As beauty editors, we’ve seen countless hair products cross our desks, but now and then, something refreshingly unexpected grabs our attention—and dry shampoos with SPF are the latest innovation we’re watching gain traction. They're formulated to absorb oil, grease and dirt to extend time between washes while also providing UV protection for your scalp—but do you actually need one? Ahead, a board-certified dermatologist answers our most pressing questions about the emerging product category.
Featured Expert
- Jeannette Graf, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine
Can dry shampoo with SPF protect the scalp from UV damage, or would you recommend additional sun protection measures?
Dry shampoo with SPF can provide some protection against UV rays, but if your scalp will be exposed to the sun for a long period of time or if there is a high UV ray index, I recommend taking additional steps to protect the scalp against sun damage.
Are there any potential downsides to using SPF-infused dry shampoos?
There shouldn’t be any high risks or downsides to an SPF-infused dry shampoo unless you experience skin irritation from the product itself. The most likely downside may be that people become too comfortable not wearing sun protective gear like hats or applying sunscreen to their scalps because they believe that SPF-infused dry shampoo is enough to keep the scalp safe from sun damage on days with a high UV ray index when it is not enough protection.
Would you actually recommend dry shampoo with SPF?
I would recommend using a dry shampoo with SPF on the days when a dry shampoo is needed, such as when hair is oily. However, that is not enough, and other UV-protective hair products, including SPF and antioxidants, should be used. In addition, when spending time outdoors in the sun, I recommend wearing a hat that has SPF protection.
The takeaway
Dry shampoos with SPF provide a touch of UV protection but aren’t a one-and-done solution for shielding your scalp from sun damage. They’re ideal for short periods of sun exposure or to supplement your sun-care routine, paired with hats or other UV-protective products for comprehensive coverage.
