Among the age-old debates concerning sunscreen for the scalp, the question of if, when, and how much sunscreen should be applied to our scalps can be answered today with newfound evidence-based solutions. Chief among them being that yes, sunscreen should be a part of our scalp and hair strategies, particularly for those living in sun-intense climates like California.
For men, protecting scalp and hair from sun damage is more serious than simply preventing sunburn. Over time, sun exposure can lead to thinning hair, hair loss, and even premature balding. Beyond harm to individual’s physical appearance, sun damage to hair can also result in discomfort and lack of confidence.
It is true that there is a fear from using sunscreen products on the scalp. Conventional wisdom recommends against it, and admittedly, some sunscreen products can be extremely oily. Thankfully, advancements in sunscreen technology have made it possible to use sunscreen on your scalp and hair without experiencing greasy, heavy product.
Hair-specific sunscreens have been developed to keep your hair nourished all whilst protecting the scalp from sun damage. These new sunscreens are designed to be non-greasy and lightweight to ensure comfort and ease of movement while still delivering powerful sun protection. Hair-specific sunscreen is also designed with powerful, natural nutrients, amino acids, and antioxidants to create full, voluminous, and stronger hair.
When selecting sunscreen for scalp and hair protection, potential users should take two main things into account: the SPF rating and the UVA/UVB protection it offers. Sunscreen should have at least SPF 30 protection to ensure safety from the sun’s harmful rays, particularly in hot and humid climates like California. When it comes to UVA/UVB protection, look for sunscreens with specific bio-actives such as homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, and avobenzone for broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Finally, take a look at the ingredients list as a general rule. It is recommended that users look for sunscreen products that include collagen and silk amino acids, niacinamide, and green tea and coffee extracts. Other ingredients worth noting are green tea oil and safflower seed oil. All of these ingredients come together to strengthen and nourish again the risk of sun damage.
At the end of the day, sunscreen should be used as a part of one's scalp and hair protection strategy as we all try to take quality care of our crowns. Simple strategies like wearing headgear, a hat and reducing the amount of direct sunlight will go a long way in California’s sunny climate.
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