EXCLUSIVE Cancer specialists warn of critical mistake people with thinning hair make as heatwave grips the UK
Balding men were today urged to take extra care during Britain's sizzling heatwave, amid a surge in deadly skin cancer cases.
The UK is set to bask in 26C (79F) temperatures from today with the mercury predicted to soar even further to a potential 32C (90f) by next week —as hot as Barbados and Malibu.
While many will be enjoying what has been dubbed the 'Mediterranean melt', experts have warned that men's exposed scalps puts them at extra risk of sunburn.
Research shows almost 9 in 10 melanoma cases—around 17,100 each year—are caused by cellular damage from UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, accounting for four out of five deaths, but only one per cent of total cases.
Yet, rates of the disease are predicted to soar yet again this year—up a fifth in just two years.
The head and neck is the second most common site for melanomas in men.
Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics, told MailOnline men were at particular risk because many fail to apply SPF thoroughly on their exposed skin—if at all.
He said: '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 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 hats, and regular skin checks are super important for sun safety in men with thinning or no hair.'
Many Britons fail to apply enough sun cream, or fail to apply it correctly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends around one teaspoon-sized dollop of sun cream per limb, equating to around seven teaspoons if you are applying the product to your whole body.
Extra is needed for the face, head and scalp, neck and tops of the ears.
Sunscreen also needs to be re-applied regularly throughout the day, especially when you have been swimming in the sea or a pool or getting a sweat on whilst going for a run.
It's also important not to use out of date sun cream, as a rule, it only has a shelf life of around two years from when it is first opened.
In 2020, a Cancer Research UK survey found that just 37 per cent of people take their sun cream with them to apply throughout the day.
A similar proportion also don't bother with sunscreen when in the garden or exercising outside.
People also think that cloudy or overcast days mean you don't need to apply sun cream, but you can still burn and therefore should use it.
The sun is highest in the sky and at its strongest in the middle of the day, so, where possible, people should try to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
There's also a common misconception that skin cancer only affects people with white or paler skin.
A 2021 review article published in the journal Skin Health & Disease found that the risk of skin cancer in those with darker skin is underestimated.
It also found that people with darker skin are less likely to use sunscreen, are less likely to report sunburn and tend to seek medical help for skin cancers later.
The NHS says that although people with brown or black skin are less likely to get skin cancer than people with lighter skin, you should still take care in the sun and avoid getting burnt, as people of all skin tones can get skin cancer.
Those with darker skin tones may not get obvious colour changes with sunburn—it might manifest itself in the form of sore, itchy and tender skin instead.
People with black or brown skin most often get melanoma on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or under a nail.
Melanoma is the UK's fifth most common cancer. But figures released by Cancer Research UK project an estimated record high of 21,300 cases of melanoma in 2025 in Britain.
Cases of melanoma have doubled in women and tripled in men between 1993 and 2021.
Melanoma does not solely affect the skin on the face, body, and limbs, it can also develop on other areas vulnerable to sun damage—the mouth, scalp, nail beds, soles of the feet, palm of the hands and fingers.
Awareness of this type of cancer is increasing, partly spurred on by celebrities including Hugh Jackman, 56, Katherine Ryan, 41, Khloe Kardashian, 40, and Molly-Mae Hague, 25 openly sharing their diagnoses.
To avoid the disease, experts advise using sunscreen with a high SPF, applying it 30 minutes before going outside, covering up as much as possible to avoid sunburn, and keeping babies and children out of the sun.
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