Hair Sunscreens are the New Must-Haves This Summer

The sun is shining. You get ready for the perfect beach day. You slather sunscreen all over your face and your body (to avoid that dreaded lobster look). You grab your beach towels. You grab your hats and your sunglasses. You step out and you think to yourself, “Wow, I could not have been more prepared”. But hold onto your sun hats, beach babes, because there’s a hot new beauty must-have making waves this summer —and it’s hair sunscreen.

Turns out, it’s not just your skin that needs protection from potential sun damage, your locks need sun protection too. You may notice your strands getting frizzy or your highlights looking lighter after spending some time under the sun. And while sunkissed locks look great, they’re actually a sign of structural damage to your hair. Harsh sun rays can suck the moisture from your hair and lead to brittle and frizzy ends. And if you have less voluminous hair, your scalp is even more vulnerable to sun damage.

Moreover, if you are someone who likes to experiment with hair colours or is a regular swimmer, your hair needs that extra layer of protection. A full head of hair that is healthy and enriched with natural oils will work as a strong barrier against the sun—but in areas where your hair is sparse, you need to start thinking seriously about hair protection. As you age, your hair becomes thinner, and the sun only speeds up the process. Wearing hats or covering your head with a scarf can only protect your hair to a certain extent.

Hair sunscreen is formulated with a blend of antioxidants, moisturizers, and SPF, specifically crafted to shield your hair without making it greasy or heavy. Think of it as a lightweight, invisible shield that keeps your hair looking fabulous under the sun.

This is extremely crucial for gray hair as it is devoid of melanin which functions as a natural sun barrier. Melanin acts as a natural shield against environmental stressors like UV rays, so gray hair is more prone to damage than regular hair and starts getting an unsightly yellow tone over time.

Earlier, hair sunscreen was mostly prescribed for those with coloured hair to prevent fading and damage, but now doctors are recommending it for everyone.

How Does Hair Sunscreen Work?

Hair sunscreens come in the form of serums, sprays, and powders, making them easy to apply without the greasiness of traditional sunscreens. These products contain antioxidants that combat free radicals produced by UV exposure, which can wreak havoc on your hair. Ingredients like argan oil keep your locks hydrated and manageable, while UV-blocking components such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone either reflect or absorb harmful rays.

These innovative products work similarly to your favourite SPF creams and lotions, where they either reflect UV light or absorb it to neutralize it. However, hair sunscreens are specially formulated to cater to the unique needs of your hair and scalp. Unlike sunscreens designed for the skin, hair sunscreens are formulated to be lighter and more spreadable to avoid making the hair greasy. They need to cover the scalp efficiently without clumping or weighing the hair down.

Choosing the right hair sunscreen depends on your hair type. If you have an oily scalp, powder-based sunscreens can help control excess oil while providing sun protection. For dry scalps, lotions or serums are ideal as they offer the necessary moisture. Sprays are versatile and can be used on all hair types, offering a quick and easy application.

Incorporating hair sunscreen into your routine is straightforward. After cleansing your scalp with shampoo and conditioning your hair, apply the hair sunscreen once your hair is dry. Make sure to reapply every two to three hours, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors. Opt for sprays for easy reapplication without disrupting your style.

Although hair SPF is a fairly new and niche introduction to Indian markets, here are a few you can try —

NUXE Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Oil

This dual-phase milky oil shields hair from UV rays, salt, and chlorine, while adding hydration and shine. Its ultra-light mist application leaves hair soft, silky, and nourished, with a delightful scent of sweet orange, Tiare flower, and vanilla.

Moroccanoil Protect And Prevent Spray

This spray shields hair colour from fading and becoming brassy, providing UV protection, thermal defense, and pollution resistance. Infused with antioxidants and ArganID™ technology, it repairs and seals hair for lasting vibrancy.

Dot & Key Hair Sunscreen + Softening Serum SPF 15

This daily-use serum offers SPF 15 sun protection, shielding hair from UV damage and colour fading caused by the sun. Free from parabens and phthalates, it ensures worry-free hair care.

Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35

This weightless, matte-finish powder protects your scalp from UV rays while absorbing excess oils. Its non-greasy, undetectable formula is easy to apply and perfect for sunburn prevention.

Minimalist Frizz Control Complex SPF 30 Hair Serum