9 Best Sunscreen for Bald Head – Skin Protection For Men in 2024

Despite its negative connotations, being bald certainly has its advantages. For one, you save some serious cash on haircuts. Beards generally look more effective. And let’s not forget about how much quicker it takes to get showered and dressed in the morning.

But when it comes to having fun in the sun, having a shiny skull can be a bit of a bother. Thankfully, I’ve done my research and found some of the best sunscreen for bald heads. Now you can enjoy your warm-weather escapades as much as your hairy-headed friends.

Keep reading for a round-up of eight SPFs that deserve to be in every guy’s grooming rotation.

Key Takeaways

Whether you’re bald by choice or fate, you’ll soon notice that while a hairless head is easy to maintain, there are now new steps in your bald head care routine you must consider. Amongst those is finding a suitable sunscreen.

To avoid burning your scalp and looking like a lobster, I’m sharing the best sunscreen for bald heads—including a variety of UV-protecting creams and sprays. You’ll find Bee Bald’s hydrating lotion, plus a fantastic budget option from Neutrogena.

1. Best Overall: Bee Bald Smooth Plus Daily Moisturizer & Sunscreen

The sun can wreak havoc on your head. Especially when you have little hair (or none at all) to act as a protective barrier. Which is why it’s so important to invest in a sunscreen that’ll fight off those harmful UV rays.

Bee Bald’s version not only keeps your scalp safe from the sun, it also tones, hydrates, and moisturizes your skin in the process. Better yet, it prevents the buildup of oil and shine, so you won’t be reflecting light like a vanity mirror. It’s suggested you apply it evenly 15 minutes before heading out—reapplying at least every two hours, but more often if you sweat or swim.

SPF: 30 | Finish: Not specified | Type: Cream | Water Resistance Duration: 40 mins | Size: 1.7 fl oz

2. Best Budget: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen

Let’s be clear: sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. But while fellas with a fuzzy mane can get away with none on their head, baldies aren’t quite so lucky. Whether you’re only popping out for a few minutes or spending the day at the beach, slathering on some sunscreen for bald heads is vital.

Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the kind of protection you require. There are options like Neutrogena’s that cost a little under $10. The lightweight and sheer sunscreen absorbs super fast with dry-touch technology that allows a non-greasy, matte finish. Budget bonus: you can also apply it to your face and body.

SPF: 55 | Finish: Matte | Type: Cream | Water Resistance Duration: 80 mins | Size: 3 fl oz

3. Best Luxury: Brickell Element Defense Moisturizer Sunscreen

If you fancy giving your head a taste of the good life, splashing the cash on a luxury sun protector is a pretty smart move. But be careful; a high price tag doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best sunscreen for bald heads. You need to spend wisely.

Made from all natural ingredients, Brickell’s SPF 45 cream moisturizes and protects your skin against the yellow guy in the sky. It’s easy to rub in and doesn’t leave behind any of that white residue you may find with cheaper alternatives. You can take it with you on vacation, but it’s also a great choice for everyday wear.

SPF: 45 | Finish: Non-greasy | Type: Cream | Water Resistance Duration: Reapply immediately | Size: 8 fl oz

4. Best on Amazon: HeadBlade Headlube Sunscreen

Razor specialist HeadBlade knows a thing or two about getting rid of hair. So it makes total sense that they’re now helping keep bald heads safe with products like HeadLube—a non-greasy SPF 50 moisturizer that’ll keep your scalp healthy and protected.

Specially formulated so that it doesn’t clog pores, it offers ultimate defense against ultraviolet radiation, while hydrating and moisturizing dry and brittle skin. You can wear it in the water, but don’t forget to reapply after 80 minutes. Oh, and have I mentioned that it’s reef-friendly? Meaning you can swim freely without worrying about harming the ocean (and those that live there).

SPF: 50 | Finish: Matte | Type: Cream | Water Resistance Duration: 80 | Size: 5 fl oz

5. Best Everyday: Rain Or Shine Anti Ageing Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t just for vacations. You need to be wearing it on a daily basis if you’re serious about the health of your skin. And don’t just save it for super sunny days either. Experts recommend applying lotion when it’s cloudy too.

Raine or Shine’s anti-aging sunscreen is the perfect size to throw in your bag or pocket. It effectively blocks 98% of UV rays and won’t leave behind any white chalky residue—making it the perfect choice for every day. The lightweight formula goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and even fights against aging.

SPF: 50 | Finish: Natural | Type: Cream | Water Resistance Duration: Not specified | Size: 2.03 fl oz

6. Best Protection: Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen

Whether you’re completely hairless, a little thin on top, or bald around the sides by choice, you need to protect your head from the sun all the same. Your skin is vulnerable and you can run into all sorts of short and long-term damage if you don’t take the right precautions.

Neutrogena’s oil-free cream comes with broad-spectrum SPF 70+ that provides the ultimate barrier against UVA and UVB rays. It’s specifically designed with outdoor sports in mind, but it’s just as good for all your non-athletic summer trips. Apply it to your head and face and an electrolyte complex will nourish and restore your skin’s balance. You don’t have to worry about water either—this best sunscreen for bald heads resists wear off from water, rubbing, sweating, and wiping.

SPF: 70+ | Finish: Matte | Type: Cream | Water Resistance Duration: 80 | Size: 2.03 fl oz

7. Best For Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen 

If you avoid SPF for fear of it making your head itch or break out, the trusty baseball cap is probably your go-to for days in the sun. But what if I told you there was a way you can start wearing sunscreen on your bonce without that risk?

Blue Lizard’s mineral cream is perfect for sensitive skin. It contains no fragrances or parabens and helps to nourish your skin as well as protect it. You can splash about in the water too (as long as you remember to reapply the lotion after 40 minutes). The only drawback is the size of the tube. That being said, you only need to apply a small amount, so you shouldn’t run out too fast.

SPF: 30 | Finish: Matte | Type: Cream | Water Resistance Duration: 40 | Size: 1.7 fl oz

8. Best for Acne: EltaMD Mineral Based Sunscreen

Finding a suitable sunscreen for scalp acne is hard graft. Pick the wrong one and you can end up causing the breakout of all breakouts. Not exactly what you need when you want to be enjoying some well-earned vitamin D.

EltaMD’s light and silky formula helps to calm and protect acne-prone skin—giving you one less thing to worry about as you pack for the beach. Recommended by dermatologists, it goes on completely clear, so there’s no sticky evidence left behind. Pop it in your bag and take it with you wherever you go.

SPF: 46 | Finish: Matte | Type: Cream | Water Resistance Duration: Reapply immediately | Size: 1.7 fl oz

9. Best Spray: Alba Botanica Sensitive Sunscreen

While some of us can’t wait to get covered in sunscreen, some hate the mess that comes with it. The feeling of rubbing in cream is not for everyone, luckily there’s an invisible spray option.

Alba Botanica’s is a great choice that’s made with 100% vegetarian ingredients and botanicals. Lightweight and quick-drying, you simply give it a few sprays onto your head and it’ll be covered with an air-powered mist that’s not heavy or greasy. You may want to rub it in a bit. But don’t worry, you won’t be left with loads of cream on your hands. Jump in the pool worry-free because you’ll get water-resistance for up to 80 minutes.

SPF: 50 | Finish: Clear | Type: Spray | Water Resistance Duration: 80 | Size: 6 fl oz

What To Look For In The Best Sunscreen For Bald Heads

Protection

The best sunscreen for bald heads should offer maximum sun blockage. Look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, as it shields your scalp from both UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent sunburn, skin damage, and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

SPF

For ultimate protection, choose a sunscreen with a high SPF—preferably SPF 30 or higher. Bald heads are more susceptible to sunburn due to the lack of hair coverage, so a higher SPF provides added protection against harmful UV rays.

Formula

Ideally, you’ll want to opt for a sunscreen that has a non-greasy and lightweight formula. This ensures comfortable application and prevents the sunscreen from feeling heavy or sticky on your scalp. Look for oil-free or water-based options that won’t clog pores or leave residue.

Final Verdict 

When not wearing a hat, your dome is a sitting duck for the sun. Which is why sourcing the best sunscreen for bald heads is one of the most important things you can do this summer (and beyond). Non-greasy, hydrating, and toning, Bee Bald’s daily cream remains my top pick. Not only will it protect your skull, it’ll provide additional benefits too.