Slathering sunscreen on your body is essential, but one area often overlooked is the scalp, which is where scalp sunscreen comes in.

Now, you might wonder if hair sunscreen is a thing and if it should be part of my scalp care routine.

The answer is a big YES for many reasons.

Can Your Scalp Get Sunburned?

Yes, your scalp can get sunburned. The skin on your scalp is as susceptible to sunburn as the rest of your body. Exposing any part of your body to the sun can result in sunburn, and your scalp can also suffer severe burns.

Significantly, areas with less dense hair, such as the back of your neck or scalp, are vulnerable to the sun. The same applies to your forehead. Furthermore, we found that scalp sunburn is more common in individuals with red hair and freckles, as well as those with autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Even if you suffer from hair loss, it can lead to sunburn on your scalp.

Can You Get Scalp Skin Cancer?

As with the rest of the body, your scalp can also get cancer. However, 80% of skin cancers from sunburn occur on the head and neck, commonly on the hairline and part line.

It can result from chronic sun exposure or rising DNA mutations. It can start as scaly yet sore, non-healing spots. If you have no hair, exposure to the sun often occurs faster on your scalp than on the rest of your body.

If you have melanomas on the scalp, it is more deadly than having melanomas found on other parts of your body. What makes skin cancer dangerous is that it is often overlooked in self-exams and at a dermatologist’s office.

So, you often forget that your scalp is exposed to the sun and skip inspecting the area, as self-examining can be difficult. Still, here at our hair and scalp spa, we are educated to examine your scalp, and if we notice something out of the ordinary, we recommend that you visit a dermatologist.

Do I Need to Wear Hair Sunscreen on My Scalp?

Hair sunscreen is a must, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. While your hair can protect your scalp, other exposed parts, such as the forehead and hairline, are at an increased risk of cancer.

So, investing in hair sunscreen is crucial, and the same applies to covering your babies’ and kids’ scalps. This implies that if you have fine hair, your scalp is more exposed to burning and needs protection.

While a full head of hair provides some protection, UV radiation is still powerful enough to penetrate your strands.

Types Of Hair Sunscreen For The Scalp

By now, you can see that hair sunscreen is a necessity and should be incorporated into a hair care routine for a healthy scalp. However, you do not want to slather body sunscreen on your hair. No, you need to look at the three options for your hair and scalp.

Hair Sunscreen Powder

Powders are lightweight and provide sun protection without weighing down your hair. They are also an excellent treatment for oily scalps, as they absorb excess oil and add volume to the hair. A recommended product is the Poof Scalp Powder SPF35.

Hair Sunscreen Spray

Sprays are also light, similar to powders. They keep hair and scalp hydrated, giving it a bounce and shine.

Creams or Lotions

Both are heavy products and are best used if you plan on swimming. It will provide a layer of scalp protection that does not wash out easily.

While the above are some great options, you can wear a scarf or hat to protect your scalp.

Steps to Apply Hair Sunscreen

If you plan to use a powder SPF sunscreen on your scalp, you can follow these directions:

1. When your hair is dry, apply the powder along your part line.
2. Then, massage the powder into your scalp.

For hair sunscreen sprays, the application is simple:

1. Depending on the instructions, apply the spray to dry hair, starting from the roots and working your way to the tips.
2. Spread out the spray evenly across your hair.
3. You can use a comb or brush to distribute it further on the hair shaft after the application.

Using a cream or lotion is similar to using regular sunscreen by rubbing it into the hair. Leave some products in for a while, then rinse them out. Please ensure you read the instructions carefully.

Safety Considerations Using Hair Sunscreen

Investing in professional hair sunscreen products should not damage your hair or scalp, but it’s still advisable to proceed with caution.

If you have a sensitive scalp or eczema, be cautious. Always perform a patch test before applying any product for the first time.

Still, if you are not keen on applying sunscreen to your hair and scalp, you can find products that provide Ultraviolet Protection.

Wrap-Up: Make Hair Sunscreen Part of Your Scalp Care

As your scalp skin is vulnerable to the sun, and you can develop dangerous forms of cancer like melanoma, we highly recommend using a hair sunscreen for protection.

Unfortunately, traditional sunscreen cannot be used; however, powders and sprays are available as alternatives.

Another great way to determine if you have any scalp conditions is to visit us for the best scalp therapy in Medford, MA, to ensure your scalp remains healthy.

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