We all know by now that SPF is an essential, but most of us forget about our the health of our scalp, which is where the best scalp suncream comes in. Yep, thats right - there are scalp and hair protectors out there - and you should be adding them to your summer shopping basket.

　　If youve ever burned your scalp, youll know the redness and flakiness can be irritating and painful. Not to mention the damage that UV rays can cause your hair if youre out in the sun for too long. In the same way an SPF moisturiser works to keep your face protected, scalp moisturiser works to protect your scalp from any long term damage. So, theyre just as essential.

　　Closers best scalp suncream at a glance: Best scalp suncream overall: Malibu Sun Clear Hair and Scalp Protector Spray, SPF 50, £5.30 on Amazon

　　Best budget scalp suncream: Calypso Hair Scalp Protection Spray SPF30, £3.50 on Amazon

　　Best suncream for face and scalp: Ultrasun 50SPF UV Face Scalp Mist, 75ml, £17 on Amazon

　　Weve even enlisted the advice of haircare experts, CLOUD NINE on tips for how to keep your hair and scalp protected from the sun. So, wave goodbye to sun damage, because weve found the best scalp and hair sun protectants out there. Just spritz, wait to dry and youll be good to go.

　　What hair and scalp sun protectors do we recommend, you ask? Well, weve got the complete low-down of the best options below including some budget-friendly SPFs, just check them out here.

　　SHOP: The best scalp suncreams to protect your hair and scalp this summer 1. Malibu Sun Clear Hair And Scalp Protector Spray, SPF 50, 50ml

　　Best scalp suncream overall

　　Price:5.30View offer As one of the most highly rated scalp suncreams on Amazon, its clear why this Malibu Sun Clear Hair And Scalp Protector Spray is top of our list. In our opinion, this is the best scalp suncream on the market, given its affordable price point, high SPF and thousands of reviews. Fans of the product say, I use this every single holiday and it was my saviour on trips abroad and days in the sun. A clear winner, it keeps your hair and scalp protected while you enjoy drinks around the pool.

　　Pros ConsProsHighly rated on AmazonHigh SPF protection of 50Long lasting productConsMay dry crunchy2. Calypso Hair Scalp Protection Spray SPF30

　　Best budget scalp suncream

　　Price:3.50View offer We all know Calypso for its variety of sun creams and aftersun options, and now its ventured into scalp protection too. Keep your scalp away from burns with a scalp and parting SPF of up to 30, with customers saying its really easy to apply and non-sticky on the scalp. Its not just that either, its price point makes it a fantastic budget option if youre looking to cut back on your spends for your holiday.

　　Pros ConsProsHighly rated on AmazonRidiculously good price pointHas up to 30 SPF protectionConsMay make some hair greasy3. Ultrasun 50SPF UV Face Scalp Mist, 75ml

　　Best scalp and face suncream

　　Rrp:17.00View offer Want something thats 2-in-1? This Ultrasun UV Face And Scalp Mist is made for both your face and your scalp, so that both areas are covered. If youre looking for something with high SPF protection, this is ideal, with its long-lasting 50SPF rating. It comes in the form of a light mist that dries clear and non-great, so you can just spray and go. One reviewer said, this was non-greasy on my hair and protected it from getting burnt. So, everything we could ever need, right?

　　Pros ConsProsHigh SPF protection of 50Can be used on face and scalpDries non-greasy and clearConsDoesn't last very long given the amount4. La-Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Anti-Shine Face Mist SPF50

　　Best scalp suncream for sensitive skin

　　La-Roche PosayPrice:17.90www.laroche-posay.co.uk

　　View offer La-Roche Posay have dubbed their Invisible Anti-Shine Face Mist as its best SPF for scalp protection. Its not just one to use on your face, this easy to use spray can be used to protect your scalps health too. Known for its products that are suitable for sensitive skin, this mist is dermatologically recommended as an SPF protection mist. A customers wrote, use this on my scalp, easy to apply and non-greasy.

　　Pros ConsProsHigh SPF protection of 50Can be used on the face and scalpSuitable for sensitive skinConsMay develop white cast at first5. Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF30

　　Supergoop!Price:29Space NK - UK

　　View offer Sometimes you dont want to spray things into your hair, just in case it gets greasy. SPF powder is the way forward. Yep, you can use this SPF powder from Supergoop! on your scalp, and your face, to top up as the day goes on. One happy customer wrote, this is great for brushing along my parting and so convenient for popping in my bag when I go on holiday. It looks like the Resetting 100% Mineral Powder with SPF30 really has us covered, then.

　　Pros ConsProsNon-greasy formulaCan be used on scalp and faceBroad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB raysConsHard to tell how much product to use each time6. Wella Invigo UV Hair Colour Protection Spray 150ml

　　Best scalp suncream with hair colour protection

　　Price:14.04shop.toniandguy.com

　　View offer Wella know what theyre doing with their hair care and this UV Protection Spray ensures that coloured hair is protected against any sun tinting or damage, so that you can have smooth locks no matter what. It contains UV protection to filter out unwanted ultraviolet exposure, keeping your scalp and your hair in good health. Customers have said, it keeps the colour of the hair looking good, so a great option for dyed locks.

　　Pros ConsProsUV colour protectionKeeps hair colour from fadingEnriched with pro-vitaminsConsMay give hair a wet look effect7. Moroccanoil Protect and Prevent Spray

　　Best preventative scalp suncream

　　AmazonPrice:25.45View offer If you want to get to work before the sun has even hit your hair, make sure to grab this Morrocanoil Protect and Prevent Spray which prevents any colour fade and also protects from both UV and pollution. Simply mist through hair and let it do its thing. Reviewers say, it has a beautiful scent and offers great protection for the hair, so its perfect for your next summer holiday.

　　Pros ConsProsSulphate and paraben freeProtects from sun, pollution and other environmental factorsLeaves hair feeling soft and silkyConsPump mechanism may be sporadic8. Sun Bum Protecting Heat Protector

　　Best leave-in scalp suncream

　　Cult BeautyPrice:14.39 (was £17.99)Allbeauty

　　View offerAlternative retailersSephora£17.99View offerLookfantastic£17.99View offerEscentual£17.99View offerCult Beauty£17.99View offer Sun Bum is a brand that knows a thing or two about protecting yourself from the hot climate. Its heat protectant spray is an easy-to-use, leave-in spray that will keep you protected from UV rays. Its also vegan and reef-safe, so youve got sustainability on your side, too. A fab option to keep your hair and scalp protected while youre lounging in the sun, customers say it smells amazing and smooths the hair out when you straighten it.

　　Pros ConsProsMinimises heat and UV damageEnriched with vitamin CFights frizz and flyway'sConsMay be heavy on finer hair9. Aveda Sun Care Hair Body Cleanser 250ml

　　Best after-sun scalp suncream

　　SephoraPrice:26Sephora

　　View offerAlternative retailersJohn Lewis Partners£31.00View offer Ok, so we have SPFs for our hair during the day but what about after spending all day in the sun? Enter: The Aveda protective hair veil. Said to remove chlorine, product build-up and salt, youll especially want to use this if youve been in the sea. Reviewers say its perfect to take on holiday, as well as using after swimming sessions. Ideal for hair recovery when the elements take their toll.

　　Pros ConsProsContains organic ingredientsCleanses chlorine and salt build-upMaintains moisture balance in hairConsMay not be suitable for coloured hair FAQs What are hair and scalp sun protectants? Hair and scalp sun protectors come in a variety of forms and products - from scalp sprays to moisturisers, hair oils and more, theres a mass of ways to keep your hair safe from even the sunniest of days.

　　Just like applying heat protectant when we dry, straighten or curl our hair, we need to protect our hair from the natural heat of the sun as well as the sun rays that shine when its particularly sunny.

　　Look for UV protection and creams or oils with SPF 30 and above to ensure that your hair gets the full coverage it needs before going out in the summertime.

　　How can I protect my hair and scalp from sun damage? The never ending question of how to protect our hair and scalp from the burning sun is not always easy to answer... Luckily, weve spoken to haircare experts at CLOUD NINE to give us the low-down on how we really should be helping our hair.

　　Start at the root and protect your scalp: The base of all good hair days is a good scalp and root. Make sure to add SPF to your hairline and parting so that your scalp doesnt get dry and flaky with sunburn - and possible root damage.

　　Keep your hair and scalp covered: This is where fancy hats come in very handy. CLOUD NINE recommends loose hats particularly because theyll keep your hair and scalp safe without actually messing up your do.

　　Use conditioning products to protect your hair: We all know that crispy, dry feeling when your hairs been in the sun too long. Make sure to keep your hair moisturised with a good conditioner like the CLOUD NINE Magical Remedy, £25 which will leave your hair super glossy and seal up split ends.

　　Drink plenty of water: Weve all heard this one before, but its true. Make sure to pump yourself with water to stay hydrated because it will in turn, also keep your hair follicles hydrated from the inside out.

　　Hold back on hair washing: Washing your hair can strip a lot of the natural oils and therefore make it a lot drier. If youre desperate to keep your hair washed, do leave-in conditioning treatments and wash it out with water for full hydration. Avoid washing your scalp too much.

　　Caitlin Casey is a Senior Beauty Fashion Products Writer for heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covers shopping, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.