In Singapore, where sun-soaked days and high humidity are the norm, it goes without saying that SPF is sacrosanct. A non-negotiable and the holy grail of our skincare routines all year round. However, while we’ve gotten diligent about protecting our face, arms, and even lips, there’s one often overlooked area still left susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays. Which one, you ask? The answer: our scalp.
The assumption is simple—our hair acts as a built-in barrier for our scalp against UV rays exposure. A dangerous belief to adopt, and one we all need to rethink. But according to dermatologists, the scalp is one of the most exposed and vulnerable parts of the body, and leaving it unprotected might just be doing more harm than good. In the words of our trusted expert, Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, medical director and consultant dermatologist at Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic, “Just like the skin on your face, it is important to protect your hair and scalp from excessive UV exposure”. If that’s the case, then clearly your hair isn’t the shield you think it is.
According to Dr Lee, the potential damage could range from dry, brittle strands, hair loss, premature skin ageing, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. But fret not, we dug deeper and turned to the expert for the complete scoop. Here’s what to know about protecting our scalp against sun damage as well as Dr Lee’s personal top shelf recommendations for SPF products dedicated to scalp care.
Why is it important to protect our hair and scalp from sun exposure, and what are the potential risks of not doing so?
- Hair damage: Cumulative, excessive UV exposure can damage your hair’s elasticity and strength, resulting in dry, brittle, fragile hair.
- Hair loss/Alopecia: Extreme UV exposure can also result in scalp burns (just like sun burn on other parts of the body), which can damage your hair follicles on the skin of your scalp, ultimately resulting in hair growth restriction and hair loss if there is repeated or long term sun exposure.
- Premature ageing: Aside from sunburns, increased sun exposure will result in premature ageing of the skin on the scalp. You can develop sun/age spots, fine lines, wrinkles.
- Skin cancer: Excessive UV radiation can cause DNA damage resulting in increased risk of pre-cancerous skin lesions as well as actual skin cancers on the scalp including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Are certain parts of our hair and scalp more vulnerable to UV damage than others, like the hairline or parting areas?
Yes, certain areas of your hair and scalp are more vulnerable to UV damage. These are areas that are more exposed to direct sunlight, or where the hair is thinner, resulting in more exposure of the scalp to harmful UV radiation. These include: the hairline, parting areas, areas with hair thinning or bald spots, and the crown (especially if there are areas of thinning hair or bald spots).
What are the signs of sun damage to the scalp or hair that people should look out for?
In the scalp :
- Redness, sunburn, sensitivity, irritation, itching, dryness, pigmentary changes
- Signs of premature ageing like wrinkles, sun or age spots
- New or evolving growths on the scalp, especially if they are raised, scaly, persistent and/or growing in size.
- Persistent, non-healing sore spots on the scalp
In the hair:
- Dry, brittle hair
- Split ends or fragility (breakage)
- Dullness of the hair, loss of hair shine
- Increased frizziness
- Fading or discolouration of hair colour
However, remember the scalp is a tricky spot because it is often overlooked and is a difficult area for self-assessment or monitoring. When in doubt, always check with your dermatologist.
How do we choose the right SPF for our scalp?
When choosing the right SPF for our scalp, I would approach it much like how we select sunscreen for the rest of the skin, but with a few key considerations. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to 50 is ideal, as it offers protection against UVA, UVB, and even visible light. Formulation plays an important role here too—heavy lotions and ointments are less suitable for hair-bearing areas, so lightweight, non-greasy options such as powders, mousses, scalp sprays, or hair mists work best. It’s also important to select a product that complements your hair type, whether it’s dry, oily, or colour-treated, to ensure it integrates seamlessly into your routine. These days, many haircare products combine SPF protection with additional benefits like hydration and nourishment, making scalp protection both effortless and effective.
How often should SPF be reapplied to the scalp, especially in hot and humid climates like ours?
Apply about 30 minutes before outdoor exposure over all areas where sun protection is required. In hot and humid climates like in Singapore, reapply every 2-3 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. You should also reapply SPF after any vigorous exercise or after towel-drying your hair. Depending on the product durability and the formulation (or your activities throughout the day), you might need to reapply this more frequently.
Dr Lee’s personal recommendations:
1 / 7
Coola Suncare Scalp & Hair SPF30 Sunscreen Mist, $48
Available at Selfridges.
2 / 7
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Spray SPF 50 PA ++++, $27
Available at Watsons.
3 / 7
Sunplay Utrashield UV Body Mist SPF 130, $22
Available at iShopChangi.
7 / 7
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 30, $59
Available at Colorescience.
