A – Z about hair sunscreen

Just like how your skin needs protection from Ultraviolet (UV) rays, so does your hair and scalp.

If you are a person who has a skincare routine and applies sunscreen every day, then it should be an easy task for you to pick up on hair sunscreen too. 

If you don’t incorporate sunscreen into your daily skincare, then please start doing so. Sunscreens help fight against uneven skin tone, dark spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. It also reduces the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Unsure what type of sunscreen to choose for your skin type? Don’t worry, we have you covered in this article. 

Now, let us get back to the topic of hair sunscreen. We need to give our scalp and hair the same type of attention we give our skin. Because, fun fact, our scalp is skin too! Both our scalp and hair follicles get affected the same way our skin gets affected when exposed to UV rays. Mind-blown, right?

Short-period scalp and hair protection

Use hats or scarves to protect your scalp and hair when exposed to the sun for short periods of time (less than an hour). This tip tends to give maximum needed protection. There are even clothes and hats with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). 

Long-period scalp and hair protection

If you are planning to stay in the sun for longer periods of time, different types of hair sunscreen can be used based on your activity and skin type. In general, you have three formulation options when it comes to hair and scalp sun protection:

• Powder

• Spray

• Creams & Lotions

Powders offer ultra-lightweight solutions to protecting your hair and scalp from UV rays. These can be mainly used if you have an oily scalp, or hairdo that you don’t want to mess up. Powders also help soak up excess oil in your hair.

Sprays are a non-messy, lightweight option. They provide the best protection if your scalp is of a combination skin type. In addition to UV protection, you can also use sunscreen hair sprays to style your hair! They are also a great way to add moisture, sheen, and bounce.

Creams and lotions are the heaviest options. If you plan on beach visits, pool visits and swimming, these are the best. They provide a thicker layer of protection that won’t wash out easily.

Safety is key

While professional hair sunscreens shouldn’t damage your scalp or hair, it is always best to start with a patch test. If you have sensitive skin, color-treated hair, or pre-existing skin conditions, please consult your doctor before using such products.