How to protect your hair and scalp from the sun
Written byJodi M Johnson
Reviewed byH&B Regulatory Affairs
Your scalp burns faster than you think. From hidden sun damage to easy protection tips, here’s how to keep your scalp healthy, protected and irritation-free all summer
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1What is scalp sunburn?
Scalp sunburn is just like any other sunburn and it’s easier to get than you might think.
2Proper application
The ‘three finger rule’ is an easy way to make sure you’re using enough sunscreen on your face and neck.
3Can I put regular sunscreen on my scalp?
Yes. Regular sunscreens like broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen; sprays, powders or sticks are advised.
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 is 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.
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:
Making sure you wear sunscreen every morning
You don’t need blazing sunshine to get UV exposure – those rays are still around on cloudy days. While applying sunscreen over SPF30 every single morning might not always happen, try to make it part of your routine (and add it to your scalp) when you know you’ll be spending time outdoors.
Proper application
This is really important as most people don’t always apply enough. The ‘three finger rule’ is an easy way to make sure you’re using enough sunscreen on your face and neck.2 You simply squeeze a line of sunscreen along your index, middle and ring fingers, then use all of it to cover your face, ears and neck. 2 It’s based on dermatology guidance that most people don’t apply nearly enough sunscreen, which means they don’t get the full protection listed on the bottle. Using this method helps you apply a more even, effective layer so your skin is properly protected from UV rays. 2
Use sunscreen 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 – there are 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.
Wear a hat
Wearing a hat in the sun is a simple but effective way to protect yourself from UV rays. It creates shade over your head, face, ears and neck – areas that often get the most sun exposure and are easy to miss with sunscreen.3 A wide-brimmed hat is especially good because it also helps shield your eyes from direct sunlight. While it doesn’t block all UV rays, it significantly reduces how much reaches your scalp, skin and eyes, helping lower the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. 3
Stay out of the sun as much as possible
The sun reaches its highest point in the sky around solar noon – basically the middle of the day. For most places, that usually happens sometime between 12:00pm and 1:30pm.4 It’s usually smart to avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight when the sun is highest in the sky as that’s when UV rays are at their strongest and most likely to damage your skin.5 The strongest UV levels are typically between 11am and 3pm, although many experts recommend being extra careful from about 10am to 4pm. 5
You don’t have to stay indoors completely, but it’s a good idea to take precautions during these hours, such as: 5
- staying in the shade
- wearing sunglasses and protective clothing
- using sunscreen
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 nine 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.6
Protecting your scalp FAQs
Yes – you should protect your scalp from the sun. The scalp is exposed skin and it can burn just like your face or shoulders. Sun damage to the scalp increases the risk of premature skin ageing and can contribute to skin cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. People with thinning hair, shaved heads, light-coloured hair or part lines are especially vulnerable.
You can use regular sunscreen on your scalp – broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen; sprays, powders or sticks are often less greasy than lotions for hair-covered scalps. For long sun exposure, a hat gives the best protection.
To stop your scalp burning in the sun, protect exposed areas by:
- wearing a tightly woven hat
- using UPF protection
- reapplying sunscreen every two hours
- trying to avoid peak midday sun
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 and nail your holiday checklist with these beauty travel essentials.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. NHS. Sunburn [Internet]. London: National Health Service; [cited 2025 May 20]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sunburn/
2. Taylor S. Simple dosage guide for suncreams will help users. BMJ [Internet]. 2002 Jun 22;324(7352):1526a1526. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1123459/
3. Diffey BL, Cheeseman J. Sun protection with hats. The British Journal of Dermatology [Internet]. 1992;127(1):10–2. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1637687/
4. US Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Weather Service. The Seasons, the Equinox, and the Solstices [Internet]. Weather.gov. 2019. Available from: https://www.weather.gov/cle/seasons
5. National Library of Medicine. How much sun is too much? [Internet]. Nih.gov. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2018. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK321117/
6. 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
7. Palacios-Diaz RD, de Unamuno-Bustos B, Pozuelo-Ruiz M, Morales-Tedone EG, Ballester-Sánchez R, Botella-Estrada R. Scalp Melanoma: A High-Risk Subset of Cutaneous Head and Neck Melanomas with Distinctive Clinicopathological Features. Journal of Clinical Medicine [Internet]. 2023 Dec 13 [cited 2025 May 28];12(24):7643. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10743441/
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