8 Best Scalp Sunscreens to Protect Without Grease, Approved by Dermatologists
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You know you should apply SPF on your face, body, and even lips, but—guess what?—your head needs some attention too. The best scalp sunscreens are an absolute necessity in any skin care routine. What about that gorg blowout, you ask? Thankfully, our year-long testing and research has yielded quite a few formulas that can give you the broad-spectrum sun protection your head deserves without slicking strands.
When testing, we tapped a handful of board-certified dermatologists to find out what they use personally and recommend to their patients, plus scanned the market for bestsellers. Then we tasked our expert editorial team with testing out more than a dozen options, eventually narrowing down to SPF powders, hair mists, sprays, and even one oil that will shield your scalp from the sun’s rays and maintain your strands all at the same time.
The best scalp sunscreens, at a glance:
- Best Overall: Coola Suncare Ocean Salt & Sage Scalp & Hair Mist (SPF 30), $20
- Best With SPF 50: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Sunscreen (SPF 50), $59
- Best Sunscreen Spray: Oars + Alps Face and Scalp Mist (SPF 35), $13
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Isdin Mineral Brush Powder ªSPF 50), $45
- Best Mineral Sunscreen: Brush On Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen ªSPF 30), $31
Your scalp sunscreen questions, answered:
Should you put sunscreen on your scalp?
Your scalp is very sensitive to sunburn, especially at your part, says Zaineb H. Makhzoumi, MD, director of clinical services and head of dermatologic surgery and oncology at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Plus, we tend to part it in the same manner every day, leaving the same area exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun over and over again, she says. So basically, applying SPF on the scalp with a focus on the part is not a step to be skipped. “When unprotected, the scalp is consistently exposed to the sun, and persistent exposure can result in sunburn, sun damage, and possibly skin cancer,” says Jeremy Brauer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York, who recommends using scalp sunscreen year-round—just as you would a face moisturizer.
What is the best scalp protector?
There are many products, like many of those above, that are designed specifically with the scalp in mind. But if you don’t have access to scalp sunscreen, regular sunscreen also works, says Dr. Brauer—just know that conventional formulas like lotions or even sunscreen sticks may leave strands a little greasy or limp.
No matter which direction you go, “it is important to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF 30 or higher,” says Dr. Brauer. It’s also a good idea to limit sun exposure and seek shade, particularly during peak afternoon hours, and wear a hat (or UPF clothing) for additional coverage, he adds. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day too—typically every two hours, more if you're swimming, working out, or sweating heavily.
Meet the experts
- Zaineb H. Makhzoumi, MD, director of clinical services and head of dermatologic surgery and oncology at the University of Maryland Medical Center
- Melanie Palm, MD, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD
- Keira Barr, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Gig Harbor, Washington
- Jeremy Brauer, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York
Best Overall: Coola Suncare Ocean Salt & Sage Scalp & Hair Mist (SPF 30)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Coola Suncare Ocean Salt & Sage Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Coola Suncare Ocean Salt & Sage Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30
Coola offers a sunscreen that works overtime, not only protecting your scalp from those UVA and UVB rays but also boosting hair health. The antioxidant-rich formula, recommended by Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD, helps lock in color and strengthen damaged hair. It also contains panthenol, a hydrating ingredient that helps prevent breakage and boost shine, as well as monoi oil, a natural UV hair protector for long-term hair health. And how could we forget: SPF 30.
“This lightweight spray actually changed my sunscreen routine for the better. Back in 2018, I attended a graduation in the blaring Washington, DC, sun without a hat on or any coverage, and I got terrible sunburn on my scalp. That’s when I discovered that there was such a thing as scalp sunscreen, and I eventually came across this mist in a bottle,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “It not only smells amazing, but it also leaves my hair and scalp totally grease-free. And it really works. Every time I use it my scalp feels protected, and I haven’t gotten burnt since.”
Type: Mist / Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 30 / Size: 2 oz.
- What we love: Hydrates hair and protects the scalp simultaneously; water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- What could improve: May be too heavy for finer hair
Best Drugstore Scalp Sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush (SPF 30)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush (SPF 30)
- Original image by Glamour tester Brigitt Earley
Whether you’re looking to score something more affordable or forgot to pack your fave sunscreen, you can pick up this Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen at your nearest drugstore. This brush-on formula is similar to those of more luxe brands—the powder is housed in a mini bottle that’s perfect for your purse and might even fit in your pocket. You can use it on your scalp, your face, or any other part of your body for matte sun protection that won’t leave your hair or skin feeling slick.
“One of the things I like most about this sunscreen is that it has the same nostalgic smell as the brand’s other products,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “I’m also very sensitive to that chalky feeling some powdered products can leave behind. This one doesn’t give me that ick factor, because what it leaves behind is actually quite smooth.”
Type: Powder / Active ingredients: Zinc oxide / SPF: 30 / Size: 0.15 oz.
- What we love: Mineral formula; matte finish; budget-friendly
- What could improve: Only one shade available
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Best With SPF 50: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Sunscreen (SPF 50)
- Courtesy of brand
- Jenifer Calle testing Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50
- Original photo from Jenifer Calle testing Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Sunscreen (SPF 50)
When it comes to the scalp, dermatologists overwhelmingly recommend powder formulas—and for good reason. “If you’re concerned about scalp sunscreen making your hair look greasy or goopy, you’re more likely to skip this step,” says Dr. Palm. “I encourage patients to look for a formula that is lightweight and easy to use, which usually comes in the form of a spray or a powder instead of a cream or lotion.” This is one of her top picks for that very reason—plus, you can use it on the rest of your body just as you would any other mineral sunscreen.
This is a great sunscreen for oily skin, too, because it can actually help with excess shine, almost like a dry shampoo. “I always keep this product in my bag because by midday my T-zone is super shiny, and applying this formula helps mattify the area. You do have to tap quite a few times to get enough mineral sunscreen, but I like that I can use this almost like a setting powder. As for my scalp, even though I have thick hair, I like to protect it with a baseball cap or this powder SPF. It doesn’t leave behind a white cast and blends in nicely,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Type: Powder / Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Size: 0.21 oz.
- What we love: Nongreasy; mineral formula; high SPF; comes in a variety of shades
- What could improve: Doesn’t come out as easily as testers would prefer
Best for Sensitive Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Mineral Brush Powder (SPF 50)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing ISDIN Mineral Brush Powder
This is another favorite of Dr. Palm’s for its convenience and ability to protect without weighing down hair. She also notes that it’s a great pick for those with any skin sensitivities, since it’s a mineral-based formula that’s free from fragrances, parabens, and talc.
“The powder is nice and fine, so it doesn’t feel chalky like some other powders,” says Earley. “I frequently use this formula on my face, too, since it layers so well over makeup. It’s almost like a setting powder with the added benefit of sun protection.”
Type: Powder / Active ingredients: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Size: 0.14 oz.
- What we love: High SPF; nongreasy; suitable for sensitive skin
- What could improve: Only comes in one shade
Best Mineral Scalp Sunscreen: Brush On Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen (SPF 30)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Brush On Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen (SPF 30)
Most powder SPFs are made of finely milled minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, but Keira Barr, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Gig Harbor, Washington, recommends this one for the hairline. It is powered by zinc oxide, offers SPF 30 protection, and is easy to apply with the applicator brush.
“I like that this powder works as both a face sunscreen and a scalp sunscreen, since it’s not as mattifying as some others,” says Earley. “Beyond the protective ingredients, it also contains hyaluronic acid, which is a lightweight moisturizer to keep the powder from drying out my hair or face.” Also nice: You can buy refill cartridges—a money-saver and better for the environment.
Type: Powder / Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide / SPF: 30 / Size: 0.12 oz.
What we love: Refillable; easy to apply; water-resistant for 80 minutes
What could improve: Might be hard to get enough product out at once
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Best Hair Mist: Sun Bum Sea Spray
A cross between UV protection and hair product, Sun Bum’s spray is lightweight and has a very easy application process, says Jeremy Brauer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York. “It contains a high SPF along with vitamin E, which can help strengthen hair and increase shine for all hair types,” he says.
Glamour testers liked that the formula has sea salt to lend texture, delivering those covetable beachy waves, but also boasts sea kelp, a moisturizing ingredient that helps prevent any crunch. “It looks like it could be a powder, but it’s actually an entirely clear spray,” says Earley. “I love that it dries almost as soon as it hits the scalp, so there’s no downtime.”
Type: Spray / Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 30 / Size: 2 oz.
- What we love: Applies like hairspray; offers hair benefits; entirely clear formula
- What could improve: Feels slightly tacky
Best Moisturizing Scalp Sunscreen: Undefined Beauty R&R Sun Elixir Glow Oil (SPF 30)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Undefined Beauty R&R Sun Elixir SPF 30 Glow Oil
An oil? In your hair? In tests, we were surprised by just how well-suited this product is for the scalp. For starters, the bottle has a precision dropper that allows for really targeted application—you know you’re not missing a spot. And even though the product does feel a little greasy in your hands, it soaks into the skin really well without leaving a greasy residue on the hair itself.
“I have medium-textured hair, and I couldn’t believe how quickly the oil dried down. Less than two minutes later, I didn’t feel any hint of it in my hair,” says Earley. “I also like that I’m hopefully giving my traditionally dry and flaky scalp some love, thanks to the moisturizing ingredients like milk thistle and squalane.”
Type: Oil / Active ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, octyl salicylate, avobenzone / SPF: 30 / Size: 1 oz.
What we love: Precision dropper makes application easy; smells great; versatile product
What could improve: May be too heavy for fine hair
Best Spray Sunscreen for Scalp: Oars + Alps Face and Scalp Mist (SPF 35)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Oars + Alps Face and Scalp Mist SPF 35
For those who don’t necessarily want to load up their medicine cabinet with a different sunscreen for every part of the body, this versatile sunscreen mist functions as both a scalp SPF and a face sunscreen. That’s because the mist is superfine, so your hair and skin don’t feel wet upon application—it dries almost instantly.
“This fine mist absorbs almost on contact and doesn’t feel at all wet, tacky, or greasy on my face or my hair. I think it would be suitable even for those with thin hair,” says Earley. “And, wow, does it smell good—so good that I almost want to use it as a perfume!” As a nice bonus, this product is also water-resistant for a full 80 minutes—a claim to fame not many other hair sunscreens have.
Type: Spray / Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 35 / Size: 1.5 oz.
What we love: Dries almost instantly; very fine and even mist; great scent; water-resistant for 80 minutes
What could improve: Bottle is too small for regular whole-body use
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