8 Best Sun Protection Products for Hair to Prevent UV Damage

So, you are preparing for a vacation on a beach or in the lush green mountains — in either case, you may have thought about sun protection. You've got your favorite SPF sunscreen in your caddy to protect your skin, but have you added the best sun protection products for hair to your grooming kit? Well, you may be familiar with skin damage from sun exposure, but those harsh, hot rays emitting UV radiation are also responsible for weakening hair, making it prone to breakage. 

According to an NCBI study, excessive sun exposure destroys hair structure, causing various haircare issues. For instance, UVA radiation is associated with hair color fading, while UVB radiation causes hair protein loss, making tresses brittle and weak. Addedly, our research indicates that the best hair products for sun protection keep strands in better condition and prepare them to withstand UV exposure to prevent any bad after-effects.

We conducted hours of research to discover the best hair products with UV protection, from hair and scalp sunscreens to conditioners and shampoos, that safeguard your gorgeous tresses while you are on the go. Check out our list of the best hair sun protection products we have created based on our first-hand experience. Trust us, these products will prepare you for traveling fearlessly on a hot, scorching day without ruining your hair condition. 

Our top picks

8 Best Sun Protection Products for Hair

This creamy breakthrough conditioner by MilkShake prepares your hair to withstand sun exposure while you step out. Each spray push promises you ultra-moisturizing and well-maintained tresses like a dream. That's because it contains revitalizing and nourishing ingredients, including blueberry, strawberry, and papaya extracts, that act as a sunscreen for hair to block UV damage while infusing moisture and hydration. Further, it protects color from fading. So, grab this hair sunscreen conditioner, splash the mist, and you are ready to go with classy hair looks without fearing damage.

Pros

• Detangles hair
• Controls frizz
• Vitamin-rich
• Infuses shine
• Lightweight

Quick Tip

Apply this leave-in conditioner evenly over clean damp hair and comb your hair. No need to rinse. Just style as desired and you are good to go.

2

Best for Color-treated Hair

Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-in Conditioner

As the name indicates, this hair sun protection conditioner from Pureology doesn't allow unruly UV rays to strip off your stunning hair color. The holy symphony is a blend of powerful natural ingredients, including olive oil, camelina seed oil, xylose, and coconut oil, that boost color vibrance while reviving natural luster. Further, if frizz and tangles are forcing you to wear a beach cap, worry no more. This hair UV protection mist detangles knots and vanishes frizz like magic. Moreover, our investigation demonstrated that this priming spray boosts manageability besides imparting color protection and frizz taming.

Pros

• Reduces dryness
• Adds luster
• Easy to use
• Softens tresses
• Makes detangling easy
• Smells great

3

Best Chlorine Protector

AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense

For swimmers and floaters who can't live without diving into the ocean or pool, this AquaGuard Pre-Swim hair sun protection product is a must-have. What makes this formula unique is that it's not only limited to providing sun protection but also prevents chlorine damage. Chlorinated water washes off natural scalp oils, drying out the hair and leaving it vulnerable to fallouts. Plus, it bleaches hair and fades hair color. But bless this aloe-based non-drying hair suncare product — you can dive deep into the water without fretting about color loss and broken strands. Also, we like that the product keeps those green, flat hair at bay, which occurs when copper hair bonds with chlorine.

Pros

• For all hair types
• Enhances thickness
• Maintains hair dye color
• Improves texture
• Reduces painful comb-outs
• Reef-safe formula

Cons

• Not suitable for those allergic to almonds

Quick Tip:

Dampen your hair before swimming. Begin applying a sufficient amount of Pre-Swim Hair Defense gently. Make sure you pay special attention to ends.

4

Best Dermatologist-tested

COOLA Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen

With SPF 30, this Coola Organic hair sunscreen defends your scalp and hair. Using this, you can flaunt your favorite summer hairstyles without hiding them under a sun hat. It's a dermatologist-tested formula that nourishes hair from the scalp to tip while blocking harmful UV rays. Plus, this UV hair protection sunscreen is formulated with plant-based antioxidants that repair damaged strands, condition hair cuticles, and promote a healthy scalp. We are delighted that it's safe to use on color-treated hair and enhances hair color's shine. Hence, you won't regret including this sunscreen for hair in your tropical vacay kit.

Pros

• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Fresh scent
• 80-minute water-resistance
• Improves scalp blood circulation

Cons

• A bit sticky for some

5

Best Anti-brass

Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray

Misting a few drops of this Moroccanoil sun spray for hair is the ultimate step to fight brasiness and color lightening. This leave-in mist covers strands from root to tip to shield hair from everyday wear and tear, such as UV radiation, heat, pollution, and styling damage. Moreover, it's infused with ethically sourced argan oil — rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins, that nourish cuticles deeply to boost hair strength. Furthermore, our analysis of this product revealed that the UV hair protection spray amplifies softness and detangles the mane effortlessly.

Pros

• Minimizes tangles
• PETA-certified
• Great fragrance
• Lightweight

Cons

• The pump's design can be improved

6

Best for Scalp Burns

Sun Bum Scalp and Hair Mist

Ace perfect hair looks that are summer-ready with this Sun Bum Scalp and Hair Mist. The SPF hair spray is enriched with sun-protecting ingredients like oxybenzone, vitamin E, and octinoxate to keep your hair flawless no matter how sunny the day is. It won't let your strands fry and restores moisture for all-day hydration. Adding to that, a customer says this hair sun protection spray reduces scalp burns and pairs well with color-treated and blonde tresses. So, it seems a perfect fit for anyone struggling with a burned and irritated scalp. 

Pros

• Invigorating smell
• Travel-friendly
• Secure lid
• Doesn't leave residue
• Provides complete coverage

Cons

• Some may find it slightly sticky

7

Best Shine Restorer

R+Co Gemstone Color Shampoo

The R+Co color sunscreen shampoo gently cleanses your hair while maintaining a rich hue. This shine booster cleanser is crafted with lychee extract, okra seed extract, vitamin E, and sunflower sprout extract that nourishes and revitalizes follicles to encourage healthy hair appearance. Plus, it gives optimum hair protection from the sun to tackle dehydration and color loss. Through our trial and error, we discovered that the sun hair protection shampoo is perfect to use between hair coloring sessions so you can extend color freshness and save bucks on expensive hair coloring treatments. It brightens the hue to give that oh-so-colorful hair.

Pros

• Promotes softness
• Salon-grade product
• Offers silky, smooth hair
• Leaping bunny certified
• Moisturizing

8

Best Vegan-friendly

AquaGuard After-Swim UV Leave-In Detangler

AquaGuard’s leave-in detangler will become your favorite pool or beach hair protection product to prevent after-swim tangles. After having a relaxing swimming session, your tresses are less likely to experience knots and frizz for quick and effortless styling when you use this sun protector for hair. Plus, it neutralizes that nasty chlorine smell to let your strands feel fresh and light. Additionally, we determined through our tests that this UV protectant for hair is suitable for every sunbather with dense curly, platinum blonde, and color-treated tresses. Also, you can pair it with the AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense for unmatched results.

Pros

• Anti-fade
• Vegan
• Simple comb-outs
• Frizz tamer
• For all hair lengths

Our top recommendations for the best sun protection products for hair will prepare you to step out in the sun without worrying about thermal damage. Now, let's go ahead to our user guide to find the most suitable product.

How to Pick the Best Sun Protection Products for Your Hair?

With various sun hair protection products available on the market, it might be confusing to find the one perfect for you. Below are the factors you can check to begin your shopping for the best UV hair protector. 

Ingredients 

The first thing to consider is skimming through the ingredient list. Ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, plant extracts, essential oils, and organic compounds, including oxybenzone, provide sunscreen-like benefits and block UV radiation to safeguard hair from damage. The best hair products with sunscreen are a harmonious blend of soothing and effective ingredients that are mild on the scalp and strands and provide endless benefits from hair protection to moisturization and preventing color loss. 

Scalp And Hair Type 

Just like oily, acne, and sensitive skin type, there are different scalp types— oily, dry, and sensitive. Lightweight and non-greasy sun protectors for hair are perfect for oily scalp types. These balance the natural scalp oil production to prevent greasiness and clogging. If you have dry hair and scalp, opt for a moisturizing, hydrating, lightweight formula like an SPF hair spray or a conditioner that regulates scalp water levels to avert flaking and itching. A UV protection hair product with effective UV filters marked as allergy-tested, hypoallergenic, and board-certified dermatologist-tested pairs well with sensitive scalp types. 

Formula 

Each sun hair protection formula is different; however, the best concoctions are safe, gentle, and effective. From sunscreens to conditioners, shampoos, and sprays, the market is flooded with tons of options. You can incorporate any product into your vacation arsenal that matches your preferences. It is wise to invest in a product that features a water-resistant formula and doesn’t leave any white cast or white residue behind.

Sunscreen Type

When it comes to sunscreens, there are typically two types — mineral and chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are made with ingredients such as plant extracts, zinc oxide, and titanium oxide. They sit on the top of the hair strands and reflect UV rays. These are typically suitable for people with delicate hair and skin. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens for hair are developed with required concentrations of organic compounds such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, etc. These blends are more potent than their mineral counterparts and work by absorbing UV radiation, converting it into heat, and releasing it from the scalp and hair. You may prefer consulting a dermatologist to know which one to opt for depending on your scalp's sensitivity. 

When in doubt, don't be afraid of experimenting with different hair sunscreen products to discover your dream formula. Additionally, consider the right approach for applying it to unlock maximum benefits.

How to Use the Best Sun Protection Hair Products?

Each hair sun protection product requires a different approach for application. So here we have given some easy steps to simplify the application process.

For Sunscreen 

1. Detangle your hair gently using a wide-toothed brush and your fingers. 

2. Part your hair if you are using a powder-based sunscreen and massage it on the scalp. 

3. For sprays, splash the mist evenly on hair from root to tip, followed by detangling. 

4. Cream and lotion-based hair sunscreens can be applied the same way you use a face sunscreen. 

For Shampoo And Conditioner 

You can apply a shampoo with sunscreen just like a regular shampoo. For a leave-in conditioner with UV protection, take the required amount on your palms and gently slather it on strands from top to bottom. You can spray a conditioner directly if it's a mist one.

Additionally, it's better to follow the instructions on the product label provided to ensure easy and mess-free application. Further, below are some extra tips you can follow to prevent scalp burns and frayed hair. 

​​​​​​​Tips to Protect Your Hair And Scalp from Sun Damage

The best sun protection products for hair are your go-to options for quick and intense hair protection, especially when you run short of time. These products go beyond sun protection and provide additional benefits, from boosting color vibrancy to increasing manageability and strengthening hair. Besides using heat protectants, here are some extra recommendations to keep your hair healthy. 

Hydrate Hair 

Be sure to consume plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you travel more under the sun. This is because sun exposure and heat dry the natural hair moisture and water. Plus, it's a good idea to upgrade your diet with power-packed veggies and fruits with good water content. 

Carry a Hat 

While you are exploring, wear a hat to secure your scalp from direct sun exposure. Also, don't restrict yourself from removing it when you feel like it, especially when you are on a beach, enjoying in water. 

Avoid Excess Shampooing 

Shampooing your hair too frequently strips natural scalp oils, making the skin and hair fragile and dry. In such cases, nothing feels better than a normal or cold shower to keep your tresses clean. Also, it's not a bad thought to shampoo hair when needed. If your hair feels too oily, greasy, and dirty, try a mild and non-drying shampoo.

Conclusion

Besides skin, sun rays and UV radiation harm the scalp and hair, leading to different haircare woes, including breakage, dehydrated strands, color loss, etc. Nonetheless, the best sun protection products for hair come as the rescuer to avert such conditions. They shield the scalp and hair to ensure complete care. The above-listed products are the ultimate heat and UV protectants for hair with additional qualities. For example, the milkshake Leave-In Conditioner detangles hair while infusing moisture; the AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense is ideal for swimmers diving in chlorinated pool water, and the Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray combats brassiness and color lightening. Further, it's recommended to check the user guide above to pick a relevant product.

FAQ's

Does coconut oil prevent sun hair damage?

Coconut oil creates a defensive barrier around hair to minimize sun damage. Plus, it nourishes and moisturizes hair to improve its shine and texture.

What can I put on my hair before stepping out under the sun?

It's better to put heat and UV protectant products before moving out. Additionally, you can carry a scarf, hat, or umbrella to prevent direct heat contact.

Why Trust Pinkvilla

Our haircare expert, Alvira, often plans a beach vacay during the holiday season. However, she doesn't compromise her hair health and appearance. And that's why she has added the best sun protection products for hair in her travel kit. After trying multiple options, she found some products like milkshake Leave-In Conditioner and Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-in Conditioner that match her hair requirements. Also, she has created this exclusive list of the best hair sun protection products so that her readers can select an apt match for themselves. 

Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness on board to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

Author BIO

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More

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