent my hair from drying out and breaking during a day in the sun.

It comes in a large 473ml bottle and is good value for the price, but the spray is quite large and I found it quite difficult to apply accurately without also dousing half the room.

The scent is fresh and it feels really light. It would be a good choice if you have slightly greasy hair and are looking for a product that doesn’t make it feel heavier.

Personally, my favourite use of this product was an after-sun spray. I happened to burn my knee on the day I tested this product and it was really cooling and soothing.

Size: 473ml; Key ingredients: aloe vera, bee propolis

Wella Invigo Sun Care Leave-In Spray

Wella Invigo Sun Care Leave-In Spray, £19.99

BUY HERE

Pros: Protection for coloured hair, easy to apply

Cons: Quite expensive

Rating: 3/5

This leave-in spray from Wella has been designed to protect coloured hair from the impact of sun damage.

Wella says the spray offers UV protection, although no SPF is given, and it contains vitamins B5 and E to help keep hair moisturised.

This spray was really light and didn't make my hair greasy.

It also had a really nice fruity scent.

After a day in the sun my hair felt soft and protected and even after reapplying it didn't leave my hair feeling heavy.

At £19.99 this product is quite expensive, but it does keep hair nourished and would defiantly be a good choice if you've got coloured hair.

Size: 150ml; Key ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5

Leonor Greyl Pre-Shampoo Treatment Oil

Leonor Greyl Pre-Shampoo Treatment Oil, £47

BUY HERE

Pros: Really nourishing, natural, lovely smell

Cons: Leaves hair looking greasy

Rating: 3/5

This hair oil from Parisian brand Leonor Greyl offers a natural protection from sun, sea water and chlorine.

It feels very luxuriant and smells beautiful, but it's not something you can put on your hair and forget about.

This product is primarily a hydrating deep-treatment for damaged hair.

It did work really well and after washing at the end of a day in the sun my hair was really soft and hydrated.

However the oil creates a physical barrier against damaging rays, so it does leave your hair appearing fairly heavy and greasy.

If you're happy to tie your hair up or if you're just unwinding in the sun in your garden, this is a great product that will leave your hair feeling fabulous.

But if you're hoping for a lovely lunch at a beach-side restaurant it might not be the right product for you.

Size: 95ml; Key ingredients: jojoba, coconut and sesame seed oils

How we tested these products

All products have been tested by a member of The Sun's team. They were all worn for at least one day and the testers considered factors including the application of the spray, the level of protection it offered, scent, feel and how often reapplication was required.