Are bald men at increased risk of skin cancer?

There are many great things about being bald: no more bad hair days, stacks of cash saved on haircuts, and of course, it’s a timeless look that’s not going anywhere.

But the many benefits come at a serious price. For while our haired friends might blow fortunes on all kinds of products, appliances and styles, their thatch performs an important function in the form of UV protection.

One 2016 study found that bald men were seven times more likely to develop skin cancer on their scalp, and researchers confirmed the link between balding and skin cancer in a comprehensive investigation published in 2023.

Why are bald men at higher risk of skin cancer? 

Why then, are the bald at greater risk? Well, it’s a combination of factors - some more obvious than others. 

Dr David Fieleke, a double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained skin cancer surgeon, treats bald patients every day at Cornerstone Dermatology in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, USA. Not only is he an expert, he’s also bald - so he's perfectly placed to speak on the subject. 

“Bald men are absolutely at increased risk for skin cancer on their scalp,” he told BLD BRO.

“Without any natural protection, the skin is susceptible to skin cancer development over time. There’s so much UV coming through every single day, unless the scalp is protected bald men are at a substantially increased risk of developing skin cancer.” 

The lesser-known risk factor

While the lack of a natural UV barrier is the most obvious risk factor, it turns out there’s also more to it. 

“Part of it is because it’s been protected for so long over the years and it’s not used to seeing as much sun,” Dr Fieleke explained. “And part of it is because it’s up on top so it’s catching those UV rays all day long. 

“Interestingly, I also recently learnt about how there is an immune component to hair follicles, so if the hair follicles are less dense on the scalp, our immune surveillance isn’t quite as good - and that leads to increased tumour development as well.” 

The importance of SPF

This increased risk is compounded by the fact that bald men have to learn to apply SPF protection to their scalps as part of their routine, having previously had hair, which can often lead to extensive sun damage in the early stages of their bald era. 

As such, Dr Fieleke was delighted when he came across BLD BRO, immediately recognising its potential to protect him and his patients, without all of the oiliness and greasiness of a traditional sunscreen. 

“It was actually a patient that introduced me to BLD BRO,” Dr Fieleke recalled.  

“I absolutely love how it provides that sun protection that I desire, but it also makes my skin look really good, it takes the shine away. And it feels great on my skin - it’s very moisturising.

“I’m recommending BLD BRO now to my bald patients almost every single day - not because BLD BRO are paying me to do this, or I have any major incentive to do so, but because I love the product, and I want my bald patients to avoid skin cancer in the future.” 

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