We are all well-versed by now in the importance of applying an SPF to our face and any other areas exposed to the sun daily, and if you’re not, please amend this immediately.
But the one spot we are so often neglecting also happens to be the one that sits the closest to the sun, and according to dermatologist Elyse Love, it is also an area made up of skin that is “thinner and not as resilient,” as she revealed to Well and Good.
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However, for most of us, sacrificing freshly washed hair in the process of lathering our scalps with thick and greasy sunscreen just isn’t worth the trade-off.
Although unless you can commit to staying out of the sun or keeping a hat glued to your head, the consequences of leaving this area unprotected are risky.
“The scalp, especially the part, is exposed to a lot of UV rays and is a frequent location for the development of pre-cancers and skin cancers” warns dermatologist Nava Greenfield. And with it’s close proximity to the brain plus the alarming statistic that 2 in 3 Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70, a bit of greasy hair isn’t sounding so bad after all.
But, wait, it’s not all doom and gloom. There is still the chance of living a life free from a sun-damaged scalp without committing to an eternity of oily hair.
The answer? Powder SPFs. Acting as a 2-in-1 for sun protection while delivering the same benefits you would find in a dry shampoo.
Here are a few of our favourite scalp-friendly sunscreens that offer protection against sun damage and soak up any unwanted shine and grease.
SuperGoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 45
This sensitive skin-friendly powder is crafted with SPF 45, while it’s weightless, translucent formula makes it ideal for brunette and dark hair colours as it won’t leave any grey or white residue on the scalp.
$47.85 at Revolve
Tarte Set & Go Mineral Powder
Once you’ve used this over your makeup as a setting powder, bring it up and over your hair part for 12-hour protection.
$45 at Sephora
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush SPF30
Built with a self-dispensing powder brush, this mineral-based SPF 30 is perfect for on the go touch-ups applied to the scalp throughout the day.
$99 at Adore Beauty
My son has thinning hair. This might be good for him.
It's not something I've considered before, I have very thick hair and don't think I need it, and of course their is the option of a hat.
That's crazy I was just thinking about this today! I try to wear a hat as much as possible to protect my scalp but I had never heard of powder SPF.
Hmmmm, I think an SPF for my scalp would be a good idea with my thinning hair
Wow educational!
Scalp SPF sounds like a good idea, maybe they could put it into products that we use especially for protecting the hair against heat damage.
I’ve never heard of this before. I just wear a hat.
Wear a hat if you can. I've also been interested in some of the hair oils which claim to have SPF in them.
SPF for the scalp!
oooh! I mean if I didn't have hair (if I shaved or was a male with too much testosterone hehe ) I would use hats with upf50 for sure. But I do not like hats and have hair to cover scalp well. So far I have only used spf on face and nowhere else.
I have sometimes used spa on my scalp, my husband often does.
I think wearing a hat is easier, especially since I do not wash my hair daily.
Well this is an awesome idea for those that are spending time outside. For me I stay in the shade, wear a hat or dont go out in the sun. Ive never been keen on tanning either
I hide from the sun like a vampire & I often wear hats, so this is not for me. Interesting concept, though – good for sports, I guess?
I hide from the sun like a vampire & I often wear hats, so this is not for me. Interesting concept, though – good for sports, I guess?
Sounds funny but is actually very serious! So such a good idea from these companies.
Interesting powder SPF.You always learn something new on BH.
Agreed. It makes sense to have this product.
I've learnt something new today. I had no idea these powders existed. I prefer to wear a hat but it's good to know these powders are available.
Who'd have thought of this!
It's wonderful to learn there are company with products
that can help protect the scalp SPF 🙂
I haven't heard of this before.
Sun protection is always a good idea but I just wear a hat 🙂
I have had a burnt scalp and it really does hurt, but I didn’t know you could protect it
It's a good idea but I prefer to wear a hat.
I never knew this product existed – I need this. I hate getting a burnt scalp!
Oooo I love these!!
I try to wear a hat but it’s good to have another option.
I had no idea this was even a thing! With my fair & fine hair, I am definitely going to look into it.
Very interesting indeed
I've been wondering about this as my part tends to get burned, but these products are very dear! A mineral powder with SPF in the part is not a bad idea though. A hat works too!
Will probably just stick to wearing a hat. Or tying my hair up so no part is showing.
Interesting… But couldn’t you just wear a hat???
I never knew these products existed! I like the idea though, especially if they also work like dry shampoo. Sun protection plus avoiding greasy hair sounds good to me!
I’m an avid sun avoider but I’ve got thick hair so probably wouldn’t use these products but they look interesting.
I like the sound of the Poof one
Interesting. I have never thought about this kind of product.This might be good for hair problems as well.
I love this
I haven't heard of these types of product before. I usually wear a hat for protecting my scalp.
I don't have a part and all my scalp is covered but I can see how this would work if needed.
I'd rather wear a nice hat
I like the idea of the Science product but not for $99, I'd rather wear a hat.
Nothing I've ever thought about… Thanks for sharing….
somehow powders always look so white in my hair
Not something I have ever considered before but will now look into
This is good to know
I don't feel the need to use SPF on my scalp. I'm happy to use a hat.
This is the first time I’ve heard of powder spf. Probably will stick with wearing a hat