20% off €30 or 25% off €45

Code:HBWDAY

20% off €30 or 25% off €45

Code:HBWDAY

Shop now

Redeem instore | T&Cs Apply

Find a store Help

Explore related topics

Hair & Skin Health

9 ways to protect your hair and scalp from the sun

22/05/20236 min read

Written byEmily Coates

Reviewed byH&B Regulatory Affairs

Summer beach vacation concept, Young woman with hat relaxing with her arms raised to her head enjoying looking view of beach ocean on hot summer day

We slap on sunscreen yet often forget our scalp. But SPF isn’t just for your body – your hair and head also need sun protection from those sneaky UV rays

Summary

1Why do I need to take extra care with my scalp?

Sunburn might feel like a temporary sting, but it’s actually a sign of damage from UV rays, whether from the sun or a sunbed...

Jump to details below

2How can I prevent scalp sunburn?

There are a variety of ways to help prevent scalp sunburn, including skin or scalp sun cream, proper application, knowing what areas...

Jump to details below

3Ways to protect your hair and scalp from the sun

Add sun cream application to your morning routine to protect your whole body, including your hairline and scalp, every day, not just...

Jump to details below

Shop all Sun Lotion Spf

Jump to section

What’s the link between sunburn and skin cancer?
What's scalp sunburn?
Why do I need to take extra care with my scalp?
How can I prevent scalp sunburn?
9 ways to protect your hair & scalp from the sun
Is UV protection for hair important? Does hair need sun protection?
Can I spray sunscreen on my hair?
Related products

Explore related topics

Hair & Skin Health

It’s easy to remember sunscreen for your face, arms and legs, but what about your scalp?

Whether you're lounging in the garden, out for a run or heading to a festival, your scalp is still skin and it’s just as vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays – especially during summer or on bright, sunny days.¹

So, let’s shine a light on why scalp and hairline protection matters and share the best ways to keep safe from sun damage.

What's scalp sunburn?

Scalp sunburn is just like any other sunburn and it’s easier to get than you might think. While it may seem harmless, repeated sunburn can increase the risk of long-term skin damage. That’s why it’s so important to protect your scalp with SPF, pop on a hat, seek shade and take simple steps to stay safe in the sun.

Woman with flower in her hand relaxing in outdoor swimming pool in Bali luxury resort. Beautiful young woman smell flowers at swimming pool

Symptoms of a sunburnt head include:

redness
soreness
hot skin
flaking and peeling after a few days

How can I prevent scalp sunburn?

There are a variety of ways to help prevent scalp sunburn, including:

Beach sun hat woman on vacation. Close-up of a girl's face in straw sunhat enjoying the sun looking at the camera.

suncream over SPF30
proper application
knowing what areas to protect
protective skin care
hats
staying out of the sun

What’s the link between sunburn and skin cancer?

Sunburn might feel like a temporary sting, but it’s actually a sign of damage from UV rays, whether from the sun or a sunbed.

In the UK, research shows that 9 out of 10 cases of melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer – could be prevented with proper sun protection and by avoiding sunburn. So a little SPF goes a long way.^2,3

Why do I need to take extra care with my scalp?

A 2008 study of over 50,000 people with melanoma found that those with melanomas on the scalp or neck had a lower survival rate compared to those with melanoma in other areas.⁴

Experts suggest this may be because it’s harder to spot changes on the scalp, so the condition is often found later. It may also be due to the scalp’s rich network of blood vessels and lymphatics, which can allow the melanoma to spread more easily.

9 ways to protect your hair and scalp from the sun

1. Make suncream part of your morning routine

You don’t need blazing sunshine to get UV exposure – those rays are still around on cloudy days. While applying suncream every single morning might not always happen, try to make it part of your routine when you know you’ll be spending time outdoors.

Don’t forget your hairline and scalp, especially if you’re heading out for a walk, run or day in the sun and remember to top up throughout the day if you’re out and about.

2. Don’t forget your parting

If you decide to have a parted hairstyle, such as a braid or bunches, make sure you apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.

There are specific sun protection products you can use on the scalp to give an extra layer of protection or you can use plain old 30 SPF+ suncream – it’s up to you!

While you're there, make sure that you apply suncream to your ears and neck which are other areas that are easily missed.

3. Pay attention to thinning and bald spots

If you have thin hair or bald spots, it’s important that you pay extra attention to them when applying your sun protection. This is because the skin here will have less natural protection from the sun's rays.¹

4. Use suncream for hair

If you’re not dodging the sun in the shadows or wearing a hat, you may want to use some SPF on your hair. It’s not as important to protect your hair from the sun as it is your skin, but it can help your hair stay moisturised, less frizzy and retain colour if you’ve dyed it.

You can use regular sunscreen if you wish, in fact, this would also be great for your scalp! However, it may leave your hair looking and feeling greasier than using a specific hair one.

There are also specific sun protection products for your hair that can help protect it. From straight up SPF hair sprays, to conditioners, oils and even dry shampoo.

5. Choose the right hairstyle

If you can, opt for a protective hairstyle, such as a ponytail or bun that cover as much as your scalp as possible. Head bands, scarves and other hair accessories that cover your head can also help protect your scalp.

6. Wear a hat

While we’re talking headwear... popping on a hat or scarf is one of the easiest ways to shield your scalp from the sun. It might not always suit the vibe or be practical, but when you can, it’s a simple and stylish way to stay protected.

If you’re going for a jog, wear a baseball cap, or if you’re going to be lounging by the pool on holiday, a trilby, bucket hat or wide-rimmed sun hat will work well – whatever type of hat suits your look. Some hats even come with a UV rating.

7. Stay out of the sun as much as possible

The best protection from the sun is always going to be limiting your time in it, especially when it is strongest at midday.

Take the same advice for looking after your skin in the sun as you do your scalp – the important thing is not to forget about it.

8. Protect hair colour fading with UV filter haircare

You can protect your hair by using shampoo, conditioners and masks that contain a UV filter. These products won't protect your scalp, but could help prevent your hair from drying out and will reduce colour damage.

9. Keep a look out for scalp changes

It’s a good idea to try and get into the habit of getting a friend or loved one to comb through your hair, looking for any unusual spots on your scalp. If they find any, you’ll need to make an appointment with your GP so you can get checked out.

The final say

Every little detail counts when it comes to scalp sun protection. From your hairstyle to your SPF (and even your hat collection), small choices can make a big difference in keeping your scalp and hair safe in the sun. If you notice anything unusual on your scalp – like a new bump, patch or sore that doesn’t heal – have a quick word with your GP, just to be sure.

Want to know more? Read on for our ultimate guide to SPF, including the difference between UVA, UVB and what those SPF numbers really mean.

Disclaimer

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Sources

NHS. Sunburn [Internet]. London: National Health Service; [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sunburn/
Cancer Research UK. How the sun and UV cause cancer [Internet]. London: Cancer Research UK; [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-the-sun-and-uv-cause-cancer
Melanoma Focus. UK public ignoring skin cancer risks [Internet]. London: Melanoma Focus; 2023 May 2 [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from: https://melanomafocus.org/news-blog/uk-public-ignoring-skin-cancer-risks/
Lachiewicz AM, Berwick M, Wiggins CL, Thomas NE. Survival differences between patients with scalp or neck melanoma and those with melanoma of other sites in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Arch Dermatol. 2008 May;144(5):515–21. doi:10.1001/archderm.144.5.515.