7 Hair Sunscreens To Keep Our Tresses Protected
Stay Safe With These Heat Protectants
Our skin isn’t the only thing that needs sun protection—so does our hair! Otherwise, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate and damage our strands, resulting in dry and brittle locks. Plus, our scalps are generally forgotten when it comes to applying sunscreen, but they’re highly sensitive and deserve some protection, too! Which is why we’ve found hair and scalp sunscreens that are cruelty-free, UV-protecting, and made up of mostly natural ingredients.
One thing to consider while browsing: the less-than-clean ingredients—like oxybenzone—are often included in sunscreen formulas, and these can be dangerous to humans and to reefs. (Which is why we try to opt for mineral sunscreen whenever possible!) For transparency, we’ve noted any ingredients that score four or higher on the EWG Skin Deep® database, which categorizes chemicals on a scale of one to ten (highest hazard potential).
Of course, for the safest hair and scalp protection, you can also go with a hat—from sun hats to bucket hats! 😉 Stay safe out there, friends.
1. Coola
Features | SPF 30, water-resistant, prevents UV-related hair color fading Ethics | Organic, cruelty-free, vegan Price | $26
Coola sunscreen is already widely loved, and the Scalp and Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen hits it out of the park once again. With over 70 percent certified organic ingredients, like monoi and bergamot oils, it’s farm-to-face safe. We love that it protects our sensitive scalps and prevents color fading all at once. And no, your hair won’t be left feeling greasy or weighed down! Contains homosalate and avobenzone.
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2. Sunbum
Features | SPF 30, water-resistant, dermatologist-tested, color-safe Ethics | Cruelty-free, vegan, paraben- & sulfate-free Price | $14.99
Sunbum’s Scalp and Hair Mist works beautifully on all hair types—how rare is that?! This heat protectant spray prevents scalp sunburn and is safe for color-treated hair. Plus, it’s free from parabens to sulfates to gluten. It’s so popular as a dual hair and scalp sunscreen that it often sells out—but don’t worry, you can receive an email once it’s restocked! Contains homosalate and avobenzone.
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3. Aveda
Features | UVA & UVB filters, water-resistant Ethics | 90 percent naturally derived, vegan, cruelty-free, wind- & solar-powered, recycled packaging Price | $35
Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil uses natural UVA & UVB filters, sourced from wintergreen and bark oils, to protect your locks. Suitable for all hair types, this mostly natural formula will minimize any damage and dryness on even the hottest days. Aveda became the first beauty company to manufacture with 100 percent wind and solar power, so it’s one sustainable sunscreen, too. Contains benzyl benzoate and benzyl salicylate.
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4. Supergoop
Features | SPF 35, mineral powder Ethics | Cruelty-free, eco-friendly packaging Price | $34
Keep your hair dry and fly with Supergoop’s Poof Powder. Rather than a spray, this comes in the form of mineral powder while still providing broad spectrum protection. And instead of leaving your hair feeling greasy, it acts like a dry shampoo! The most active ingredient in this formula is zinc oxide, and Supergoop spray sunscreens contain avobenzone.
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5. Moroccanoil
Features | Heat & color protection Ethics | Cruelty-free, ethically made, solar-powered factories, recyclable packaging Price | $28
Moroccanoil’s Protect and Prevent Spray is one you can use both indoors and outdoors! This heat protectant spray helps prevent color fade and brassiness, nurtures damaged hair, and filters out UV rays all at once. Moroccanoil prioritizes sustainability through its solar-powered factories, recyclable packaging, and sulfate- and paraben-free formulas.
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6. Sachajuan
Features | UV filters & protectants, acts as styling cream Ethics | Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben- & sulfate-free Price | $32
Sachajuan’s Hair in the Sun is literally made to keep your tresses intact. Enriched with ocean silk technology from cold water algae, this formula includes UV protectants that will stay in your hair even after you swim or shower. We also love that it doubles as a styling cream, so your hair can stay in place all summer long. Contains benzalkonium chloride and amyl cinnamal.
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7. R+Co
Features | Protective leave-in conditioner Ethics | Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben- & sulfate-free Price | $32
R+Co’s Sun Catcher is a leave-in conditioner that nourishes and protects dry hair—especially in high temps. Rich in vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, radish root and coconut extracts, it’s a moisturizing formula you can use all season long. Simply spray on damp or dry hair and see the results! Contains phenoxyethanol, behentrimonium methosulfate, stearalkonium chloride, and malic acid.
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