First and foremost, know what kind of spray you are buying. When looking for an SPF spray, you want to make sure you are investing in something specifically made to protect your scalp, not your regular hair spray. Hair SPF sprays are specifically formulated to offer protection from the sun while still allowing your hair to move freely without crunchy stiffness or stickiness. Make sure the bottle clearly displays that it is a scalp and hair sunscreen, not simply a hair spray.
Second, choose a spray with broad spectrum coverage—meaning that it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays—with a high enough SPF. While SPF 100 does exist, there is little evidence that an SPF higher than 50 offers significantly more protection. However, because everyone’s skin is different, it is important to find the right one suitable for you, particularly if you are living in an area with high UV intensity, like Texas.
Third, find an SPF spray that nourishes your scalp. Consider investing in a product that is packed with SPF protection and vitamins that will help your scalp get healthier in the long-run. Good SPF sprays will contain antioxidants and amino acids that will protect and nourish your scalp and hair, safeguarding you from sunburn while bringing that extra bounce to your locks.
Fourth, choose a hair SPF spray that still allows you to style your hair. Some sunscreens can be quite thick and difficult to brush through, leaving you with a sticky mess. Many products contain silicone, which is a great ingredient if you’re looking for a product with a light touch, but burdened with environmental toxins. Look for a product with ingredients such as collagen and silk amino acids, which will help lift and volumize, while allowing you to brush through your strands with ease.
And while they are not as common, some SPF sprays are designed specifically to counter baldness and thinning hair. If you are looking to invest in this kind of spray, make sure to select one with ingredients such as safflower seed oil and green tea oil. These ingredients help to naturally reduce scalp inflammation that might be contributing to your thinning hair.
At the end of the day, one of the most important things to consider is whether you are truly enjoying your scalp and hair sunscreen. When it comes to prevention, peace of mind is the most important factor, so make sure you find a hair SPF spray that clicks with you and that you will actually use. Ultimately, that's how you make sure you stay safe and sound.
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