When it comes to summer, growing up in Australia has taught us many tips and tricks to avoid the dangerous effects of sun damage. Repeating ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ whenever the weather warms up is one thing, but when it comes to the latter—what if we’re not able to slap on a hat?
Well, believe it or not, there are several ways to protect both your hair and your head—sans a cap—from the harsh UV rays that we love to soak up by the seaside.
While it may be hard to believe that sunscreen application doesn’t have to stop at the hairline, it’s true. Despite being covered in hair, your scalp and your strands themselves both endure UVA/UVB damage that makes hair appear frayed and brittle. The sunlight works to lighten and dry out hair and the scalp, and leaves both susceptible to skin cancer. After all, the scalp is the highest point of the body, making it the most exposed to the sun’s harsh rays.
An often forgotten area, it’s understandable that after covering the body and face with various SPFs, the same is not thought of for the head. And we don’t blame you—slopping on some greasy sunscreen in your hair feels wrong. Thankfully, there are many ways to help prevent the dreaded scalp and hair burn.
First, opt for products that are easy to apply to the scalp and through the hair. Sprays, oils and sticks are the quickest way to access the area, without losing half the product on the hair. And last, make sure to try and keep your hair brushed back into a bun or a ponytail. That way, there’s limited scalp exposed to the sun, meaning less chance of enduring a burn.
Not sure where to start? Below, we’ve rounded up 11 sun-protection products to save your scalp and hair from the heat.
Scalp Remedy Lotion Spray by Davroe
Sun Care Protective Hair Veil by AVEDA
A lightweight, water-resistant 16-hour protective film over your strands, Sun Care Protective Veil shields against colour fading and sun damage. Formulated with organic shea butter and coconut that work to detangle hair without weighing it down, so that it is left soft and manageable.
Sun Care Protective Hair Veil by AVEDA, $52 at AVEDA.
Happy Campers Wearable Treatment by evo
Protective, hydrating and strengthening, Happy Camper is an easy-to-use, lightweight hair spritz that supports daily styling. Your hair is protected from heat damage, de-frizzed and gives just a touch of volume and hold.
Happy Campers Wearable Treatment by evo, $34 at Adore Beauty.
SOS Serum with Peony by Klorane
Instantly refresh and comfort the scalp with calming Klorane’s SOS Serum with Peony. The scalp’s natural protection is reinforced and irritation is soothed for 24-hour relief from triggers that cause sensitivity such as stress, seasonal change, travel, over colouring and styling. Formulated with Peony extract for soothing and anti-irritating properties, optimal scalp balance is maintained and protected against irritation. The non-greasy, fresh, lightweight formula can be sprayed as needed on the scalp and will not weigh down hair.
SOS Serum with Peony by Klorane, $19.99 at Adore Beauty.
B. Well Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil by Briogeo
B. Well Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil by Briogeo, $37 at MECCA.
Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil by Shu Uemura Art Of Hair
This bestselling multi-use hair oil intensively moisturises and protects hair thanks to a unique formula featuring rapidly-absorbing camellia oil, penetrating deep into the hair’s cortex to leave it soft and silky with high shine. This velvety hair oil rebalances the hair’s moisture level and provides all-day UV protection without making hair feel heavy or greasy.
Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil by Shu Uemura Art Of Hair, $68 at MECCA.
Soleil Huile Sirène Texture Spray by Kératase
A must-have for summer, this lightweight leave-in defines and enhances natural beach waves. Enriched with Vitamin E from the Babassu oil, moisturising agents are quickly absorbed into the hair providing instant softness for a touchable “no-crunch” texture. It defines hair’s natural shape and creates shiny luminous locks. Shake and spray on lengths to impart hair with a sensual fragrance of jasmine and solar tuberose notes.
Soleil Huile Sirène Texture Spray by Kératase, $48 at Adore Beauty.
Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer by Bumble and Bumble
This leave-in hair treatment is blended with six featherlight oils to soften, tame, defrizz, detangle and protect against breakage. Plus, it contains UV protection to help shield hair from the drying effects of the sun. The treatment is best for dry, damaged and colour treated hair.
Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer by Bumble and Bumble, $40 at MECCA.
Sun Care Oil Mist for Body and Hair by Clarins
A high-protection, non-greasy, ultra-fine sun care mist for body & hair that dissolves quickly into skin. It features a water-and sweat-resistant formula that’s enriched with botanical extracts for hydrating and nourishing benefits. Protects skin from damage caused by the sun and gives an exquisite satiny finish. Perfect for all types of skin in all conditions for any destination and activity.
Sun Care Oil Mist for Body and Hair by Clarins, $49.95 at Cosmetics Now.
Un Tangled Leave-In Conditioner by Kevin.Murphy
The UN.TANGLED Leave In Conditioner is a detangling, strengthening and restorative hair treatment, with additional heat protection. This leave-in conditioner is paraben free, and is formulated with a special complex of nourishing Australian Fruit extracts. It also helps your hair retain moisture, for hair that flows beautifully.
Un Tangled Leave-In Conditioner by Kevin.Murphy, $39.95 at Adore Beauty.
Perfect Defence by MOROCCANOIL
This Heat Styling Protection spray is an innovative heat-protecting spray that effectively prevents breakage and split ends, while added UV filters minimise colour fading and shield hair from the elements. It encourages healthy, naturally beautiful hair that withstands extreme heat, with a style that will take you from day to night.
Perfect Defence by MOROCCANOIL, $67.95 at Adore Beauty.
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