Tracking the rise of sun-protective haircare in today’s evolving beauty market
Much like the skin, hair is vulnerable to the damaging effects of sun exposure. Prolonged UV radiation can disrupt the moisture balance within the hair shaft, leading to dryness, increased porosity, and breakage. Over time, this degradation weakens the hair’s structure and resilience, especially when compounded by external aggressors such as pollution, salt water, or chlorine. UV-induced oxidative stress also contributes to the formation of free radicals, which are increasingly recognised as accelerators of premature hair ageing, impacting strength, density, and shine.
Colour-treated hair is particularly susceptible, as UV rays can oxidise artificial pigments, resulting in noticeable fading, dullness, and loss of vibrancy. This makes sun protection a key factor in maintaining colour integrity and prolonging the lifespan of hair treatments.
According to Mintel, haircare is beginning to reflect the same wellness-driven expectations seen in skincare. While the category has been slower to evolve, consumers are now placing greater emphasis on scalp and hair health, driving demand for formulas that go beyond cleansing and conditioning. In fact, 32% of U.S. adults report paying more attention to their hair health than they did a year ago (2023 vs. 2022). (1)
This shift is also impacting styling products, which are no longer seen purely as aesthetic enhancers. Mintel highlights the growing appeal of beauty-enhancing claims such as bond repair, the inclusion of trending ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and protective benefits against oxidative stress and photoageing. These attributes now contribute to a broader perception of styling products as active participants in long-term hair health. (2)
Source: (3) Kantar Profiles / Mintel. Haircare with SPF – November 2024. 344 internet users aged 18+.
Towards multifunctional hair protection
As consumers grow more attentive to both the health and appearance of their hair, they increasingly seek haircare solutions that deliver more than just styling or cleansing. Mirroring trends in skincare, today’s formulations incorporate ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, ceramides, and peptides, known to support hydration, repair, and scalp health. This skinification of haircare not only aims to reduce hair loss and improve scalp condition, but also positions sun protection as a new layer of daily care.
In response, multifunctional products that combine UV defence with other benefits, such as moisture retention, colour protection, or frizz control, are resonating with consumer expectations. These hybrid solutions simplify routines by offering comprehensive care in a single step. (4, 5)
Among these new-generation products, the Nuxe Sun Milky Oil for Hair stands out as a relevant solution, particularly for textured or colour-treated hair. This weightless, non-greasy mist provides effective protection against the harmful effects of sun, salt, and chlorine while nourishing the hair. Enriched with coconut oil, jojoba oil, and panthenol, it helps repair and strengthen hair fibres, leaving them soft and silky. Crucially, it also helps protect hair colour from fading due to UV exposure, an increasingly important benefit for consumers investing in hair treatments. (6;7)
While thermal protection remains a well-established step in styling routines, some advanced hair care products are now designed to shield against multiple environmental aggressors, including UV rays. For instance, Kérastase Chroma Absolu Thermique offers a multifunctional approach, helping to “protects & smooth damaged or sensitized colour treated hair” smooth and protect sensitised, colour-treated hair. Formulated with Centella Asiatica, renowned for its regenerative and soothing properties, this leave-in serum provides hydration while “shielding against environmental aggressors like UV, humidity and heat”. (8)
These innovations reflect a broader consumer shift towards integrating sun protection into daily haircare, with a dual focus on performance and aesthetics.
Scalp care
As an extension of the skin, the scalp has increasingly become a focal point for haircare innovation. Brands are developing more targeted solutions that address both protection and long-term scalp health. From sunburn prevention to hydration or premature ageing prevention, the diversity of products is growing in the market.
To illustrate this trend in sun care, we witness that the market for scalp and hair mist sunscreens is expanding, offering lightweight, non-greasy alternatives to traditional sunscreens. These mists provide effective UV protection while maintaining a natural feel, often incorporating beneficial ingredients like antioxidants and hydrating agents to enhance hair health. (9)
Increased awareness of the need for scalp and hair sun protection is driving market growth. The U.S. scalp and hair mist sunscreen market, for example, was valued at $200.49 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $285.13 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.16%. (9)
As a market example in the prestige segment, the British Haircare brand Monpure has released a SPF 50 Scalp & Face Sunscreen. It defends the skin and scalp from premature ageing. It is an invisible sunscreen combining broad-spectrum protection with skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. “The lightweight texture won't weigh hair down, making it perfect for sparse, thinning, or exposed scalp.” (10)
Another example is the SunBum Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30 offers a “lightweight, fast-drying scalp mist that won’t weigh on the hair down or make it feel greasy.” (11) It protects “the scalp from the sun while not weighing down the hair and is meant to work with all hair types.”
Ensuring a diverse offering
As sun protection becomes more integrated into daily haircare, it is essential that innovation in this space addresses the full spectrum of hair types and textures. Photoprotection should not be a one-size-fits-all solution—especially in markets where textured, curly, or coily hair is predominant. The performance, format, and sensoriality of SPF-infused haircare must be adapted to ensure both efficacy and usability across diverse hair needs.
To meet the expectations of an increasingly diverse consumer base, the haircare category must broaden its focus. As Mintel points out, “hair care must diversify into different hair textures,” particularly in the U.S., where the evolving profile of Black consumers includes a wide variety of hair types, such as those of Afro-Latinos.
This diversity calls for more specialised formulations, especially for hair types that have historically been underserved by mainstream brands. “This acknowledgement demands specialised formulas for diverse textures,” Mintel continues, underlining the importance of inclusive product development.
Brands like SheaMoisture have stepped in to address this gap, offering targeted solutions for textured hair. However, Mintel highlights that true personalisation should go further: “Personalised treatments should not only address different hair types, but also support scalp and hair health beneath wigs, braids, and weaves—styles worn by 34% of Black women in the US between 2019 and 2022.” (12)
This shift underscores the need for multifunctional haircare products that respect cultural practices, deliver effective sun protection, and contribute to the long-term health of both hair and scalp.
Sources:
- Kantar Profiles / Mintel. Haircare Usage – December 2023. U.S. sample of 1,916 internet users aged 18+ who use haircare products.
- Mintel. Personalisation Trends Are Redefining the Beauty and Personal Care Industry. (17/04/2025) https://www.mintel.com/insights/beauty-and-personal-care/personalisation-trends-are-redefining-the-bpc-industry/
- Kantar Profiles / Mintel. Haircare with SPF – November 2024. 344 internet users aged 18+.
- Allure. 2025 Hair Care Trends: What the Experts Are Predicting. (13/12/2024) https://www.allure.com/story/hair-care-trends-2025
- Boots UK. How to Protect Your Hair from the Sun. (06/06/2025) https://www.boots.com/skincare-beauty-advice/hair-advice/hair-tips/how-to-protect-hair-from-the-sun
- Face the Future. The Best Sunscreens for Your Hair and Scalp. (26/09/2024) https://eu.facethefuture.store/blogs/products-brands/the-best-sunscreens-for-your-hair-and-scalp
- Nuxe. Moisturising Protective Milky Oil for Hair. https://uk.nuxe.com/products/moisturising-protective-milky-oil-for-hair
- Kérastase. Chroma Absolu Thermique – Hair Serum for Coloured Hair. https://www.kerastase.com.au/collections/chroma-absolu/chroma-absolu-thermique-hair-serum-for-coloured-hair/KER_00123.html
- Verified Market Research. U.S. Scalp and Hair Mist Sunscreen Market Report. https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/us-scalp-and-hair-mist-sunscreen-market/
- Monpure. SPF 50 UV Scalp and Face Sunscreen. https://monpure.com/products/spf-50-uv-scalp-and-face-sunscreen
- Sun Bum. Protecting Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30. https://www.sunbum.com/products/protecting-scalp-hair-mist-spf-30
- Mintel. Personalisation Trends Are Redefining the Beauty and Personal Care Industry. (17/04/2025) https://www.mintel.com/insights/beauty-and-personal-care/personalisation-trends-are-redefining-the-bpc-industry/