These days, there's an SPF for everything, and that can only be a good thing as we become more and more conscientious when it comes to protecting ourselves from the sun. One area we might not even consider is our hair and scalp, and I'm here to tell you that a hair sunscreen is the key to great hair (and a healthy scalp) during summer. SQUIRREL_ANCHOR_LIST Not only does a hair SPF protect from the sun's harmful rays, but they stop your hair colour from fading and condition it for good measure too.

Tempted to take your body or face SPF to your hair and scalp? Resist the urge and turn to one of the best hair and scalp sunscreens instead. Why does hair need sun protection? Just like your skin, hair can be damaged by the sun’s rays too. “When UV rays penetrate the hair’s outer cuticle, they create highly reactive free radicals which damage the melanin pigment causing colour changes, and attack the protein structure of the hair, leading to thinning, breakage, and split ends,” explains leading hair stylist Michael Van Clarke .

Apply in the morning like you would your usual SPF, and reapply throughout the day, especially after swimming. How to protect your hair and scalp from sunburn As well as applying an SPF to the hair, Michael Van Clarke suggests covering your hair where possible, especially in direct sunlight – think a chic, patterned scarf or cute bucket hat. He also suggests packing a deep conditioning treatment to treat your hair post-swim and sun.

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