Scalp sun protection
Ways to shield the scalp and hair part from the sun, such as wide-brim hats and caps, plus scalp-friendly sunscreen sprays, sticks, and powders.
Why it helps
Thin or missing hair leaves the scalp exposed, and scalp sunburn and sun damage are easy to miss. Covering the scalp lowers sunburn and long-term skin cancer risk in places you rarely see.
Look for
- Wide-brim hat (about 3 inches all around) or a cap with a neck flap, ideally UPF-rated
- Broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen made as a spray, stick, or powder for the scalp
- Mineral (zinc oxide) powders or sticks that go on the hair part without making hair greasy
- Water resistant formulas if you sweat or swim
- Soft, breathable hat fabric that does not rub the scalp
Avoid
- Baseball caps alone, which leave ears and neck open
- Tight hats that pull on fragile hair or an irritated scalp
- Relying on one morning application all day
Caution
Sprays should be sprayed low and close to the scalp and not inhaled, and sunscreen needs to be reapplied about every 2 hours when outdoors.
Worth asking a clinician about
Ask a dermatologist to check any scalp spot that is rough, scaly, bleeding, or not healing, since scalp skin cancers are often found late.
Sources
Products
Brush On Block
Brush On Block SPF 30 Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen
Price: higher price · Other
A translucent mineral powder sunscreen in a brush applicator that can be used along the hairline and part line.
- Zinc oxide
- SPF 30+
- Broad spectrum
- Water resistant
- Mineral
Colorescience
Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Price: higher price · Other
A loose mineral powder sunscreen in a brush applicator with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Skin Cancer Foundation Seal
- Fragrance free
- SPF 50+
- Broad spectrum
- Mineral
COOLA
Scalp & Hair Sunscreen Mist SPF 30
Price: higher price · Other
A lightweight SPF 30 spray made for the scalp and hair, with chemical sunscreen filters and plant-derived oils.
- Vegan
- SPF 30+
Coolibar
Leo Shapeable Wide Brim Hat
Price: medium price · Other
A wide brim hat made of lightweight UPF 50+ fabric with a shapeable brim, sweatband, vents and an adjustable fit.
- Skin Cancer Foundation Seal
- UPF 50+
- Breathable
- Moisture wicking
- Adjustable
Sunday Afternoons
Ultra Adventure Hat
Price: medium price · Other
A UPF 50+ hat with a 3.5 inch brim, a 6 inch neck cape, mesh vents and an adjustable chinstrap.
- UPF 50+
- Breathable
- Adjustable
Coolibar
Tempe Sun Hat (women's, with chin cord)
Price: medium price · Other
A women's wide brim sun hat with UPF 50+ fabric, a 4.5 inch brim, a cotton lining and a chin cord.
- Skin Cancer Foundation Seal
- Cotton
- UPF 50+
- Moisture wicking
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.