When Emma was little, I was careful about applying sunscreen to her face, arms and legs, but her scalp was easy to miss. More than once, she came home after a day outside with a pink, tender part line. I did not have a good way to protect that narrow strip of skin without rubbing lotion into her hair, and that experience stayed with me while I was designing our powder brush.
A mineral powder sunscreen applied with a brush is a perfect fit for kids’ scalps and hairlines. You can put the powder directly where the skin is exposed, buff it in and reapply later without redoing their hair.
A child’s hair part leaves a small strip of scalp exposed to the sun.
Why the part line is easy to miss
A hair part leaves a narrow strip of scalp directly exposed to the sun. Because the part often falls in the same place each day, that small area can receive repeated exposure while the rest of the scalp is covered by hair.
A wide-brimmed hat adds helpful coverage on long days outside, but hats come off for swimming, sports and plenty of other activities. Sunscreen helps protect the scalp whenever it is left uncovered.
Why powder works well around hair
Applying sunscreen to the scalp can be awkward. Lotion may get into the hair while you are trying to reach the skin, and spray can be difficult to direct along a narrow part line.
Our BOB KIDS Spray On Lotion works well for arms, legs and backs. For a part line or hairline, the BOB KIDS Brush On Mineral Powder gives you more control. The powder goes on dry, so you can place it directly on the exposed skin and buff it in without leaving the hair feeling greasy.
How to apply sunscreen to a child’s scalp
Twist the bottom of the brush until the smile appears, then remove the cap and slide down the sleeve. Flick the bristles downward two or three times and check that powder is visible in the tips.
For younger children, an adult should handle the application. Hold the hair back with one hand to expose the part, then apply the powder generously along the exposed line. Buff it in and work slightly outward on both sides before covering the hairline and tops of the ears. If your child’s part changes depending on how their hair falls that day, cover any other areas of exposed scalp too.
Hold the hair back to expose the part, then brush and buff sunscreen onto the scalp.
Around age seven, many children are ready to begin helping with their own touch-ups. An adult should still handle the first application or check their work to make sure no spots were missed.
Keep the brush in their backpack or sports bag so it is handy for touch-ups at practice or, where permitted, during the school day.
Protecting the scalp at the pool
Pool days require a little more attention because of water, towels and wet hair. BOB KIDS SPF 30 is water resistant for 80 minutes, but no sunscreen is waterproof.
Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying. Pat the part dry first, then apply and buff the powder along the exposed scalp, hairline and ears.
A wide-brimmed hat and breaks in the shade add more coverage between swims. At the end of the day, wash the powder out as part of your child’s usual bath or shower routine.
What is in BOB KIDS
BOB KIDS SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen uses 22.1% non-nano zinc oxide as its only active ingredient, with no titanium dioxide and no chemical UV filters. It provides broad-spectrum protection, is water resistant for 80 minutes, dermatologist tested, reef friendly and made in the USA.
The self-dispensing brush lets you place the powder directly along a part or hairline and keeps it off your hands. It is a small detail that makes scalp sunscreen much easier to work into the routine.
My experience with Emma’s pink, tender part is why I know how easily that small strip of skin can be missed. A quick, generous buff covers the part, hairline and ears before the hat goes on and again when it comes off. Kids like the light, dry feel, and when a sunscreen routine is this simple, it is one families can stick with.
Keep it in the bag that already goes to school and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protect my child’s scalp and hair part from the sun?
Hold the hair back to expose the scalp, then apply the powder generously along the part. Buff it in before covering the hairline and tops of the ears. Younger children should have an adult apply it. Pair sunscreen with a wide-brimmed hat and shade when possible.
How do I protect and care for my child’s scalp at the pool?
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying. Pat the part dry before applying powder along the exposed scalp and hairline. Add a wide-brimmed hat between swims when possible.
At what age can a child start wearing sunscreen?
Children six months and older can wear sunscreen. For babies younger than six months, keep them in the shade and cover exposed skin with lightweight clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Ask your doctor before applying sunscreen to a baby younger than six months.
Can my child apply sunscreen to their own hair part?
Around age seven, many children are ready to begin helping with touch-ups, but an adult should still handle the first application or check their coverage. Younger children should have an adult apply sunscreen for them.
How often should I reapply sunscreen on my child’s scalp?
Reapply at least every two hours while your child is outdoors. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying. Keeping the brush in the pool, sports or school bag makes it easier to have nearby when it is time.
Will powder sunscreen show up on my child’s dark hair?
Some powder may be visible when it first goes on, especially if it lands on dark hair instead of the exposed scalp. Separate the hair, apply the powder directly along the part and buff it in thoroughly. Applying it after the hair is styled also helps keep the powder where it belongs.
