How to protect your head from the heat this summer
Phew, I’ve visited some unforgivingly hot and wild places, from the Kimberley in north-western Australia to the Atacama Desert in Chile. And the one thing I never travel without, a bit like Indiana Jones, is my large-brimmed fedora with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50+, which blocks 98 per cent of the sun’s rays – Coolibar has some decent designs, available on Amazon. Now, I wear it whenever I’m in the sun, from Scarborough to Southwold.
I used it, primarily, to shade my face and neck, in addition to a high-SPF cream. But I soon realised it was protecting my scalp too, an area that is easily forgotten – a dangerous oversight because skin cancer can affect this area just like any other part of the body.
While a full head of thick hair offers some protection, rays can still get through, especially as hair moves and separates, or when styled in a way that reveals parts of the scalp. If you have fine or thin hair or areas of hair loss, the scalp will be particularly vulnerable. And everyone’s parting and hairline needs protection.
When it’s not practical to wear a hat, another option is to use a product with an SPF. No, that doesn’t mean you have to slap on your usual facial sun cream (although you can) because the market is beginning (just) to get smarter when it comes to scalp care.
If you want to protect your parting with something completely non-greasy, then a sunscreen powder acts like dry shampoo. In the US, the go-to is Supergoop! Poof Part Powder, but as it’s not stocked here, beauty insiders are swapping in Supergoop! (Re)Setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF30 (￡29). It does a similar job, even though it’s billed for use on the face. Simply brush it liberally into your parting.
Sun sticks are also great for specific areas including the hairline, as they offer more precise targeting and don’t run into eyes. Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+ (￡28) boasts SynchroShield technology that rather cleverly ups its game in the presence of heat and sweat.
For all-over scalp protection, sprays are your best bet – you’ll have to section hair and massage to achieve coverage. In all honesty, they aren’t going to be undetectable once applied but those made for the scalp tend to be less greasy – and they’re great for holiday when styling is casual.
Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50 (￡20) delivers high-level broad spectrum protection and can be sprayed directly on your scalp and distributed evenly with fingers. Alternatively, the brand’s Sports Gel, SPF30 (￡26), is non-oily thanks to its dry-touch technology.
Don’t, though, assume sprays designed to offer UV defence for hair will automatically protect your scalp. When it comes to your scalp, you must check the label for a specific SPF rating (which only relates to skin, not hair) along with confirmation of reliable UVA protection. That said, there are formulations designed to protect both. These are useful because there’s no doubt the sun damages hair’s lipid layer, weakens its protein structure and degrades melanin… and if your hair has been coloured, UV rays can break down the chemical bonds of the dye, causing fading.
Coola Scalp & Hair Mist Sunscreen SPF30 (￡29) is a top-spot example. A lightweight spritz that’s water resistant and easy to spray and spread into the roots, before misting to envelop the hair – incorporating monoi oil and panthenol – it helps keep hair supple. Apply plenty, massage into the scalp and comb through, allowing it to dry before going out. Call it keeping a Coola head.
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