Men become bald for various reasons. And while there isn’t much they can do to either prevent baldness or have their hair grow back, experts warn that bald men must be mindful of the effects of sunshine on their bald heads and, possibly, on their overall health.
Dr. Kunle Adegbile, a dermatologist, say people with thinning hair or baldness usually suffer sunburned scalps at higher levels. “Worse is the fact that bald men who are overexposed to the sun are more prone to skin cancer on the scalp than the rest of the body,” Adegbile warns.
With minimal or no hair to shield it from damaging ultraviolet rays, the scalp can develop redness, flaky patches and a rough texture like sandpaper, which may signal pre-cancerous spots, another skin specialist, Dr. Ibironke Smith, says.
Does sun damage cause balding?
According to the dermatologists, dry, brittle, or weak hair can inevitably lead to significant hair loss. They, therefore, advise that people protect their hair from the sun by wearing a hat that shields them from hot ultraviolet rays. “There have already been cases where irreversible sun damage has lead to hair loss,” Smith says.
The thin skin on the scalp can burn quickly and is one of the most common places to check for skin cancer -oncologist
An oncologist, Dr. Dennis Nwoke, says, “Without hair, your skin is directly exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. The thin skin on the scalp can burn quickly and is one of the most common places I see for skin cancer.”
How to protect your bald head from sunlight
Cover up or take shelter
Doctors say the best way to protect a bald head is to keep it out of the sun.
Dr. Adegbile advises wearing a hat to protect your head while in the sun and wearing protective clothing and glasses to shield the rest of your body.
Smith also recommends seeking shade when you can, especially mid-day when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are strongest.
When it comes to sunscreen for bald heads, experts recommend using a product that specifically targets the face
Sunscreen is important
Of course, it’s not always possible or practical to avoid the sun completely. This is where sunscreen comes in.
“Wearing sunscreen is vital in the prevention of skin cancer,” says Dr. Smith. She recommends ultraviolet damage protection and SPF 30 or higher grade of the formula. “The higher the SPF, the better the protection,” she counsels.
When it comes to sunscreen for bald heads, experts recommend using a product that specifically targets the face. “This will be less heavy and look less shiny on your scalp. Don’t forget your ears, forehead, and neck too,” experts say.
Applying sunscreen correctly
Sunscreen can come in the form of sunscreen spray, gel, lotion, and cream. This simply explains the consistency (or thickness) of the sunscreen.
Here are the essential sunscreen application must-dos:
- Amount: If applied too thinly, the amount of protection sunscreen gives is reduced. Therefore, apply sunscreen liberally and frequently to all exposed skin.
the best cream for bald heads are those ones that are boosted with shea butter, grapeseed oil, almond oil, beeswax, and Vitamin E
- Frequency: if you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice — 30 minutes before going out as a baseline, and just before going out to extend the time of protection it gives.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, as the sun can also dry it off your skin.
- You should also reapply straight after you have been in any water (even if the sunscreen is water resistant)
- And after towel drying, sweating, or if anything may have rubbed the sunscreen off.
Meanwhile, just because you’re bald doesn’t stop you from using hair creams!
Beauticians say the best cream for bald heads are those ones that are boosted with shea butter, grapeseed oil, almond oil, beeswax, and Vitamin E.
“Just a little dab of this head moisturizer will relieve your scalp from dryness and irritation,” experts say.
