When we think about sun protection, skin usually gets all the attention, but hair needs shielding too.
Prolonged sun exposure can dry out strands, fade color, weaken protein bonds, and leave hair brittle. For natural and textured hair especially, UV damage can worsen dryness and breakage.
The good news? You can create a simple DIY hair sunscreen at home to help protect your strands while keeping them moisturized and healthy.
Hair sunscreen works by forming a lightweight barrier that reduces UV penetration and moisture loss. While homemade versions can’t replace professional UV filters entirely, they can offer supportive protection when paired with smart sun habits. The key is choosing nourishing ingredients that also provide mild UV resistance.
DIY hair sunscreen recipe
To make your own hair sunscreen, you’ll need:
• ½ cup distilled water or aloe vera juice
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil or raspberry seed oil
Melt the shea butter and oil together using low heat. Once fully melted, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Stir in the aloe vera juice or distilled water, followed by the carrot seed or raspberry seed oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle or lightweight applicator and shake well before each use.
This blend helps moisturize hair, reduce dryness, and offer light UV defense. Carrot seed and raspberry seed oils are often used in natural sun-care routines for their UV-absorbing properties, while aloe soothes and hydrates.
Best ways to apply hair sunscreen
Apply your DIY hair sunscreen to damp or dry hair before sun exposure. Focus on the ends, which are the most vulnerable to damage, and lightly mist or smooth over the length of your hair. Avoid saturating the scalp to prevent buildup, especially if you plan to reapply.
Reapply every two to three hours if you’re outdoors for extended periods, particularly at the beach or pool. Pair your hair sunscreen with protective styles like braids, buns, or twists to further minimize sun exposure.
It’s also important to remember that hats, scarves, and UV-protective headwraps are some of the most effective defenses against sun damage. Think of DIY hair sunscreen as a supportive layer, not a stand-alone solution.
By combining this simple homemade recipe with mindful application and protective styling, you can enjoy the sun without sacrificing your hair’s health. Sun-proofing your hair is about consistency, care, and choosing protection that works with your routine, not against it.
