Locations:
Search IconSearch

Can Your Hair Protect Your Scalp From Skin Cancer?

The Short Answer from a dermatologist

Can Hair Protect Your Scalp from Skin Cancer?

Q: Does the hair on your head protect your scalp from skin cancer?

A: Not only does a thick, lustrous head of hair speak volumes about a person’s overall health. It also serves to protect the skin of your scalp from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

If your hairline recedes, however, that protection goes along with it. Men and women alike should remember to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to the crown of the scalp — or to look for a fashionable, wide-brimmed hat with sun-protective fabric, measured in UPF.

—Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

person scratching at their itchy skin on their chest
January 3, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
Is Itchy Skin a Sign of Cancer?

Anything from minor irritations and chronic diseases to, yes, cancer can cause persistent itching

Female with red hair, freckles and light-colored eyes outside in the sun
December 22, 2023/Cancer Care & Prevention
Some Skin Cancers Can Be Genetic

Family history matters for melanoma, but the connection isn’t as strong for other skin cancers

Person lying on their back on a tanning bed.
October 10, 2023/Skin Care & Beauty
Are Tanning Beds Safe?

The simple, straightforward and hard-lined answer is no

Person prepping meal in kitchen.
How To Prevent Cancer: 6 Ways To Lower Your Risk

Quitting smoking, limiting your alcohol intake and eating a healthy diet are all major factors

Dermatologist checking patient's arm.
January 5, 2023/Cancer Care & Prevention
Can Skin Cancer Make You Itch?

In some cases, itchiness can be a symptom of skin cancer

Hiker wearing hat applies sunscreen to face.
November 4, 2022/Cancer Care & Prevention
Best Strategies To Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Wear UPF clothing, apply sunscreen and try self-tanners instead of tanning beds

ultraviolet light and nail polish drying
January 26, 2021/Cancer Care & Prevention
Can Ultraviolet Nail Salon Lamps Give You Skin Cancer?

Frequent manicures, high-watt bulbs increase potential

Trending Topics

Sliced beets.
5 Health Benefits of Beets

This ruby-red root is chock-full of vitamins, fiber and more

6 Myths About Joint Pain and Arthritis

Getting the facts straight about osteoarthritis

variety of food allergens such as eggs, milk, wheat, shellfish and nuts
Warning Label: The Big 9 of Food Allergens

More than 90% of allergic reactions can be linked to these foods

Ad