The 10 Best Scalp Sunscreens for Sunburn-Free Beach Days

Even the most diligent sunscreen wearers sometimes forget to apply—or reapply—SPF to their hair and scalps. And anyone who has gotten a scalp sunburn knows how painful they are, especially if they have to, say, brush or wash their hair. (It hurts my head just thinking about it.)

“Sun protection is very important for the scalp!” New York City–based dermatologist Hadley King says. “All horizontal body surfaces [that are] perpendicular to the rays of the sun receive a particularly strong dose of sun exposure, and scalps are a very common site of sunburn, sun damage, and sun-related skin cancers.” Brian Hibler, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, also stresses that “it is important to apply SPF to the scalp, because this is one of the most exposed areas to the sun, especially for those with thinning hair or a bald scalp.”

In addition to sunscreen, both derms recommend wearing a hat for added protection. “Wearing a hat that is UPF 50+ every time you are outside will be the most effective preventive measure, and otherwise, it’s important to wear SPF 30 or higher,” King says. If you’re relying on sunscreen alone, be sure to use best practices: “Remember to apply a sufficient amount to achieve the advertised SPF and reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating,” King says. And although preventing harmful sun damage may be the top-line benefit, sunscreen can also keep hair healthier and help color last longer. “These sunscreens can also protect the hair itself from damaging and drying effects of direct sunlight and prevent fading of hair color,” Hibler says.

Now that you have all the info on scalp protection, we’ve gathered 10 products to help keep you sunburn free this summer. Grab your wide-brim hat and find your scalp sunscreen below.