The Best Hair SPF for Summer

We know that looking after your locks is the least of your worries as you soak up the summer sun, however, we’ve burnt our scalps one too many times to know that you simply can’t skimp on sun protection for your hair.

That’s right, those damaging UV rays take no prisoners and will sizzle everything from your scalp to your strands if you step out into the sun unprotected.

As experts explain, the skin on your scalp is just as prone to sunburn as the rest of your body and should therefore be treated the same. If not, persistent sun exposure can cause strands to turn dry and brittle, whilst a burnt scalp can damage hair follicles and lead to potential hair loss and skin cancer – yikes!

We're aware that the idea of slathering factor 50 onto your parting doesn’t sound too pleasant, so we’ve rounded up the best hair SPF on the market. With everything from SPF oils to sprays and creams on offer, you're bound to find your new summer essential.

Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil

£30.09

Acting as an invisible shield to protect against the drying effects of UV rays, be sure to keep this mists close at hand when you're catching some sun. Simple and effortless to apply, this lightweight 'hair veil' spray casts an undetectable screen over your hair to provide effective protection against the sort of exposure that often leads to damage and dryness.

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Nuxe Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Oil For Hair

£15.00 £19.00 (22% off)

If anyone knows how to care for your hair, it’s the French favourite brand, NUXE. This milky oil spray protects your tresses from UV rays, chlorine and salt with its sunscreen, rice protein and coconut oil blend. Better yet, it’s lightly fragranced with a tropical flower scent – perfect for the summer.

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Evy UV/Heat Hair Mousse

£20.00 £25.00 (20% off)

This all in-one vitamin hair mousse works as a UV protector, heat protection and a volumizing styling product and thanks to UV filters developed for hair, it protects the hairs hydration and colour during sun exposure while also protecting the hair from HEV (high-energy visible) light.

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Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF 50

£17.60 £22.57 (23% off)

The best hair SPFs will shield your hair and scalp from the sun's harmful rays. Offering high-grade SPF 50 protection for the face and scalp, this Ultrasun solution is one you won't want to scroll past. This fast-absorbing mist delivers high UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection in a super lightweight, easy, non-greasy, quick-drying transparent spray.

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Biolage Sunsorials Protective Hair Non Oil

£10.95

Before you head out in the sun protect and shield your hair with this formula. It has a weightless, non-greasy texture which provides long-lasting UV defence. Not to mention, it makes your locks feel silky smooth.

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Joico Blonde Life Brightening Veil UV & Thermal Defence Multi-tasker

£5.44 £5.75 (6% off)

Blonde hair can really take a beating when it comes to sun exposure, but it’s nothing a little spritz can’t handle. Considered one of the best UV hair protectors out there, this spray offers optimum UV and thermal protection, this spray works to shield strands from the sun, all whilst brightening and nourishing lack-lustre locks.

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Wella Professionals INVIGO Sun UV Hair Colour Protection Spray

£12.95 £16.25 (21% off)

Whether you're a bleached-blonde babe or dark and mysterious brunette, this UV hair protection spray from Wella ensures that your colour stays fresh and vibrant when out in the sun. A cocktail of advanced technology, new ingredients and vitamins protect strands from the damaging effects of UV exposure, all whilst giving your colour an invigorating recharge.

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Institut Esthederm Protective Sun Care Oil For Body & Hair Moderate Sun

£44.80 £57.52 (23% off)

Enhance, protect and stimulate skin and hair in tandem with this dry oil from Institut Esthederm. The hair and skin can be protected from normal to strong UV rays whilst it nourishes, without that oily residue that can be left behind by other oils.

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Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask

£18.00 £24.00 (25% off)

The sun, sea water and chlorine can’t come close to hair cuticles as Philip Kingsley provide an invisible swim cap. It’s a winning formula and a hair care favourite as it guards against dryness, damage and discolouration.

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Fudge Salt Spray With All Day Hold & UV Protection

£12.55 £14.00 (11% off)

Create gorgeous summer hair styles – all year long – with this unique texturising spray from Fudge Professional. Enriched with sea kelp, red algae and ocean salt minerals, the pro-grade salt spray adds raw texture and body to flat hair. What’s more, it features a UVisiShield technology to strengthen and protect hair against UV damage. Beach waves have never looked (or felt) so good!

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Sun Bum Protecting Heat Protector

£16.95 £17.99 (6% off)

Summer-proofing your hair is made easy with this tropical bottle of goodness. Inspired by the crashing waves of Florida beaches, Sun Bum's Protecting Heat Protector gives your locks splashes of protection whilst strengthening and softening damaged hair strands. Coating each strand with an invisible, water-resistant UV screen, the mist protects your hair from any damage caused by sun exposure, as well as heat styling tools.

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Bumble and bumble Surf Styling Leave-In

£31.81

This leave-in cream is just what you need for sunny holiday breaks. Utilising a beach protective blend, red seaweed and a flexi-style blend, it provides UV protection and adds a light hold so you can style your hair for beautiful beachy waves.

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More haircare tips

So there you have it, the best hair SPFs to keep your tresses protected in the heat! Now that you're up to scratch with how to keep your hair soft and sumptuous this summer, why not check out the Most Common Sunscreen Myths Unravelled so you can really be on your A-game?