The Best Scalp Sunscreens to Prevent Burns, According to Dermatologists

"For scalps with lots of hair, I recommend a powder," says Dr. Hal Weitzbuch, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. This Supergoop setting powder is totally translucent.

If you have a thick head of hair, your best bet is a spray sunscreen, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Caroline Chang. For double the benefits, try an antioxidant-rich product like this one by COOLA. It not only protects hair from the sun's UV rays, but it also works to keep strands healthy and moisturized.

Mineral sunscreen powders are easy to apply and can double as dry shampoo, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Keira Barr. Though this one is great for the scalp, you can also use it on your face. You can set your makeup and get sun protection on often forgotten spots like your eyelids and your hands, adds Barr.

"This product has a special canister that will dispense at any angle, making it a good choice for spraying on hard to reach areas," says Chang. It won't wreck your 'do, either—the spray is non-greasy, oil-free, and won't weigh strands down, making it great for thin hair. It's also water-resistant, so you can enjoy swimming and outdoor workouts without worry.

This easy-to-use spray checks all the boxes: Water resistant, lightweight, broad spectrum, and won't leave a greasy residue on hair. Oh, and it's priced right too.

"Liquid sunscreen sprays are lightweight and absorb easily into the scalp and hair," says Shainhouse. "And many contain skin-soothing ingredients and antioxidants to further prevent UV damage to both your skin and strands." Try this water-, sweat-, and oil-resistant formulation—it will stay put for several hours.

Sure, this lightweight, spray-on sunscreen contains chemical blockers like homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone to shield your scalp from the sun's damaging UV rays. But the real reason for top honors: It's also formulated with hydrating glycerin and vitamin E-rich sunflower seed oil to keep your crown silky, smooth, and shiny.

If you'd rather not stock your beach tote with multiple sunscreens, try this zinc-based full-body sunscreen spray. It's particularly good for the scalp because it's formulated with transparent zinc, says Chang. That means you get all the great protection zinc has to offer, without the white residue. Plus, it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Powders are also great for coarse, thick hair, says Chang. "This lightly tinted powder is non-greasy and lightweight—and works wonders for sun protection." Brush it onto hair at the roots, and reapply often for maximum protection from the sun's harsh rays.

Sunscreen foams and mousses can be applied to both the scalp and hair strands to protect them from UV damage, without leaving a greasy trace. Consider alcohol-based foams like this one, says Shainhouse. The more moisturizing skin formulations will weigh hair down, leaving it limp.

A stick sunscreen will weigh hair down more than other formulas, but it's a great option if you need extra coverage, says Shainhouse. Use this hardworking option if you have bald spots or thick, dense hair, but skip it if strands are thin or you're prone to oil buildup.