With summer comes bronzed skin, lots of vitamin D, and an opportunity to get a ton of fresh air and sunshine. But unfortunately, the hotter season can often leave hair dry and damaged from the sun, the chlorine in the pool, and beach water. Luckily, hair care companies heard our complaints and pleas, and have created some amazing products that will keep your strands looking luscious all year long.
The number of haircare options out there can be daunting. Add to that, products that also include UV/sun/heat protection and you can find yourself searching on Google for hours. We did all the hard work for you and put together a list of the best, most popular, and highest rated products out there that will shield your hair from the sun, keep your locks moisturized, and your color vibrant. Check them out and thank us later!
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Soleil Shield Sun and Heat Activated Protective Finishing Spray
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Photo: Amazon
With a name like Soleil Shield, you know that this finishing spray is all about protecting your hair from the sun. It not only acts as an organic hair sunscreen, but it’s also is a hair shine spray and leave-in treatment, which reduces frizz, protect hair color, and “strengthens dry and damaged hair.”
“I love the organic ingredients, fresh clean smell, and the fact that my hair still feels clean and normal once I’ve sprayed it on. My scalp doesn’t burn and my hair color is protected! Awesome, necessary product!”
Soleil Shield Sun and Heat Activated Protective Finishing Spray, $25, amazon.com
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Drybar Heat & UV Protectant
Photo: Drybar/Stylecaster
The folks over at Drybar are experts in keeping hair sleek and shiny, so when we saw that they had a product that protects against both heat and UV rays, we paid attention. Their Hot Toddy Hair Heat and UV Protectant protects against heat up to 450 degrees, and also protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Photo: Ulta
We are all about products that do double duty. Clarin’s Sunscreen Care Oil Spray is a dry oil, with SPF 30, that you can use on both your hair and skin. Organic Indonesian Nyamplung Oil and aloe vera keep you moisturized, and protected from the sun, chlorine, and seawater.
“I have been using this product for years. It’s the best sunscreen since I am very fair, it’s the only product that I don’t burn up. I utilize this and other higher SPF as well, this entire sun line of products is excellent. I won’t use anything but this product!”
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Photo: Ulta
With a whopping SPF of 50+, Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Spray can be used on the face, body, and hair, keeping the number of products you carry with you on your travels, the pool, and/or the beach to a minimum. The formula is also sand-proof, and water-resistant up to 80 minutes!
“I mainly purchased this for my toddler’s scalp. She has fine blonde hair and her scalp burns easily. I have been searching for a non-greasy good protection sunscreen to use for her and really all of my family. It is a little pricier but so worth it for skin hair and scalp! Great packaging and easy to pump spray. Love love love!”
Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 in 1 Leave-In Conditioner Spray
Photo: Amazon
Detangle and condition your hair, while also protecting it against the sun? Sign us up! Sun Bum’s 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner does just that, with a formula that is paraben-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
“This review is for the CURLY GIRLS! I have 3c (on a good day) hair. It’s very dry and frizzy, but also very easily weighed down. This leave-in is fantastic! It’s very lightweight, it actually comes out as a mist. It makes your hair feel very light, as opposed to heavier leave-ins that you can feel the weight of on your hair. It has superb curl activation and frizz control. My hair gets extremely tangled out of the shower, this spray got rid of the tangles! I even let my hair air dry with no styling cream, just this leave-in, and it was about 90% frizz free, my curls were perfect spirals and my hair just feels super light and soft. I also use it on my 1-year-old who has very curly mixed hair. It leaves his hair so soft and tangle- free.”
Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 in 1 Leave-In Conditioner Spray, $15, amazon.com
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AVEDA Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
Photo: Amazon
You definitely don’t want a hair product that protects your hair against the sun, but totally weighs it down in the process. Thankfully, there are products like AVEDA’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil. This lightweight formula “provides an invisible film,” that protects hair for a whopping 16 hours.
AVEDA Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, $41, amazon.com
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Bumble and bumble Surf Styling Leave In
Photo: Ulta
Bumble and bumble not only gives you beach waves, but it also protects your waves from the surf and sun! Perfect for medium to thick hair, their Surf Styling leave-in fights frizz, detangles the hair, and has UV filters.
“My favorite new Bumble product. Absolutely miraculous transformation of waves/curls with NO FRIZZ! How is this even possible! I was terrified when I saw “limited edition” noted in the product description. Nooo! Please carry it forever! Or I’m going to have to start hoarding…”
Bumble and bumble Surf Styling Leave-In, $29, ulta.com
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Rene Furterer Solaire Protective Summer Oil
Photo: Dermstore
When your hair product is called Solaire Protective Summer Oil, you know it’s going to come through for your locks in the heat, moisture, and sunshine. Rene Furterer’s oil guards against sun damage and moisturizes the hair, and it’s blend of grapefruit, apricot, jasmine, and coconut also leaves the hair smelling amazing.
Bare Republic’s Thermal Protecting Serum is a lifesaver for your pelo during the summer months. It detangles and serves as a leave-in conditioner, while also protecting against the UV rays and heat. This is done with nourishing monoi oil, mango butter, rosehip seed oil, baobab extract, and quinoa extract.
“The product is organic, so, [you] do not have to worry about side effects caused due to chemicals. I can assure it protects the hair strands so well because, I live in Florida, and you know the high temperature and the hot sun, I do not have any split-ends because I use this product regularly before sun exposure. Not only does it protect from the sun, but it also helps me in styling, It acts as [a] de-tangler and smoothing serum.”
Protection against the sun’s rays and a great hairstyle doesn’t have to break the bank. Just take TRESemme’s Climate Control Mousse. It gives you all the style, hold, volume, and protection against UV rays and humidity, for under $5.
“I have naturally curly hair so most of the time it’s frizzy. I saw a television ad for your climate control products and purchased the mousse. I usually only wash my hair 2 or 3 times a week, on the days I don’t wash it, I use a spray bottle of water to revive it, but It’s still somewhat frizzy using another brand of mousse. Today, after I used the climate control mousse yesterday when I woke up, I didn’t have to do anything with my hair, it was very curly and not frizzy! This is a first for me and I’ve tried a lot of brands including expensive professional ones. I love this and will try your shampoo and conditioner. Thank you, Tresemme!!!”
Regardless of what you use to protect your locks from the sun, wind, and water, you will probably also want to continue to nourish them after you are done having fun outdoors. PHYTO PLAGE’s After-Sun Recovery Mask gives your hair back its healthy luster with ingredients including calendula officinalis flower extract, shea butter, and castor seed oil.
Banana Boat Sport Quik Dri Scalp Spray Sunscreen SPF 30
Photo: Amazon
Another item on this roundup of hair products that will help protect your hair from the sun while also sparing your wallet a bit is Banana Boat’s Quik Dri Scalp Spray Sunscreen. It boasts an SPF of 30, helping to protect your scalp from getting sunburned, all for under $12.
“This spray is nice for spraying on the part of my hair. It does not make my hair as greasy as the lotion does. It definitely protects my skin from sunburn.”
Stream2Sea Sulfate Free Leave-In Hair Conditioner with Sun Protection
Photo: Amazon
When you are dealing with a lot of sun exposure, heat, humidity, chlorinated water, and seawater, keeping your hair hydrated is essential. Stream2Sea’s Leave-In Conditioner uses a “powerful antioxidant blend” of green tea, wakame, olive oils, and tulsi to give back to the hair. The formula is also biodegradable and safe for reefs.
“This is an amazing leave-in conditioner, and not only for diving/swimming purposes. I used it on a recent SCUBA trip, running it through my hair after I got out of the water and then bunning it up. At the end of the day, my hair was soft and didn’t appear to have damage. After a SCUBA trip like this (many days, many dives), I would usually have tons of split ends and damage from the mask, etc. but this stuff was a life saver. My hair actually grew over the course of the SCUBA trip instead of suffering tons of breakage. I could also use it guilt-free before going into the water, knowing that nothing in the product would damage the environment.”
Stream2Sea Sulfate Free Leave-In Hair Conditioner with Sun Protection, $13, amazon.com
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Alterna Bamboo Beach Bb Balm for Hair
Photo: Amazon
UV Protection. Shine. Light Hold. Frizz Control. Moisture. These are all the things we want for our hair when we are out and about during the summer months. Bamboo Beach’s Balm for Hair is a 5-in-1 hair saver and Amazon’s Choice, which actually makes hair more strong and protected against color fade.
“I love this stuff! I purchased some at a local beauty supply store last year for $20. Needless to say, was thrilled to find it on Amazon for much less! When I got it originally I was after a product with sunscreen for hair and this fit the bill. I used it when on vacation; in and out of a swimming pool daily and it kept my hair in good shape. Only the tiniest amount is needed, and it kept my slightly wavy hair manageable in the humidity. My hair is naturally very shiny but this product even added to that – an ever so slight sparkle is on my hands (not like glitter, no) after rubbing it through my hair. I highly recommend this product, in particular for humid conditions.”
Alterna Bamboo Beach Bb Balm for Hair, $13, amazon.com
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Not Your Mother’s Love for Hue Color Care UV Protectant
Photo: Amazon
Your glorious mane is like a work of art. When you finally achieve the perfect hair color, you want to protect it the best you can. Not Your Mother’s Love for Hue Color Care UV Protectant acts as a leave-in conditioner, and is infused with Chromavell, which protects against color fading.
“I walk around 4 miles a day in the Louisiana sun and have at least three colors going in my hair at any one time. This really helps to keep my color, especially the blues and purples, longer. It’s also lightweight and has a mellow, pleasant scent.”Not Your Mother’s Love for Hue Color Care UV Protectant, $10, amazon.com
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AVEDA Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque
Photo: Amazon
Another great after-sun mask that will replenish your hair’s moisture after being in the sun all day is AVEDA’s Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque. An antioxidant blend of green tea extract, Vitamin E, and certified organic sunflower oil aid your pelo, while cistus, ylang ylang, and neroli keep it smelling wonderful.
“I swim regularly (2-3x a week) and my hair (blonde and color-treated) does not respond well to chlorine. This conditioner (and the associated shampoo) work so well for chlorine removal and repair! I actually look forward to showering after swimming because these products are so amazing!”
AVEDA Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque, $23, amazon.com
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Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam SPF 50
Photo: Amazon
Sometimes a product is so great that you decide to make it do double duty for you. The Sun-Defying Sunscreen with Meadowfoam SPF 50 by Supergoop! is such a product. It’s a lightweight, non-greasy protectant, which does wonders for the skin, but why not also apply it to your scalp and a bit through your hair? It works wonders on both.
“This product is the BEST sunscreen I have ever owned. I’m a dark-skinned black woman and physical blockers (zinc) just leave a complete white cast on my skin that I hate. I was hesitant to buy a chemical sunscreen as opposed to another physical one but MAN, this just changed the game for me, really. It’s completely transparent, smells SO good and actually helps to moisturize my skin. I was concerned about it being an “oil” but I haven’t broken out at all nor has it gotten oily. My skin loves it and this size has lasted me over a month and I still have more than half of the bottle left. I use three pumps every morning. Supergoop! is most definitely the brand for me. I also bought their Unseen Sunscreen and that one is fantastic as well.”
Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam SPF 50, $34, amazon.com
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Wella Professionals Sun Express Conditioner
Photo: Beauty Expert
Wella Professional’s Sun Express Conditioner is a cream-based formula, meant to be used after you’ve exposed your hair to the sun. It is enriched with Vitamin E, which just adds to the moisturizing, replenishing effects of this product.
“This is absolutely brilliant if you are traveling to a really hot and sunny climate. Protect your hair very well. Highly recommended.”
Wella Professionals Sun Express Conditioner, $15, beautyexpert.com
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Crack Hair Fix Styling Creme
Photo: Amazon
If you can get past the name, Crack’s Hair Fix Styling Creme is a 5-star-reviewed product that can do wonders for your hair. Acai extract and silk/wheat protein help this leave-in treatment control and decrease frizz for up to 24 hours, improve shine, “eliminate up to 95% of frizz,” and more.
“I love this stuff! A tiny amount the size of a Green pea is all you need after you wash your hair. My hairdresser first used it on me and I was purchasing the product from her, but then I found it was available from Amazon. So happy!”
COOLA’s Organic Scalp & Hair Mist contains an SPF of 30 and is great for all hair textures, from straight to tightly coiled. This vegan, non-GMO, oxybenzone, organic, and anti-oxidant-rich formula protects the locks and scalp against UV rays, hair color fade, and heat.
“Having thin hair for years… I’ve been waiting for a product w/ SPF that will protect my part and scalp. The smell is amazing! Super light mist so my hair isn’t greasy. Must try!”
KLENSKIN Spa Shower On Sunscreen Shampoo, Face and Body Wash
Photo: Amazon
We are all for products that multitask and save us time. KLENSKIN Spa is just that. It’s a shower-on face and body wash, and shampoo that contains protective sunscreen (SPF 30!). It is paraben-free, hypo-allergenic, and water-resistant up to 80 minutes.
“I used the KlenSkin product on my body and hair before my golf game and it worked great! I had very good protection from the sun for the entire outing. My scalp did not burn at all which was great. I have short hair and normally have to wear a hat while playing. This solved that issue. My wife and kids have been using it every morning in the shower this summer before they go out, and they love it. They have been outdoors all summer and have had great protection from the sun. My wife says it leaves her hair softer than her salon shampoo. We love it!”
KLENSKIN Spa Shower On Sunscreen Shampoo, Face and Body Wash, $28, amazon.com
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Waxhead Sun Protection Body Wash + Shampoo. Sun Protection for Hair, Scalp Sunscreen
Photo: Amazon
Another product that will cut down on the bulk of beauty and skincare products you lug around with you is Waxhead’s Sun Protection Body Wash and Shampoo. It will cleanse both, while also providing defense against both UVA and UVB rays. It is reef-safe, biodegradable, organic, hypo-allergenic, and only contains six ingredients.
“Using this body wash/shampoo for a week. Great citrus smell. No sticky or greasy residue left behind. Extra Sun Protection is a bonus!”
Waxhead Sun Protection Body Wash + Shampoo. Sun Protection for Hair, Scalp Sunscreen, $21, amazon.com
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Supergoop! Super Power Sunscreen Mousse with Blue Seakale
Photo Amazon
Supergoop! has another hair product in their offerings that works great against sun damage. It’s Super Power Sunscreen Mousse contains blue seakale, which is loaded with protective antioxidants, as well as avocado oil, shea butter, and olive oil. Throw in an SPF of 50, and a formula that’s water-resistant for 80 minutes, and you have a summer hair product winner.
“We took 2 bottles of this for our family of 4 on an 8 day trip to the Bahamas. My son and I are very fair, and neither one of us got burned. This mousse is so easy to apply. Spray it in your hand and apply. There is no white cast left on your skin or greasy layer. We used this on the beach and on several boat trips. I didn’t have to worry about the wind blowing half [of] it away like the spray spfs. I highly recommend this brand!”
Supergoop! Super Power Sunscreen Mousse with Blue Seakale, $34, amazon.com
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Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer
Photo: Nordstrom
Bumble and bumble is a trusted hair brand, especially when it comes to beach-beautiful hair. Their Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer is the one of the first steps in your hair’s defense against the elements. This fab pre-styler is paraben, phthalate, mineral oil, and formaldehyde-free.
“This is the best heat protectant I have used to date. It smells so good, isn’t sticky and sprays on easily.”
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer, $12-$28, nordstrom.com
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Rita Hazan Lock Plus Block Protective Spray
Photo: Amazon
When a hair product has “lock” and “block” in its title, you know they mean business and finally formulated something might actually work for and with your hair. Rita Hazan’s Lock Plus Block Protective Spray contains vitamins in a healthful product for the hair that blocks out harmful UV rays, and humidity.
Rita Hazan Lock Plus Block Protective Spray, $26, amazon.com
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Reform Repair Conditioner
Photo: Amazon
Another fabulous hair care product on the Amazon’s Choice list is the sulfate and paraben-free Reform Repair Conditioner. It is “infused with restructuring proteins that treat the inner and outer layer of the hair shaft,” and free of a lot of harmful chemicals. In fact, Reform claims to “eliminate over 1,500 potentially harmful ingredients from all products.” It’s a win-win.
“Absolutely LOVE THIS PRODUCT. I purchased it through a salon that sold it first, but I am no longer in that area. I found it online and was ecstatic!!! I love the product because it leaves no build up. I have short hair but also use a wig sometimes. I washed and conditioned it with both of the products and the hair was like the day I purchased it new!!! This is truly an outstanding product that I would give 5 stars.”
Okay, so this hair product contains nourishing coconut and has a ton of benefits–we’re SO in. Coc1nut’s hair treatment does it all from repairing dry and damaged hair, protecting against heat styling, provides shine and frizz control, detangles, mends and protects split ends, adds body and strength, makes it easier to brush and straighten hair, prevents static, and adds shine. Talk about a miracle product!
“This stuff smells great and I have noticed a difference in the frizz and static in my hair. I bought it for the heat protectant properties but it is meant to be used on wet hair so if my hair is already dry and I want to curl it, I’m not really able to use it.”
It can sometimes take decades for us to find and settle into the perfect hair color for us. That’s why we want to protect it as much as we can in between hair appointments. Luckily, Paul Mitchell has their Color Protect Locking Spray, which contains sunflower extract to prevent fading and protect hair against the sun.
“My light brown hair can get too brassy in the sun. I started using this last summer, and was pleased that my hair stayed its normal color.”
Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray, $14, amazon.com
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Philip Kingsley Sun Shield
Photo: Neiman Marcus
We all need a shield for our hair against the sun. Philip Kingsley provides this with his light mist spray. Elastin and meadowform provide conditioning, and the entire formula protects locks against UV rays, salt water, and chlorine. All you do is spray into wet or dry hair, leave as is, or scrunch/diffuse for extra volume.
The final wonderful hair product for keeping your tresses looking shiny and vibrant throughout the summer (and beyond) is Klorane’s Protective Oil with Ylang-Ylang. This natural water-resistant spray is your hair’s protection against UV rays, salt water, sand, chlorine, and that dreaded color fade.
“If you are looking for a leave-in oil, this product is not for you. It is to be used while you are exposing your hair to the sun, pool water, sea water, and sand. It protects your hair and in my case also hydrated it. It has a pleasant smell. But you need to wash your hair at the end of the day, otherwise, your hair will be greasy.”
Klorane Protective Oil with Ylang-Ylang Wax, $18, amazon.com
