Spending the entire day at the beach or laying at the pool requires a few essential items that you should toss into your beach bag, these are water bottles to keep you hydrated through the day, towels, beach hat and sunscreen for our skin.
But what about protection for your hair? The salt water, chlorine and the harmful rays of the sun can be brutal on your hair, especially this summer. They can do a number of your hair and warp your color.
So this time, add another item to the list of ways you should protect yourself: best sunscreen for hair. To make things easy for you, I’ve put together a list of five sunscreens to help your hair fight against the damaging and harmful UV rays.
Best Sunscreen For Hair
thinkbaby Sunscreen SPF 50+
c https://www.amazon.com/thinkbaby-Sunscreen-SPF-50+/dp/B004CDQ73K
This sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum protection by using zinc oxide (20%) as its active ingredient. This is the best choice as a sunscreen for your hair since it is not only extremely effective but is also very gentle.
Its formula is best suitable for hair since it will not cause damage or even dryness. It is PABA, phthalate, gluten, and paraben free. Plus it does not have any strong fragrances; though it has a bit of natural scent it is not annoying at all when applied into your hair, unlike most strong chemical sunscreen.
What I like about this sunscreen is that it has a creamy and light formula. This means that application will be very easy and it will not likely leave any white cast as long as you rub the product properly. This is a very important feature that you need to look for in a sunscreen for your hair. I know that you will be mixing the sunscreen with water but it would be great if we make it sure that the formula itself is not that thick or chalky to rub in, or else your hair will end up greasy or oily.
This sunscreen also provides the maximum level of water resistant of up to 80 minutes, this is just what we want to make sure that your hair will be properly protected for as long as possible. Moreover, sunscreen’s formula contains some ingredients like jojoba oil and sunflower oil that will help make your hair smoother and softer.
I can really say that all the features of this sunscreen are a good value for your money. In fact, it is one of the best sunscreens for a bald head. What’s even great is that this product is very reasonably priced.
Pros:
- It used highly concentrated active ingredient of zinc oxide
- It features durable water resistant of up to 80 minutes
- It is gentle enough for everyday use
- It will not leave your hair greasy or oil
- It comes with extra ingredients which promote healthy hair
Cons:
- It comes with a natural scent that is slightly noticeable
Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
c https://www.amazon.com/Alba-Botanica-Sensitive-Mineral-Sunscreen-SPF-30/dp/B00142DXVG
Here’s another excellent sunscreen you can use for your hair. This product delivers broad-spectrum protection by using active ingredients of zinc oxide (14.5%) as well as titanium oxide (2%). It features a formula that has made to be ideal for all skin types, including sensitive; this makes the product the perfect choice to be used for your hair.
Anyway, this sunscreen contains shea butter that is effective in giving a boost to your skin and acts as a moisturizing agent to the hair. This only means you will no longer need to worry about your hair drying out with this sunscreen. Also, this product does not contain any fragrances and parabens; so don’t worry about any irritating scent in your hair all day long.
This is a water-resistant sunscreen for up to 80 minutes too, which is an essential factor that you need to consider so you no longer have to worry that the product will be washed off when your hair starts to oil up or your head heavily sweats.
However, you have to take note that this sunscreen comes in a thick formula, so make sure that you mix it well with water and be patient enough to work it into your hair; unlike mouse or gel product, this will require more time to spread. But the good news is, you will not see any visible residue as long as you do the process properly.
There’s no wonder why this is a customer favorite to protect hair against the sun, it is not only effective but is practical as well.
Pros:
- It comes in a gentle formula
- It has been reasonably priced.
- It has added ingredients that help moisturize the hair
- It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons:
- It comes in a thick formula
EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum SPF 47
c https://www.amazon.com/EltaMD-UV-Pure-Broad-Spectrum-SPF-47/dp/B0040U4BEC
Another excellent choice to protect your hair from the sun is this SPF 47 sunscreen by EltaMD. This product provides broad-spectrum protection by using two active ingredients, zinc oxide (10%) as well as titanium oxide (5.5%). Just like the first two products, this sunscreen is effective and at the same time gentle enough.
It features a formula that has been specially created to be suitable for all skin types, which means that this sunscreen will be gentle to your hair too. This is actually a lightweight lotion that mixes well with water so it would be fit for everyday use in your hair.
What’s great about this sunscreen is that it is non-comedogenic and does not contain any gluten, hormones, fragrances, dyes, oils, and parabens. It uses a simple formula that will not cause any damage or dryness to your hair. Though it comes with a light scent, it is actually pleasant and will not bother you at all.
EltaMD also made this sunscreen water resistant for up to 80 minutes, but you have to be cautious since I noticed that the product often melt away a little earlier than it is supposed to. Make sure that you reapply as frequent as possible.
Pros:
- It is a water-resistant sunscreen that claims to last for up to 80 minutes
- It has a lightweight formula that will not make your hair feeling oily or greasy
- It has been created to be very gentle and suitable for everyday use
- The product is reasonably priced
Cons:
- It has the tendency to melt or run when you excessively sweat or during water activity
California Baby Super Sensitive SPF 30+ Sunscreen
c https://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Super-Sensitive-SPF-30+-Sunscreen/dp/B000GZNGLE
I know you always notice California Baby on my list of best sunscreens! This is actually one of my favorites due to its excellent features and this SPF 30+ sunscreen is no different. It delivers broad-spectrum protection by using an active ingredient which is titanium dioxide (12%).
What’s impressive with this sunscreen is that it is extremely gentle that it can deliver sun protection to your hair without result to negative effects on your hair’s quality. It comes in a hypoallergenic formula that is fragrance-free and PABA-free. We can be sure that this will not cause any skin irritation or whatsoever at all and therefore will not result in any damage to your hair.
The sunscreen also provides water resistance for up to 80 minutes so you can go about your daily activities under the sun. But be careful when you are heavily sweating since the formula might melt, so make sure that you will reapply a little more often. Also, the sunscreen’s formula is also a little thick so make sure that you are mixing it well with water before you start to apply it to your hair. Spend a little time working it in just like how you use a mouse to make sure that there will be no visible residue at all or the product will not clump your hair.
Pros:
- It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- It has an extremely gentle formula that will not make your hair dry or leave it damaged
- It is fragrance-free
- It is best for everyday use
Cons:
- It is a little more expensive compared to similar products
- It does not contain zinc oxide
- It has the tendency to melt and run when you excessively sweat or during water activity
BADGER SPF 30 Baby Sunscreen Cream
c https://www.amazon.com/BADGER-SPF-30-Baby-Sunscreen-Cream/dp/B007B1D0YY
Last but not the least is the SPF 30 sunscreen cream by BADGER. This sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum protection by using a highly concentrated active ingredient, which is the zinc oxide (18.75%).
I must say this is an excellent choice of sunscreen you can use to protect your hair. In fact, it has been approved by pediatricians as a sunscreen for baby and children’s use; can you image how gentle this product is? Well, it has a hypoallergenic formula and contains extra ingredients like vitamin E oil, sunflower oil, and beeswax. These ingredients make the sunscreen best fit for everyday use in your hair and at the same time keep your hair healthy too.
Moreover, the sunscreen’s formula also contains calendula as well as chamomile that give the sunscreen a slight scent. Though this is noticeable, I can say that it is pleasant. However, the sunscreen comes in a thick cream formula that needs time and effort to rub into your hair in order to get rid of the visible residue. Also, unlike the sunscreens mentioned above, it only provides water resistant of up to 40 minutes. This means that you will need more frequent reapplication with this one.
Pros:
- It has a gentle formula
- It is safe to be used every day
- It has added ingredients to keep your hair moisturized
Cons:
- Its water resistance is at a lower level
- It comes in a really thick formula
How To Protect Your Hair Against Sun Damage and Other Elements
1. It’s time to update your look with a hat.
A collection of nice assorted big hats is the best investment you can make for your skin. Hats will make your skin, scalp, and hair really happy and at the same time keep you cool by creating shade. Plus, they can also serve as a gorgeous fashion statement.
2. If you think hats are too much, then go for zinc oxide
If you don’t enjoy wearing nice wide-brimmed hats, then I suggest you massage sunscreen cream that uses zinc oxide as its active ingredient onto the areas of your scalp that are now exposed due to the thinning of your hair. Apply a little sunscreen on the area where your hair parts too as well as on your crown to keep those vulnerable areas protected.
3. Use natural oil to keep you even more protected from the sun
Oils like olive, coconut, avocado and raspberry seed oil can benefit you in three ways! It will help smooth the cuticle, add extra shine and give natural sun protection.
4. Avoid using too much cosmetics
The summer heat is enough to dry your hair out and cause damage to them. So make it sure that you go easy on any chemical hair treatments you use during this time. If possible avoid too much coloring. If you want to change your hair color, do it at least a month or two before the sun starts to hit hard.
5. Avoid heat styling tools
The sun is already putting too much on your hair, so it would be best if you avoid using additional heat as you can. Go gently with your blow dryer and use it only if needed.
Final Thought
What’s great about these sunscreens is that they don’t only protect your beautiful locks from becoming dry and brittle, but these products will also add an extra moisture to your hair and make it even shinier.
Anyway, I hope you find this article helpful enough. If you have any comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment section below. I would love to hear from you.
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends too!