Why Balding or Thinning Hair Means You Should Be Checking Your Scalp

Mole check removal experts

Lots of men don’t think twice about their scalp once the hair starts thinning or receding — after all, if fewer follicles remain, how much damage can there be? Quite a lot, actually. Not just for appearance but for health.

The Hidden Risk

Dr Ross Perry, GP and founder of the London Mole Removal Centre, warns:

“Men who are bald or experiencing hair thinning are at a significantly higher risk of developing skin cancer, particularly on the scalp, as this is an area often overlooked in daily SPF routines.”

The scalp is one of the most sun-exposed parts of the body, yet many men assume that whatever hair remains offers protection. But as hair density decreases, UV rays more easily reach the skin. This skin is just as vulnerable — if not more so — than skin elsewhere, since it’s not always looked after.

Dr Perry continues:

“The scalp is one of the most sun-exposed parts of the body, yet many men fail to apply sunscreen there, assuming their hair still offers adequate protection.
“However, as hair density decreases, UV rays directly impact the sensitive skin of the scalp, which is just as vulnerable, if not more so than other areas of the body.
“Studies have shown that skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more frequently found on the head and neck, and melanoma on the scalp carries a worse prognosis due to later detection.
“Therefore it’s best to apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily, even during winter, always wear a hat, and regular skin checks are super important for sun safety in men with thinning or no hair.”

This advice was published in the Daily Mail for its feature https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14816637/bald-head-thinning-hair-cancer-warning-sunburn.html

So what’s the evidence backing up those warnings, especially in the UK?

UK Melanoma & Skin Cancer Facts

Here are key facts about melanoma and sun protection attitudes in the UK, to put the risk into context:

  • Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK . melanomauk.org.uk
  • There are around 16,000-21,000 new melanoma cases each year . CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com
  • Over the past decade, incidence rates have increased by about a third (≈30-32%) . The Independent
  • A striking statistic: 86% of melanoma cases are considered preventable with better sun safety (avoiding overexposure, sunburn, etc.). melanomauk.org.uk
  • UK survey data shows an alarming gap between knowledge and behaviour:
    • ~32% of Brits report rarely or never using sunscreen when in the UK. Campaign Collective
    • Only about 11% say they always use it. Campaign Collective
    • Men are especially likely to under-use sunscreen: in several surveys, ~40% of men said they rarely or never use sunscreen in the UK. Dr James Davies
  • Cost and misconceptions play roles:
    • ~50% of people think sunblock is too expensive; many say they would use it more if it were cheaper. The Independent
    • Some don’t expect to burn (so put off using sunscreen), even though over half of respondents reported being sunburnt at least once a year. Dr James Davies

Why the Scalp Is Especially Important

Putting together Dr Perry’s warning and the UK data, the scalp in men with thinning hair is a “blind-spot” in sun safety. Specific reasons:

  • Later detection 
    Lesions on the scalp are less likely to be spotted early because hair (or the shadow of hair) can hide them, especially by the time the skin is thinning. Melanomas on the scalp often carry a worse prognosis because they are discovered later. Dr Perry cites this directly.
  • High exposure 
    The scalp is often exposed in sunlight (no hair or thin hair), especially when men don’t wear hats, or do not apply sunscreen there.
  • Under‐protected 
    Many daily SPF routines ignore the scalp; even sunscreen users may concentrate on face, arms, legs, but forget that vulnerable patch behind or on top of the head.

What to Do: Checking & Protection

If you (or someone you care about) are experiencing hair thinning, balding or just regularly in strong sun, here are practical steps:

  1. Regular scalp checks
    • Once a month, in good light, examine the scalp thoroughly. Use a mirror or ask someone to help — look for new growths, odd moles, pigmented spots, rough patches, scaly lesions, crusting, or anything that changes in colour, size or shape.
    • Be especially alert behind the ears, at the edge of the hairline, and the crown (top of the head).
  2. Sun Protection Strategy
    • Daily broad-spectrum SPF (UVA + UVB). Even on cloudy days. Dr Perry’s advice: apply every day, even winter.
    • Use sunscreen that is suitable (non-greasy, easy to apply, ideally water-resistant if sweating).
    • Hats : wide-brimmed or cap with flap or something to shade the scalp.
    • If possible, wear clothing or head coverings that give shade.
  3. Professional Skin Checks
    • Get a GP or dermatologist to look, especially if you find something unusual. Don’t wait for it to hurt; many skin cancers are painless in early stages.
    • Be ready to report changes: any lesion that itches, bleeds, crusts; or any mole/spot that has ABCDE signs (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter larger, Evolving).
  4. Behaviour Changes
    • Avoid excessive sun exposure especially between 11 am–3 pm when UV radiation is strongest.
    • Avoid sunbeds. UK data shows sunbed use still contributes to melanoma risk. Cancer Research UK

Conclusion

If you’re balding or your hair is thinning, your risk from sun-damage to the scalp is higher than many people realise. As Dr Ross Perry says, it’s an area “often overlooked” — and that oversight can carry serious consequences.

Given how preventable many melanoma cases in the UK are (≈ 86%), even modest changes in how we protect and inspect the scalp could save lives. It’s not about fear, but awareness — checking your scalp, using sunscreen, wearing a hat, and seeing a professional if you see anything unusual. Better safe than sorry.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a trading name of Cosmedics Skin Clinics. There are 4 locations offering diagnosis and treatment for skin lesions including moles, cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma, milia. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Patients benefit from:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Blemishes can usually be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get very quick treatment
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
  • Testing with report provided where necessary

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.