How to Protect Your Scalp from Skin Cancer

A large part of your hair’s health and regrowth ability is based on your scalp hygiene. A damaged or dirty scalp can slow or prevent hair growth causing thinning and hair loss. One of the major ways your scalp can get damaged is from the environment. With summer in full swing, damage from sun rays and high temperatures is more probable without proper protection. Even with a full head of hair you are not fully protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. So how do you protect your scalp while still enjoying the sun and outdoors?

Your body needs protection from the sun, especially your scalp. In fact, your scalp is exposed to the sun more directly than any other body part. Without proper protection your scalp is susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer from being exposed to harmful UV rays. When your scalp is sunburned, it opens the pores to try and release heat to begin repairing itself. Hair products and natural hair oils can sink into the open pores and block them, trapping heat, and causing further damage. Damaged scalp and blocked hair follicles cause weak and brittle hair which can lead to hair loss. Skin cancer is a serious issue and, if left untreated, and turn potentially life threatening. If you spend time outside it’s important to check your head and hairline often for unusual bumps or spots. If your worried a bump or scab might be skin cancer speak to a dermatologist.

If you plan on spending any time outdoors during the day take measures to protect your hair and scalp. A hat will offer the best protection from the sun, especially if it's lined with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Speaking of UV protection for clothing you can also use UV protection for the skin. Put sunblock on your scalp especially if you’re bald or have a lot of thinning areas. Pay special attention to the area where your hair is parted and gently massage a small amount into your scalp (don’t forget to reapply every few hours). You can also look for leave in conditioners with SPF in it. Lastly, if you’re going to be spending a moment outside avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Sit under an umbrella or other shady spot. Following these rules helps your hair look much healthier and minimizes the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

If your hair is dry, damaged, and thinning New England Associates can help. We have the best hair restoration and replacement solutions and are the only business of it’s kind in the area. Plus we offer our own line of hair care products that are scientifically proven to slow hair loss and allow healthy hair to grow. We have solutions and treatment programs for men and women no matter your level of hair loss. To learn more, visit our website or contact one of our offices and schedule your FREE, private, no-obligation hair and scalp consultation* today!

*NEA continues to follow State and Government guidelines on the COVID-19 pandemic and will keep you informed on our blog with our current hours of operation and any other updates as they arrive.

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Since 1982 New England Associates® has known hair loss is as individual as you are. New England Associates® offers all of the procedures that work to repair, replace, restore, and grow hair. We are members of the American Hair Loss Council and the Better Business Bureau. Locations include Wakefield, MA and Manchester, NH. Our hair restoration options include hair and scalp treatments, non-medical hair replacement, laser hair therapy treatments, hair transplants, and shampoos and vitamins for fine and thinning hair.