The Best Sun Protection Products For Your Hair

The Best Sun Protection Products For Your Hair

We all know how important it is to use an SPF on your face, but in the heat of summer, it’s just as important to protect your hair, too. Both your scalp and your strands are as susceptive to UVA and UVB damage as your skin, but thankfully there are products out there that can help. Here are seven which get our vote.
Photography: DI NA/STOCKSY UNITED

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 

Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask, £19.50

Best For: Boosting Overall Condition

Why We Rate It: This protects well against UV damage during sunbathing and swimming, but the benefits go far beyond that. Originally formulated for the US Olympic synchronised swim team, it’s a cult classic that delivers amazing results. Brimming with hydrolysed elastin, castor and olive oil, it strengthens and prevents breakage, while ensuring discolouration and dryness are kept at bay, too – no green streaks from chlorine with this wonder balm. The only thing to note is it is heavy-duty, so make sure you give your hair a thorough double shampooing to fully remove the unguent texture. Expect your strands to feel silky-soft post-use, too. 
 
Available at LookFantastic.com

Sachajuan Hair In The Sun, £25

Best For: Long-Lasting Protection

Why We Rate It: Protein-enriched, this strengthening treatment locks in moisture and nourishment, and is great for sweeping back hair for a slick, on-trend look. More than that, it offers long-lasting, waterproof UV protection, too, which lasts even after showering – though regular top-ups are still advised. The perfect foil for stressed or sun damaged hair, added coconut oil, cinnamon and sea algae extracts keep moisture locked in so thirsty strands are properly quenched. Use it as a leave-in treatment, or simply rinse it out when you no longer need it.

 
Available at LookFantastic.com

L’Oréal Série Expert Solar Sublime UV Filter Spray, £12

Best For: Hydration & Moisture

Why We Rate It: Often out of stock, you need to move quickly to get your hands on this popular UV spray. A few pumps work to form a lightweight, protective film around your hair fibres, locking in hydration – thanks to aloe vera – as well as a shield to repel any daytime damage. If you have highlighted hair, you’ll notice colour stays vibrant with regular use, as well as soft and in optimum condition. It’s brilliant for preventing both brittleness and frizziness – and finally, extra points go to the summery scent, which leaves you feeling clean and fresh.
  
Available at FeelUnique.com

Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, £22.50

Best For: Preventing Dryness

Why We Rate It: Considered ‘The OG’ of hair protection, Aveda’s much-loved formula uses protective UV filters from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils, both of which hinder the hair-drying effects of the sun. Brilliant for all hair types, it’s also full of nourishing ingredients like green tea extract, shea butter, coconut oil and vitamin E for optimum condition, strength and resilience. A must-try if you suffer with dryness and want softer, shinier-looking strands. 
  
Available at LookFantastic.com

Sun Bum Protecting Heat Protector, £15.99

Best For: All Types Of Heat Damage

Why We Rate It: Yes, this mostly protects against thermal damage from your styling tools, but it also deflects UV rays with chemical blockers to shelter hair from the sun. Featherlight, it never feels sticky or heavy, with a gentle mist that carefully coats each strand. It’s brilliant for fighting off heat and humidity, too, so you can expect less frizz and fewer flyaways as a result. The added vitamin C and sea kelp maintains moisture as well, while maximising shine on all hair types – even blondes.
 
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

Clarins Sun Care Oil Mist For Body & Hair, £22

Best For: A Lightweight Texture

Why We Rate It: Recommended by countless hair experts, this go-to SPF oil is surprisingly light. Designed to be misted all over your body and scalp, too, it protects with SPF30 UV sun filters, while its water and sweat-resistant formula goes the distance without that greasy, sticky feeling. It’s a must-have come summer – not just for protection, but also because it cuts down on the number items you need to pack in your beauty bag. 
 
Available at Boots.com

Ultrasun Daily UV Hair Protector, £24

Best For: Day-To-Day Application

Why We Rate It: This hairspray-esque mist is so light, it’s been designed for daily wear and is easy to apply, too – think right before sun exposure or post-shampoo. Formulated to counteract the damage caused by UV, pool chemicals and seawater, it’s brimming with protective antioxidants that act like a shield. Another bonus? The clever formula prevents colour from fading prematurely – which often happens quickly during the hot summer months. Regular application will also keep frizz, flyaways and knots at bay 
 
Available at SpaceNK.com

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