Beauty News

The Best Sun Protection For Hair: Shield Your Tresses From Sun Damage

model smiling with long dark wav hair holding a hair mist

Every curl, coil and hair strand deserves as much care and attention as your skin often gets, especially when the sun’s rays come into play. Did you know that some of your hot weather hair woes could be treated with the right {hair sun protection}? That’s right, there are {mists}, serums, {shampoos} and {conditioners} expertly designed to shield your tresses from heat and UV damage. Super easy! 

Of course, as a loyal member of the CB community you’ll always get the hottest tea when it comes to product recommendations. That’s why we’ve put together a handy list of the best sun protection for your hair; harness the power of sleek, frizz-free hair all year long!

How does the sun damage your hair and scalp? 

Listen up guys, class is officially in session! Your resident {hair care} heroes are here to fill you in on why it’s essential to invest in proper sun protection for your hair and scalp. 

If you’re addicted to your {hair styling tools}, straighteners, hair dryers, you name it, there’s a good chance you’re no stranger to heat damage. Well, it turns out the sun’s UV rays can harm your hair strands in the same way. Experts say that UVA and UVB rays damage the hair cuticle (that’s right, cuticles don’t just grow on your fingers!), which is the outermost layer of the hair strand. Long story short, this leads to brittle, frizz-prone and parched strands… Sound familiar? 

Don’t worry, we’re not here to judge! We’re here to guide you on this hair protection journey. Some of the other key signs that your hair may be sun damaged include:

  • Changing hair colour or premature greying
  • Dry, unmanageable strands
  • Curls dropping quickly

Let’s not forget about our scalps too. Many of us are all too aware of that sore sensation pulsing through our scalp after a day of sun soaking. It makes us *shudder* just thinking about it! Just like the rest of the skin on our bodies your scalp needs to be protected from the sun. If not, you’re leaving yourself open to sunburn and cell damage. So with that in mind, how do we prevent it?

How to protect your hair from sun damage

Protecting your hair from the sun’s harmful rays doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, it’s best to keep things super simple! Here are some easy breezy ways to keep your strands safe in the sun.

Take cover!

Some say that shade is the best hair sun protection out there. Limiting your sun exposure is the easiest way to prevent hair and skin damage. Find a shady spot to comfortably lounge and bask in the summer heat, without risking your hair health in the process. 

Invest in UV filter hair products 

UV filters are crafty chemicals that are designed to protect our hair from damage from UVA and UVB rays. Cool, right? You can find these in some of the best hair sun protection formulas, so you can rest assured that your locks are ‘on lock’ no matter how hot it is outside. Some of the key hair care UV filters to look out for include:

  • Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
  • Methoxydibenz-oylmethane
  • Parsol SLX

On the other hand, if you don’t fancy studying your shampoo and conditioner formulas (we don’t blame you if you have better things to do), you can always rely on our {Cult Concierge] team to do the hard work for you! Drop them a line to get the latest and greatest product recommendations. 

Slather on the scalp sunscreen

Don’t forget your scalp! You can apply a thin layer of your usual SPF to any partings to keep your skin shielded. Alternatively, take the time to find the right scalp sunscreen formula that properly cares for your hair and the skin it grows out from.

When protecting your scalp, look for broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection and top up every two hours for round-the-clock protection.

Remember to reapply

Keep in mind that not all UV protectors are waterproof so if on holiday and swimming, it’s a good idea to reapply after to avoid dehydration and colour fading.

The best hair sun protection products: Team CB recommends

You know we had to hook you up with the best of the best hair sun protection formulas, so we’ve enlisted the expertise of {Sarah} and {Connor} from {Cult Concierge} for their top product recs.

EVY Technology UV/Heat Hair Mousse

This versatile hair saviour serves as a primer and styling mousse while also providing protection from UV rays and heat damage. It harnesses the power of UV filters to prevent dehydration and sun bleaching, as well as safeguarding against blue light! Its unique formula contains a blend of oils and vitamins B3, B5, B6, E, and C, which work together to replenish lost shine to your hair without leaving a heavy or oily coating on your precious strands. Super cool! 

 

Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

This uber-lightweight spray is easy to apply and creates a seamless barrier that protects your hair from sun exposure, which can cause dryness and damage. It is formulated with UVA/UVB filters derived from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils, which help to prevent hair from becoming brittle and dry. 

This delightfully fragrant spray is part of a three-step defence and recovery system – simply spritz the water-resistant formula over your hair before heading out!

OUAI Hair Oil

The heavenly-scented hair oil is sure to turn heads, whilst giving you that much-needed hair sun protection at the same time – UV rays, stay away!

The formula contains coveted ingredients such as African galanga to boost hair strength and health, ama oil to form a protective coating on your hair, and Asian borage oils that are rich in gamma-linoleic acid to soften and repair damaged hair. This titan of a trifecta provides ample protection against UV rays and shields the delicate outer layer of your hair.

 

Living Proof Triple Bond Complex

Utilising a revolutionary, patent-pending technology, this remarkable hair treatment restores and nourishes ionic, hydrogen and covalent bonds (we might need to revisit our chemistry notes for this one!). In other words, you’ll have super smooth, strong and shiny tresses after using this treatment.

 

With just one application, you’ll notice immediate improvements in the look and feel of your hair, providing a sigh of relief for the impatient among us. But the plus points don’t stop there! This cutting edge formula also protects against thermal and UV damage through the use of encapsulated cellular oil (fancy, right?). The fact that all of this can be achieved in a single weekly treatment is impressive and a major upgrade to any hair care routine.

 

Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask

This coating cream offers the ultimate protection for your precious hair strands. The innovative formula is infused with a combination of hydrolyzed elastin for strength, castor oil for moisture, and olive oil for its richness in fatty acids, a trio more iconic than the Powerpuff Girls! These hero ingredients work together to prevent breakage, enhance shine and shield your hair from the harmful effects of UV rays, chlorine, and saltwater. 

 

Blondies, take notes because this marvellous {hair mask} will not react to chlorine or cause your hair to turn green. Win-win!

 

Gisou Propolis Infused Heat Protecting Spray

This Propolis infused spray is not your average {heat protectant}. As well as shielding your hair from temperatures of up to 230ᵒC/446ᵒF and utilising UV-filters to prevent sun damage, it also enhances your hair’s natural volume. Is there anything it can’t do?

Simply mist all over your strands before going into the sun to take advantage of one of best hair sun protection solutions out there!

Briogeo Superfoods Avocado and Kiwi Mega Moisture 3-In-1 Leave-In Spray

This nourishing leave-in spray is lovingly crafted with 97% naturally-derived ingredients and boasts a blend of spinach, chia seeds and cocoa seed butter to give a shiny, manageable quality to your hair strands. But the benefits don’t stop there! The star of the show is organic sunflower extract, a potent antioxidant, which works to prevent UV damage and maintain the hair’s health.

 

Amika The Shield Anti Humidity Spray

Say sayonara to your humidity hair woes with Amika’s supercharged heat and sun protection spray. This lightweight and invisible mist helps you preserve your hairstyle and shield it against heat (up to 230°C!), humid weather and damaging UV rays for a full 24 hours. Its formula contains several key ingredients that work together to provide protection and nourishment for your hair.

 

Sun Bum Protecting Heat Protector

This protective shield is so light you’ll barely notice a difference on your hair, but it still packs a fighting punch when it comes to protecting your strands. It serves as a barrier between your hair and the elements, including those all-so-addictive hair tools you can’t seem to put down (no shade, we’re guilty too!). 

 

It helps you banish frizz and flyaways while also safeguarding your hair colour from sun-induced fading. The formula is also enriched with noni fruit extract, which is packed with vitamin C to help neutralise harmful free radicals.

Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Water SPF50

Make sure to pack your sunglasses, comically large sun hat, and the Very High Protection Water for your day in the sun. This formula provides comprehensive UV protection for both your strands and skin without leaving them soaked, offering A-grade sun protection for your hair and scalp. With its antioxidant-rich formula, it’s the perfect addition to your beach bag!

 

EVY Technology Sunscreen Mousse SPF30

Looking for the perfect scalp protection that won’t leave your hair uber-greasy? EVY Technology has your back (again!). The sumptuous Sunscreen Mousse is a lightweight, non-sticky, and non-greasy formula that is easy to apply and quickly absorbed by the skin. Your scalp is sure to thank you!

It provides both immediate and long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays, up to six hours actually. Plus, this formula is water-resistant and does not contain any parabens, nanoparticles or perfumes, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive or delicate skin.

 

SHOP SUN PROTECTION FOR HAIR >>>



Cult Beauty

Cult Beauty

Writer and expert