All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
While nobody likes the sound of ruining a fresh blowout, dermatologists say the top of your head definitely requires the best scalp sunscreens — no ifs, ands, or buts. And thankfully, there are a fair few formulas around these days that’ll get the job done, without leaving you with greasy looking roots. Phew.
Hopefully, you already diligently apply body suncream, face SPF, and even a protective lip balm. So it shouldn’t feel like too much additional effort to also add some kind of scalp sunscreen into the mix.
Women are essentially bald at their hair partings, says Zaineb H. Makhzoumi, MD, a director of clinical services and head of dermatologic surgery and oncology at University of Maryland Medical Center. What’s more, we tend to part our hair in the same manner, leaving the area exposed to the damaging and cancer-inducing UV rays of the sun over and over again. So basically, applying SPF on the scalp with a focus on the part is not a step to be skipped. “Since most women don’t like greasy, messy lotions and creams in their hair, I typically recommend using a powder-based or spray sunscreen,” she says.
Ready to protect your scalp this summer? To help you find the best scalp sunscreens that fit the bill — you know, the ones that’ll preserve you blowout but still give you that SPF you need — we tapped up a handful of board-certified dermatologists for their recommendations. Plus, we’ve also added a few of our own personal faves into the mix, too.
Your scalp sunscreen questions, answered:
This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.