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Dreaming of those sun-soaked beach days?
While we’re all pros at slathering on sunscreen to protect our skin, there’s another summer beauty secret we need to talk about: UV hair products for sun protection.
Truth is, those gorgeous rays that give us that perfect golden glow can be surprisingly sneaky when it comes to our hair.
Just like they can damage our skin, UV rays can leave our locks feeling dry, brittle, and looking more than a little lacklustre.
And if you’ve invested in that perfect summer hair colour? The sun can be especially mischievous with your hue.
Read on to find out the importance of protecting hair from the sun and some of the best hair sun protection products to help your hair stay protected on your long-awaited holiday!
Understanding the Effects of UV Rays on Hair
As you may already know, ultraviolet (UV) radiation rays can cause skin damage, including sunburns and skin cancer. However, did you know that UV rays can also damage your hair?
According to research, “Excessive sun exposition is the most frequent cause of hair shaft’s structural impairment” causing the hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can also cause hair colour to fade, leaving it looking dull and lifeless, “UVB radiation is responsible for hair protein loss and UVA radiation is responsible for colour changes.”
What To Look For In SPF Products For Hair
Whether you’re browsing the beauty aisles for leave-in sprays, nourishing masks, or your daily shampoo and conditioner, understanding SPF can help you make smarter choices for your hair care routine.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a product shields against UVB rays, so it’s best to aim for products with at least SPF 15 for reliable protection.
Keep in mind – just like with skincare, keep an eye out for the term “broad-spectrum” on the label. These products offer comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays, giving your hair the complete coverage it needs.
Top 10 UV Hair Products For Sun Protection
1/10. Sun Bum Revitalizing Formula 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner
Looking for that perfect blend of sun defence and hydration?
Sun Bum’s Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner is like a tropical vacation for your hair – minus the damage. This lightweight formula works overtime to protect your strands while keeping them soft and manageable.
What makes it stand out? It’s packed with hydrating ingredients that leave your hair feeling nourished, not weighed down.
Perfect for those beach days when your hair needs a little extra love, or even as part of your daily routine to keep those UV rays at bay.
Key benefits:
- Helps prevent colour fading
- Detangles and smooths
- Protects against UV damage
- Suitable for daily use
- Tropical scent that’s noticeable but not overpowering
2/10. Coola Daily Protect Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30
Coola Daily Protect Scalp & Hair Mist is a lightweight mist that does more than just protect your strands.
What sets this COOLA product apart is that it’s one of the few products that focuses on that often-forgotten area: your scalp – a game-changer for those with fine hair or exposed partings.
The fine mist application means you can reapply throughout the day without your hair looking like it needs a wash.
Key benefits:
- SPF 30 protection (impressive for a hair product!)
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- Monoi oil for natural moisture
- Non-greasy, transparent formula
- Safe for colour-treated hair
- Can be applied to wet or dry hair
- Plant-based protection
3/10. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer
If you’re looking for a multitasking hair hero, let’s talk about Bumble and Bumble’s Invisible Oil Primer.
This cult-favourite product isn’t just another UV protector – it’s a genuine does-it-all wonder for your hair care routine.
What sets it apart? This lightweight mist manages to be both hardworking and remarkably subtle.
It has a blend of six oils (including coconut and argan), but don’t let that scare you – it won’t leave your hair looking greasy. Instead, it creates this beautiful, subtle shine that looks completely natural.
Key benefits:
- Guard against UV damage
- Protect from heat styling (up to 450°F)
- Cuts frizz by 50%
- Detangle stubborn knots
4/10. Davines SU Hair Milk
Davines SU Hair Milk is a silky leave-in treatment that’s perfect for those sunny days when your hair needs that extra bit of care. This Italian-made formula has earned quite the following among those in the know, and for good reason.
This lightweight milk (and yes, the texture really is that dreamy) is like a daily dose of nourishment that works particularly well for beach days or poolside lounging.
The milk-like consistency means it spreads evenly through your hair without any sticky residue or heavy feeling – ideal for those warm days when the last thing you want is product build-up.
Key benefits:
- UV protection for both hair and colour
- Gentle, natural moisturising
- A light, summer-ready formula
- Protection against dryness and frizz
- That signature Davines subtle fragrance
5/10. Kérastase Soleil Huile Sirène Hair Oil
Kérastase Soleil Huile Sirène Hair Oil is a summer hair treatment that brings a touch of luxury to your sun protection routine.
This bi-phase oil mist (meaning it needs a gentle shake before use) has become a warm-weather essential for those who take their hair care seriously.
While many protective oils can leave hair feeling heavy, this one creates that coveted ‘mermaid hair’ texture – those effortless, glossy waves that look naturally sun-kissed rather than sun-damaged.
The bi-phase formula means you’re getting both hydration and protection in each spritz.
Key benefits:
- UV filtering technology
- Nourishing protection from salt and chlorine
- A lightweight, non-greasy finish
- Beautiful beach-inspired waves
- That distinctive sophisticated Kérastase fragrance
6/10. Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
Living Proof’s Restore Perfecting Spray is a smart multitasker that combines heat and UV protection with some seriously good hair science.
This lightweight spray has built quite a following among those who want their hair protected without compromising on style.
Living Proof’s patented technology means this isn’t just another protective spray – it actually helps your hair get healthier over time.
It forms a protective shield around each strand without that heavy, product-loaded feeling that can make your hair feel weighed down.
Key benefits:
- Time-released conditioning technology
- Heat protection up to 400°F
- UV defense system
- Detangling properties
- Light but effective moisture
7/10. Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray
Oribe’s Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray is a premium styling shield that’s earned its status as a beauty editor favourite.
This luxe formula does more than just fight frizz; it’s a sophisticated protector for those who refuse to let humidity or UV rays interfere with their hair game.
While many anti-humidity sprays can leave hair feeling stiff or crispy, this one maintains movement and natural texture. Your style stays polished but touchable like an invisible umbrella for your hair.
Key benefits:
- Advanced UV protection
- Serious humidity defence
- Colour-safe formula
- Anti-static properties
- Flexible yet lasting hold
8/10. Sun Bum Revitalizing Dry Shampoo
Sun Bum’s Revitalizing Dry Shampoo – a clever addition to their sun-care line that does more than just refresh your roots. This isn’t your average dry shampoo; it’s designed with beach days and sun protection in mind.
While most dry shampoos just focus on absorbing oil, this one manages to refresh without that telltale dry shampoo crunchiness and creates a protective barrier against UV damage – perfect for those days when your scalp might be exposed to harsh rays.
- SPF 30 UV protection (yes, even in a dry shampoo!)
- Oil absorption without that chalky residue
- A light, fresh tropical scent
- Helps maintain scalp health
- No visible white cast (even on darker hair)
9/10. Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray
Moroccanoil Protect & Prevent Spray is a protective styling mist that builds on the brand’s reputation for argan oil-infused excellence. If you’re already a fan of their signature treatments, this spray feels like their natural evolution into sun protection.
The standout feature here is its ability to protect while actually improving your hair’s condition. Unlike some UV sprays that just sit on top of your strands, this one works its way in to nourish while it guards.
- UV protection technology
- ArganID™ micro-encapsulated technology for deeper moisture penetration
- Colour protection benefits
- Heat protection up to 450°F
- That iconic Moroccanoil scent we all know and love
- Doubles as a styling product
10/10. Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is a lightweight defender that brings together the brand’s natural philosophy with serious sun protection.
This water-resistant spray has earned its place as a summer essential for those who appreciate clean, botanical-based hair care.
While many sun protectors can leave hair feeling coated or heavy, this one remains virtually undetectable. The veil (which truly lives up to its name) creates an invisible layer of protection that you’ll only notice by how healthy your hair looks at the end of summer.
- UVA/UVB protection that lasts up to 16 hours
- Water-resistant formula for pool and beach days
- Plant-based protection derived from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils
- That signature herbal Aveda aroma
- Antioxidant-rich formula to fight free radical damage
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