Have you noticed how a day at the beach can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle and stripped of colour? Sun exposure doesn’t just affect skin, UV rays and salt water can be just as damaging to hair and scalp. From heat-protective primers to after-sun conditioners, here are four of the best products for keeping hair and scalp protected all summer long.
1. Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer 250ml
If your hair is dry, coarse or prone to breakage in the sun, this cult-favourite primer from Bumble and bumble is a lightweight pre-styling mist that protects against both heat and UV damage in one step.
- Formula: A blend of six lightweight oils, including argan, coconut and sweet almond, combined with UV filters to shield strands from sun exposure.
- Finish: Softens and detangles hair while eliminating frizz, without weighing hair down.
- Good to know: Also available in a smaller 60ml size, making it easy to pop in hand luggage for holidays.
2. Wella Professionals Invigo After Sun Express Conditioner 200ml
Perfect for reviving hair after a day in the sun, this express conditioner from Wella Professionals is designed specifically for colour-treated hair that’s been exposed to UV rays.
- Formula: Enriched with pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E and apricot oil to nourish strands while helping to reduce colour fading caused by sun exposure.
- Finish: Intensely hydrating yet lightweight, leaving hair feeling repaired rather than weighed down.
- Good to know: Works best when paired with the matching Invigo Sun Care After Sun Shampoo for a full post-sun routine.
3. Living Proof Leave-in Conditioning Spray 148ml
A weightless multitasker, this leave-in spray from Living Proof detangles, conditions and protects hair from UV and heat damage in a single easy step, ideal for everyday sun protection.
- Formula: Powered by Tri-Protect HairTech, combining active detanglers, time-release peptides and a superfood antioxidant complex for protection against mechanical, heat and UV stress.
- Finish: Lightweight and non-greasy, leaving hair silky smooth and significantly easier to detangle.
- Good to know: Also available in a handy 50ml travel size, so it’s easy to keep sun protection topped up on the go.
4. Living Proof Leave-in Conditioning Spray Travel Size 50ml
For anyone who wants the same UV and heat protection in a carry-on friendly size, this travel version of Living Proof’s bestselling spray is a smart addition to any holiday hair kit.
- Formula: The same Tri-Protect HairTech formula as the full-size spray, offering detangling, conditioning and UV/heat protection.
- Finish: Softens and smooths hair while defending against breakage from brushing and combing.
- Good to know: At 50ml, it’s compliant with cabin baggage liquid limits, making it a practical option for weekends away.
Whether you’re heading away for a week in the sun or just spending more time outdoors this summer, these four products offer a complete approach to protecting hair and scalp from UV damage, before, during and after sun exposure.