'I Bet You Forgot To Put Sunscreen On Your Scalp Today'

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There's nothing like chasing a sun-kissed glow on a warm weather day— just don't forget your sunscreen. Your derm has probably made it pretty clear that SPF is important on your body and face. However, there is one key area you might be forgetting: your scalp. Yup. Have you ever walked away from a beach day with a little extra dandruff or flaky skin? You might be dealing with a sunburn.

Luckily, you'll find a wide range of options when shopping for the best sunscreen for your scalp. "You can use any sunscreen that you would use on your skin—mineral or chemical—on your scalp," says Michelle Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York. It's best to have a sunscreen with a 50 SPF, although some options made specifically for your scalp and hair have a lower number, Green explains.

But when it comes to sunscreen, any is better than none at all, says Dr. Green. "The scalp is at high risk for sun exposure because it is directly facing the sun," she told Women's Health. "If there is no hair on the scalp, it is extra important to protect it with sunscreen or a UV-protective hat."

If you need some assistance in finding the best sunblock for you, don't worry—WH has got you covered. Here, shop the 10 best scalp sunscreens, per customer reviews below.

Ultra Sheer Body Mist

If you want to go with a solid classic option, Neutrogena's your pick. The Ultra Sheer body mist, made with a whopping 70 SPF, truly can't be beat. The mist goes on clear and feels light with a non-shiny finish.

Rave Review: "The product has excellent coverage and is long-lasting. It also is not sticky nor does it have that sunscreen smell. It’s the only one I buy now! Highly recommend."

Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder

The Supergoop! Mineral Part Powder comes in a non-greasy, powdered form, making it undetectable on the scalp. It has less SPF than some of the other options on this list, though, so you may want to supplement it with another sunscreen.

Rave Review: "My scalp always gets burned when I’m in the sun. I try to wear a hat, but there are days when I can’t. When I discovered this, I ordered it so fast! It goes on so nicely and stays on all day!"

Light As Air Sunscreen Spray

Banana Boat's Light As Air sunscreen is exactly that. Reviewers love how weightless this feels on their skin and scalp. Plus, it's non-greasy and comes in spray form, so it'll feel like you're applying dry shampoo.

Rave Review: "I really hate putting on sunscreen because they are usually oily or greasy, but Banana Boat's Light As Air felt more like powder. It sprays on dry and you cannot feel it after that—a comfortable way to prevent sunburn. Highly recommend."

UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum

EltaMD's UV AOX Mist is enriched with antioxidants that rejuvenate, hydrate, and moisturize skin—your scalp included. But because this has less SPF than other options, it's super important you remember to reapply it after swimming or sweating.

Rave Review: "I work outdoors, so it is imperative that I wear a good quality and long-lasting sunscreen. This one is definitely both! The spray can makes it so easy to apply, and it lasts almost all day for me. It’s also virtually scentless. Definitely recommend it!!"

Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay sunscreen is probably the most ideal choice on this list in terms of SPF coverage—it has a SPF value of 60. Plus, the oil-free sunscreen actually absorbs oil and reduces shine, so it's great for those messy hair days.

Rave Review: "I have a beard so I was worried about it "pilling" up around my hairlines, but I've had no issues, nor is there any white cast—at least not on my skin tone. I use it primarily on my T-zone to help control shine. Works well! Just wish it were a bit cheaper."

Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist

Your hair will love this Coola mist. Made with plant-based antioxidants, it strengthens damaged hair and is safe on color-treated locks. The scalp sunscreen only has an SPF of 30, though, so make sure to reapply plenty if you spend all day in the sun.

Rave Review: "I have thin fine hair and always end up wearing a hat on the beach. I used it my entire week in Cancun and did not get even a bit of scalp burn. It's wonderful! It didn't make my hair the least bit greasy."

Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Sunscreen

Made with 60 SPF, the Aveeno Protect and Hydrate sunscreen is ideal if you burn super easily. It's also a great option if you have damaged hair because it can hydrate the scalp and fight off sun-induced free radicals. It's basically the next best thing to wearing a hat.

Rave Review: "This is the best sunscreen I’ve ever bought. So sheer and perfect for brown/deep skin because it doesn’t leave a white cast. It’s very similar to a moisturizer or a lotion consistency-wise. Love it!"

Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion

Shiseido's sunsreen is creamy, but made with a thinner consistency than the other lotion-like sunscreens on this list, making it easier to apply, too. The formula's designed to become more effective in water or heat, so this Shisiedo option is great for people who sweat a lot or participate in water sports.

Rave Review: "I've been on the hunt for an effective sunscreen, and Shiseido's formula fits the bill perfectly. Its high SPF provides great protection without feeling heavy or sticky on the skin. I also love that it's water-resistant and absorbs quickly."

Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush

This Hawaiian Tropic powder sunscreen is a great Supergoop! dupe, reviewers say. It has a bit less SPF than its more pricey competitor, but it's extra easy to apply (thanks to its' brush head design) and absorbs excess oils off of your scalp.

Rave Review: "This has provided me total sun protection—I’ve never burned. It’s also nice because it allows me to get up to my hairline and on my ears easily. With the translucent shade, it’s barely noticeable...This was well worth what I paid."

Original Sunscreen Spray

Packed with vitamin E, not only will Sun Bum's sunscreen protect your scalp, but it'll also nourish your skin, too. The oil-free option is non-greasy, but sprays on smoothly. As a bonus, reviewers also say they love Sun Bum's subtle scent.

Rave Review: "This sunblock is easy to apply, doesn't have an overwhelming fragrance, and provides excellent protection from the sun."

How Our Team Chose The Best Scalp Sunscreens

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez and editorial assistant Olivia Evans, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated scalp sunscreens. Our team also consulted Michelle Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York.

What kind of sunscreen is best for the scalp?

When shopping for a sunscreen, the most important thing to consider is, of course, providing an adequate layer of protection your skin. That can look different depending on your skin type and what kind of sunscreen experience you're willing to have (the best coverage isn't always the most convenient application process). However, here are a few guiding factors to consider, per Dr. Green.

SPF:

Dr. Green puts it simply: "The best SPF for the scalp is the one you will use consistently." In a perfect world, that sunscreen has 50 SPF.

However, with a supplemental sunscreen or rigorous reapplication, you can go with a lesser SPF if it's a product you'll like more, she says. "I think people don't like using sunscreen on their scalp," she tells Women's Health. "So, I'd rather have someone use [a sunscreen with a lower SPF] than not use it [at all]."

Ingredients:

There are two kinds of sunscreens you can seek out, depending on your skin sensitivity: physical (or mineral) and chemical. Mineral sunscreens are usually safe on all skin types. Chemical SPF;s include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and/or avobenzone, which can cause skin irritation in some skin types and, thus, are not recommended for children, Dr. Green says.

Application:

Any kind of sunscreen can be applied to your scalp, but some are easier than others. For example, a powder or mist sunscreen is probably easiest to apply if you have hair on your scalp. However, if you burn easily or don't have hair, a cream would provide better coverage.

Is it good to put sunscreen on your scalp?

Yes! Scalps can get sunburned through your hair, especially if you have thinner hair. "The skin on the scalp can burn just as easily as the skin on our face and body," says Dr. Green. "Studies have shown that hair provides very little sun protection for your scalp, regardless of hair color."

How can I apply sunscreen to my scalp?

You should apply sunscreen any time your head is getting some sunshine (read: probably every day). "Daily protection is important because sun damage accumulates over time," Dr. Green tells WH. "A little sun exposure each day will build up and eventually cause visible signs of sun damage."

Dr. Green recommends re-applying sunscreen every 90 minutes, especially when you're getting in water. However, there's one extra step when it comes to powder-based sunscreen.

"Powder sunscreens will not work on wet hair, so it is important to either dry your hair completely before applying, use a different formula, or wear a UV-protective hat for the rest of the day," she explains.

How can I check my scalp for sun damage?

Any sunburn is a tell-tale sign that your skin has been slightly damaged. However, other signs of more significant sun damage are sun spots, or more seriously, skin patches and raised bumps. You should be cognizant of anything on your head that looks like a wound of any kind. "You can look at your scalp and see if there's anything, like a sore, that's not healing," Dr. Green says.

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