Viral Trend Says You Should Put SPF in Your Hair—Experts Agree

Newsweek

17 hours ago

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Most people are familiar with the importance of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) for skin health, and many of us have incorporated daily sunscreen use into our routines.
But when it comes to our hair and scalp, sun protection is often overlooked. That's beginning to change, thanks to a growing wave of social media influencers and dermatology experts sounding the alarm on the risks of UV exposure to the head—and how to prevent them.
The Rise of Hair SPF on Social Media
Hair-specific SPF products, including scalp sprays, mists, and powders, are becoming increasingly popular to promote on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Influencers such as Iris Smit (@irisjadesmit), 30, founder of The Quick Flix, have taken to social media to urge followers to ditch traditional sunscreen for specially formulated hair mists.
"Suncare has always been a non-negotiable in my personal routine and that philosophy extends beyond just skin," Smit told Newsweek. "What many people don't realize is that your hair and scalp are just as vulnerable to sun damage. UV rays can break down the hair's protein structure, causing it to become dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage."
She added that "sun exposure also accelerates color fading, stripping vibrancy and shine while leaving hair looking dull or brassy, especially if it's dyed."
Why Your Scalp Needs Protection Too
Alexia Donovan, director of client services at Barber Surgeons Guild, explained that protecting the scalp is about more than just aesthetics—it's a matter of health.
"First and foremost we want to prevent skin cancer of the scalp," she said. "Our patients with thinning hair have less of a hair barrier and are more prone to this. The more scalp you can see, the more important it is to use SPF."
Donovan added that UV damage can also cause inflammation, break down proteins in the hair, and weaken hair follicles—ultimately worsening issues like hair thinning and breakage.
Dr. Rayva Khanna, M.D., of Georgetown University Medical Center, echoed those concerns. She noted that chronic UV exposure on the scalp, particularly in areas affected by androgenetic alopecia, can lead to serious conditions such as photoaging, actinic keratoses, and even non-melanoma skin cancers.
"For the hair shaft, UVB radiation induces structural and chemical changes—oxidizing cystine, degrading proteins, and disrupting the cuticle," she said. This results in "dullness, fragility, increased breakage, and fading color," all signs of oxidative damage not only to visible strands but also to developing fibers within follicles.
A stock image a woman wearing a hat on the beach.
A stock image a woman wearing a hat on the beach.
Ridofranz/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Hair Isn't Enough of a Shield
Biochemist and certified cosmetologist-aesthetician Valerie Aparovich from OnSkin emphasized that while hair does offer some UV protection, it's far from sufficient—particularly for people with fine, light, or thinning hair.
"Although hair can act as a natural barrier for scalp protection to some extent, it doesn't provide full coverage," she told Newsweek. "UV-induced DNA damage can lead to the development of cancers on the scalp, while ultraviolet rays can also compromise normal functioning of hair follicles and sebaceous glands." This disruption can lead to dryness, thinning, and breakage.
Research on UV damage to the hair shaft itself is still evolving. Aparovich cited a 2006 study that found the shaft may not require the same level of protection as the skin. However, she recommended UV-filtered products to protect both hair and scalp during intense sun exposure.
Khanna added that UV exposure at the follicle level can impair hair growth by reducing keratinocyte proliferation and inducing cell death, which may push follicles into early rest phases. This supports growing evidence that sun damage could worsen pattern hair loss.
What Products Actually Work?
So what's the best way to protect your hair and scalp from the sun? Experts agree that a multi-pronged approach is best.
Physical barriers such as wide-brimmed hats and scarves are considered the gold standard. "My mind always goes to golfers with sunburned heads. Wear a hat," said Donovan.
Sprays and powders formulated specifically for scalp use are the next best option. "Sprays with specific scalp applicators and powders are easier to apply than creams," she noted. Powder-based mineral sunscreens, in particular, are easy to reapply and don't weigh hair down.
Aparovich advised choosing lightweight sprays for hair and non-toxic creams for scalp application. She warned against using sunscreens that contain ingredients like oxybenzone, homosalate, and octinoxate—common UV filters linked to endocrine disruption.
How Much and How Often?
Just like with skin, timing and reapplication are key. "You want to look for water-resistant formulas to withstand sweat and swimming," said Donovan. Apply them 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours.
Aparovich explained that sprays should be misted from root to tip and distributed evenly with a comb. Creams should be massaged along part lines using about one to two teaspoons for full scalp coverage.
Busting Common Myths
One of the biggest misconceptions is that people with darker or thicker hair don't need SPF.
But a 2023 study involving women with various hair colors found that dark hair actually absorbed more UV radiation across all wavelengths, potentially making it more susceptible to damage.
And cloudy days don't mean you're safe. "Even a hat doesn't always offer 100 percent protection, as UV rays can reach the scalp and hair indirectly through reflection," said Aparovich.
Khanna said many patients wrongly assume their scalp is naturally protected by hair. "It is incredibly important to protect the scalp from the sun given the direct sun exposure to the head," she said. Not only is hair not a perfect shield, but it can also hide dangerous moles, delaying early detection of skin cancer.
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