The 10 Best Scalp Sunscreens We Tested to Prevent Burns and Protect Your Skin

If you have a visible part or thinning hair, choosing a powder sunscreen can be an effective way to apply sun protection in precisely the areas you need. Supergoop!’s (Re)Setting Mineral Powder is specifically designed for your scalp. It delivers SPF 35 protection in a lightweight, oil-absorbing formula that doubles as a dry shampoo. (We do love a product that does double duty.) This makes it a lifesaver for second- and third-day hair, when greasy roots may begin to show themselves.

We’ve found other Supergoop! products to be extremely effective, though our research did find one common complaint: The applicator doesn’t always dispense evenly, especially at first, releasing large puffs of product. So, the brush applicator may take some getting used to. But once you do, it’s a very effective way to apply sun protection and potentially skip washing your hair for another day. 

We love a versatile product with multiple uses. That’s why we were particularly interested in exploring powder sunscreen options. This dermatologist-recommended brush-on mineral sunscreen powder from Colorescience offers water-resistant protection for up to 80 minutes and can be applied to your face, décolletage, and scalp. The formula is also safe for sensitive skin. What more could you ask for?

While all these features are impressive, we especially love the tinted aspect of this product. Some scalp sunscreens can leave a cast behind, temporarily discoloring the hair and scalp, but the tint on this product nixes that issue. There are only four pigment options, but it’s lightweight enough to blend into various hair colors and go on many different skin types quite sheerly. When editor Katie Tuttle tested this product, she was doubtful of its water-resistant powers. “I was very skeptical that I wouldn’t sweat this off within 20 minutes, but it held up quite well during regular walks,” she says. That being said, be sure to apply with a light hand — it is easy to go overboard with this powder. Also, be careful if you’re tossing the brush inside your bag when you’re on the go. The bottom can become unscrewed and create a big mess. All snags aside, we are confident in this product’s ability to deliver.

I personally tested this product and was immediately pleased by its light texture. I have curly hair that can get easily tangled if a product is too heavy, but this one felt so light that I almost forgot I had it on. The mist was quite fine, too, which was nice, but I had to make sure I pressed down on the nozzle to get a full spray.

I do wish this product had a higher SPF. And it would be great if it were one I could spray on my face, too. (It’s just for your hair and scalp.) These are minor cons, though. Consider this a hair product that protects, nourishes, and delivers a light fragrance in a portable bottle that travels well.

If you plan on spending long stretches of time outside — whether at the beach, on a hike, or on a long run — it’s best to use a high-SPF sunscreen that can take the heat (and the sweat). While this Neutrogena spray isn’t marketed specifically for your scalp, it produces a lightweight mist that makes it easy to apply along your part. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it can hold its own against sweat and water; just remember to reapply.

Editor Ally Hirschlag has used this spray on and off for years. She says it dries down quickly, though it can feel a bit tacky at first. It also has a light fragrance that she appreciated, but it fades quickly. “My favorite part is how light the mist feels on the skin,” she says. What it lacks in scalp-specific benefits, however, it more than makes up for with its high SPF and overall affordability. 

If you plan on taking a dip on a hot day, you’ll definitely want a good water-resistant scalp sunscreen. Sun Bum Scalp & Hair Mist is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and offers a thick layer of protection. Plus, it keeps your hair moisturized with sunflower seed extract. After all, a long day in salt water or chlorine can leave your strands fried. This product’s powerful combination of benefits is why we’ve named Sun Bum’s Scalp & Hair Mist the best water-resistant scalp sunscreen out there.

This Sun Bum spray gets extra props for its clever packaging: The small spray nozzle has a cover that protects against leaks, even when thrown in a purse or beach bag. The formula sprays in an even, fairly light mist that dries quickly on your scalp.

After testing this, I can vouch for its staying power through sweat and beyond on a hot day. My thick curly hair and exposed part remained untouched by the sun even during a long day of running errands in the heat. In case you have sensitive skin, just know that this formula does contain alcohol and fragrance.

While many may prefer a spray for their scalp sunscreen, there are some circumstances where a stick can be more convenient. We love the Sun Bum Premium Sunscreen Face Stick for its compact packaging, variety of uses, and clean formula sans pore-clogging ingredients.

“I felt it was so easy to apply, I was more likely to reach for it when I needed to reapply throughout the day,” says health writer Mary Sauer. Plus, it offers a nice, smooth application with no greasy residue, which is ideal when swiping it down a parted hairline. This stick can also be used all over the body, so it’s perfect for travel.

Heads up: Its thick texture means it won’t work for all hairstyles, and it also contains a light fragrance. Despite these notes, we find this product to be handy for many uses, making it a great value.

If it isn’t obvious enough yet, we love a product that can be used in a variety of ways. Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Translucent Sunscreen Powder is a translucent powder designed for the face. However, we found it also works for scalp application, especially along the part. Since this is an easy-to-use, affordable, and easily accessible find, we feel it is the best drugstore scalp sunscreen option out there.

I am a Black woman with very dark, curly hair. I expected this product to leave a light hue of powder on my hairline, but it didn’t at all. It’s also designed to absorb excess oil. This was great for using on my face during a particularly sweaty day. It also helps keep my roots from appearing oily. The biggest issue with this product is that it isn’t water-resistant. So skip this pick if you’re going swimming, and be prepared to reapply it if you’re extra dewy on a hot day.

Out of all the sunscreen products I’ve tried, this is my absolute favorite. This small but mighty bottle can be used on your face and scalp. It plays well with makeup, so you can spray it over your face after you’ve gotten done up for the day. It is also light enough that it doesn’t feel thick on your scalp or hair. I love that it’s the perfect size to throw in my purse. I’ll spray it on my scalp when I’m out and about and on my neck and face if I’m stuck in traffic on a sunny day. We aren’t kidding when we call Ors + Alps Face + Scalp Mist the most versatile scalp sunscreen out there.

We especially liked that this product protects against color fade. It also comes through on its claims of minimizing frizz, thanks to jojoba oil being one of its key ingredients. This product isn’t designed for use on the face, so be sure to shield your forehead when applying it, to avoid any residue from spreading. The pump can also get a bit sticky, resulting in minor clogs. Running hot water over the clogged nozzle should help loosen things up.

A key aspect of this formula is that it only has four ingredients. In addition to zinc oxide, the hypoallergenic formula uses organic sunflower oil, beeswax, and sunflower vitamin E to nourish and protect the skin. However, due to its thick, creamy texture, this formula is only an appropriate scalp sunscreen for those with no hair on their head. Writer Brittany Vargas noted how easily it absorbs. “Compared to many other mineral sunscreens, it absorbs quickly, especially considering how thick and creamy it is,” she says. She also explains that it offers substantial protection without leaving a white cast. Interested in this product, but have a full head of hair? It is still great to use on the face and body.