Tips for Protecting Your Head From the Sun

Even people that apply their sunscreen religiously often forget to protect one very important and vulnerable part of their bodies: their heads. Protecting the head from the sun is crucial not only to preventing painful sunburn, but also to preventing skin cancer.

Protecting bald heads

It goes without saying that the less hair a person has, the more susceptible they are to sun damage. This is true not only of bald men, but also of babies or women with thin hair. In instances where no hair is present, the most effective way to protect the head is to apply a thick application of sunscreen or wear a good sun hat. People engaging in heavy physical activity or water sports are also smart to reapply sunscreen often.

Protecting fair skin

Hair alone is not enough to protect the skin underneath, especially when the hair and/or the skin in question is fair. Fair hair deflects far less sunlight than dark hair, and fair skin is far more predisposed to sun damage. Thankfully, many companies now offer shampoos and conditioners that contain SPF to help boost the natural protection already offered by hair.

Other sun protection options for the head

You can also protect your head from the sun by wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella. While umbrellas and parasols were once a very popular option for ladies wanting to protect their skin from the sun, these days, hats are a far more popular and accessible fashion choice. While a baseball hat does a good job of protecting the top of the head, a brimmed hat deflects the most sunlight, and by extension, offers the most expansive protection.

Protecting your head from the sun is crucial to protecting your skin from damage and cancer alike. Just a few simple steps are all it takes to keep your head healthy year-round.