The Best Sun Protection For Hair
Updated: 21/05/2026
Keeping your hair protected in the sun is essential if you want soft, shiny and healthy locks when you return from your tropical and paradisial holiday. Just like SPF for the skin, it's so easy to use on your hair, and there are lots of different sun protection formulas and textures you can use, such as oils, spritzes and creams, depending on your hair type and needs.
Why do I need sun protection for hair?
Just like your skin, your hair can burn and become damaged in the sun. Damaging UVA and UVB rays penetrate the hair-shaft, and although they can cause hair lightening for a short period of time, they inevitably cause dulling, split ends and breakage in the long-term.
Our Picks of the best Sun Protection Products for Hair
1. Hair By Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray 150ml
2. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones 205ml
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones is a clever refresh for blonde, highlighted, grey, or light-toned hair, helping to absorb oil, odour, and product build-up between washes. Alongside UV protection, the argan oil-infused formula features subtle violet undertones to help balance brassiness, leaving hair feeling fresher, softer, and cleaner-looking.
3. Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer 250ml
Bumble and bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer is a summer styling essential for dry, coarse, frizzy, or colour-treated hair. The lightweight mist helps protect against UV damage and heat styling up to 232°C, while its six-oil blend softens, detangles, smooths, and adds shine without weighing the hair down.
4. Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water-Resistant Mask 100ml
Philip Kingsley Swimcap is made for hair that spends time in the sun, sea, or pool. The water-resistant mask helps protect against the drying effects of chlorine, salt water, and sun exposure, while UV absorbers help defend against sun-related discolouration. It is particularly good for colour-treated, dry, or fragile lengths that need extra care on holiday.
5. Aveda Brilliant Damage Control 250ml
Aveda’s Brilliant Damage Control is a lightweight prep spray that helps protect hair from UV damage, heat styling, and breakage caused by combing. It also works to detangle and smooth, making it especially useful for hair that is regularly styled, exposed to summer sun, or prone to knots and everyday stress.
6. Caudalie High Protection Glow Oil SPF50 150ml
Caudalie’s Vinosun High Protection Glow Oil is a chic holiday multitasker, offering broad-spectrum SPF50 protection against UVA and UVB rays for the face, body, and hair. The dry-oil texture leaves a satin glow without feeling greasy, making it a strong choice for beach days, poolside plans, and anyone who wants sun protection with a luminous finish.
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