UrbanUpdate

A scalp sunburn is perhaps the worst kind of sunburn, and sun defense isn’t just a bald man’s game: Those folks who still have all their hair to spare can also experience painful sunburns and peeling up top. An exposed hair part, recessed hairline, bald patches, general thinning, a short buzz cut, and braided styles all pose risks. And while the first thing we’d tell you is to shield every part of your skin from the sun, the last thing we’d advise is simply slathering on globs of sunscreen throughout your hair. Blech.

There is a lot you can do, but there isn’t a single perfect product for all situations. So read on for our guide to scalp sun protection, then arm yourself for a scalp sunburn-free summer (and winter, too, for that matter).

For Bald Guys

Protecting a bald or shaved head is a lot like shielding your own face from the sun: You want something lightweight and oil free, especially if you’re acne prone. That being said, the main thing to avoid is a standard-fare body sunscreen. The formulations for body sunscreens aren’t forgiving enough for the sensitive skin above your neck, and it will often weigh down and suffocate your pores, causing you to sweat it all away (and maybe even run into your eyes, ow!). So, look for products promising dedicated face protection. 

Face + Scalp Sunscreens

For summer and peak sweating season, lightweight is the aim. You can even prioritize a moisturizing SPF product with ingredients like willow herb extract, to mitigate oil production like in this SPF gel:

Best Peak-Summer Scalp SPF

Since your bald head is basically a light bounce for the sun (kind of like your shoulders and nose), be sure to keep it protected year round with an SPF layer.

Best Every-Day Scalp SPF

Bevel SPF 25 scalp moisturizer balm$13

Amazon

Water- and Sweat-Resistance

If you're going to be active on a hot day, don’t sweat it: There are terrific water-resistant picks for athletes. Just choose one with resistance up to 80 minutes, which is the maximum distinction allowed by the FDA.

​​Best Scalp Sunscreen for Athletes

Sun Bum water-resistant (80 minutes) SPF 50 face sunscreen$13

Amazon

Mineral Scalp Protection

And if you demand a mineral-only sunscreen, then choose an oil-free pick that wears light on your head. 

Best Mineral SPF Sunscreen for Scalps

Neutrogena SPF 50 zinc oxide face sunscreen$12

Amazon

Sunscreen for Fine, Thinning, or Recessed Hair

Many guys still have plenty of hair but need a spot-check of sunscreen (on bald spots or recessed hairlines, for example), while others need an all-over option for general thinning or fineness.

Scalp Defense for Fine or Thinning Hair

If your scalp is exposed due to genetically fine hair, or uniform thinning around the crown, then you will want something that is easy to apply between your hair that won't turn everything into a gloppy mess. 

A scalp spray is terrific for short hair styles, when styling isn’t a concern. These mists are great for a lightweight, broad but quick application.

Best SPF Scalp Spray for Fine or Thinning Hair (and Buzz Cuts, Too)

COOLA SPF 30 scalp mist$26

Amazon

Secondly, you should consider an SPF oil or serum (with pipette dropper) to get between the strands. Just make sure you have a good visual or feel on the exposed areas of scalp, so that you can massage the serum evenly and fully. This is often better for hair longer than an inch but still exposing much or parts of the scalp.

Best SPF Scalp Serum for Thinning Hair

ZitSticka SPF 50 serum$40

Amazon

Scalp Defense for Recessed Hair

If you need to shield the hair lost at your hairline, then our advice is to use a face sunscreen (see above) and just keep going until you hit hair.  

Sunscreen for Hair Parts, Cowlicks, Fades, and Buzz Cuts

Certain hairstyles call on spot-checks of scalp protection, too.

Hair Part, Braid, and Cowlick Protection

If you have a defined hair part pointed to the sky, then it’s going to get a warm embrace from the sun’s UV rays. Sprinkle some SPF powder down the part, then massage it into place. This will coat the skin with UV-bouncing mineral defense. It is also a perfect option for cowlicks, and often acts like a dry shampoo by absorbing excess oils at the scalp—for a bonus volumizing hair lift.

Best SPF Scalp Powder for Hair Parts and Cowlicks

Supergoop SPF 35 mineral scalp powder$34

Amazon

Buzz Cut and Fade Protection

For short buzz cuts and clean fades, then you should choose a facial sunscreen (from the first section above) if it’s a skin-tight clip, or if the hair is so fine that nobody will notice a sunscreen’s effect on your hair. If it's a little longer you can try an all-over spray, just like our friends with thinning or fine hair (also seen above, in the second section).

Secondly, might we suggest a summer hat?

Arc'teryx Sinsola bucket hat with SPF 50+ rating$55

Arc'teryx

Another Thing to Consider: Hair UV Defense

Even a full head of hair won’t fully shield your scalp from UV rays. Not to mention, those UVs are ultra violent against your hair strands themselves. They can damage the cuticle and lead to breakage, color loss, split ends, thinning, and can especially compromise moisture retention (leading to frizzing). By coating the strands with a UV-shield of a hair product, then that product can also prevent said UV rays from seeping through the strands and into your head.

While a hair product like this isn’t direct protection for the scalp, it is a terrific add-on for UV defense, especially for folks who have plenty of hair and might not otherwise consider protecting their scalps with a dedicated product.

Best UV shield styler for hair

Kérastase hair cream with UV filters$39

Kérastase

More Great Grooming Recommendations from GQ

The Best Beard Trimmers of 2024

The 10 Best Moisturizers for Every Type of Skin

The Best Men's Deodorant for Every Kind of Stink and Sweat

The Absolute Best Face Washes for Men

Subscribe to GQ for more Recommends content.

Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQGroomingHairSkincare