Why I’m Always Trying to Get My Kids to Wear Hats: Scalp Sun Protection Matters
- renovarehydrationa
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
If you’re a parent, you already know the struggle 😅
Some kids are absolutely NOT interested in wearing a giant floppy straw hat all summer long — especially once they hit the age where they suddenly become “too cool” for everything.
But protecting kids’ skin from sun exposure is incredibly important, especially because a significant amount of lifetime UV damage happens during childhood.
May is Skin Cancer Awarness Month. One thing many people don’t realize is that melanoma and other skin cancers can absolutely develop on the scalp — and scalp melanomas are often diagnosed later because they’re harder to see beneath the hair. Even though the scalp makes up a relatively small amount of skin surface area, scalp melanomas account for about 3–5% of melanoma cases and are associated with worse outcomes compared to many other body locations.
As we get older, our hair naturally becomes thinner — especially around the part line and crown — which means the scalp gets more UV exposure over time.
That’s one of the reasons I’m always encouraging patients (and my own kids 😅) to wear hats during:
sports
pool days
vacations
walks
lake days
outdoor summer activities
I’m personally a huge fan of lightweight UPF hats that are actually comfortable enough for kids to KEEP ON.
Because let’s be honest… if it’s itchy, heavy, or “uncool,” it’s probably ending up on the ground somewhere five minutes later 😂
☀️ Some Favorite Sun Hat Options
Everyday UPF Bucket Hat
Wide Brim Beach Hat
Kids Ponytail-Friendly UPF Hat
Healthy skin isn’t just about treatments — it’s also about the small daily habits that help protect your skin for years to come.
This blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical evaluation or treatment. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
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