The Risks of Shaving Your Head: Non-Appearance Issues

[Therian]

I shaved my head to save time/money/energy but now I think I'll let my hair grow back because of the increased risk of skin cancer and sunburns and stuff. Are there any other problems (Like that) that shaving my head could cause? (I mean that aren't appearence-related)

 

[Pengwuino]

haha wow... that's what i call micromanaging life!

 

[brewnog]

Sunburn is definitely a good one to consider. Many men forget that they're going bald, and forget to cover up in strong sunlight. Of course, the top of the head gets the most sun anyway, and it's skin which isn't used to being exposed.

I can't think of any other shaved-head related problems, off the top of my head. Pun very much intended.

 

[Therian]

But there's different skin types and those different skin types can have different sensitivities to the sun right? I mean my skin doesn't burn as easily as my sisters. Is there a way to measure my skin's sensitivity to the sun and as a result see how much I need to worry about sunburns and skin cancer, etc as a result of shaving my head?
Thanks

 

[arildno]

Is there a way to measure my skin's sensitivity to the sun and as a result see how much I need to worry about sunburns and skin cancer, etc as a result of shaving my head?
Thanks

Go about in the sun with your bald pate exposed.
There aren't, I think, any other methods to determine how sensitive your skin is..

 

[honestrosewater]

Yes, people with fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes are at a higher risk.
Why don't you just wear sunscreen? I'm pretty sure they make hair products with sunscreen if other kinds do funny things to your hair.

 

[hitssquad]

I shaved my head to save time/money/energy but now I think I'll let my hair grow back because of the increased risk of skin cancer and sunburns and stuff.

You might wear a hat. I noticed they have some nice hats for cheap at Bi-Mart. You can also get good oilcloth (Indiana Jones type) hats on eBay.

 

[brewnog]

But there's different skin types and those different skin types can have different sensitivities to the sun right? I mean my skin doesn't burn as easily as my sisters. Is there a way to measure my skin's sensitivity to the sun and as a result see how much I need to worry about sunburns and skin cancer, etc as a result of shaving my head?
Thanks

Well, you already have a fair idea of how sensitive your skin is, having compared it to your sisters.

Don't worry about skin cancer unless you're actually getting sunburnt. Just remember to cover up if it's going to be a bright day.

 

[NateTG]

As a bald man, I can tell you that bumping your head hurts more without hair.

 

[Therian]

Also, could I have increased my risk for other things by leaving my head/scalp more exposed to the cold, wind, etc? (Depending on circumstances I mean) Or is the sun the other thing I really need to worry about?

thanks

 

[hypatia]

People with bald heads tend to bump/hit/cut there heads more often.

 

[Monique]

Just wear a sunscreen on your head, nothing wrong with doing that.

 

[selfAdjoint]

Get a Melanin tattoo?

 

[brewnog]

Also, could I have increased my risk for other things by leaving my head/scalp more exposed to the cold, wind, etc? (Depending on circumstances I mean) Or is the sun the other thing I really need to worry about?

thanks

Well if it's cold or windy, you might need to wear a hat.

Don't think there are other medical conditions you should worry about!

 

[Moonbear]

Wear a hat or sunscreen on your head (even if you're not bald, sunburn along the part in your hair can be painful too!). Even if you don't burn easily, you can be susceptible to skin cancer and still should wear sunscreen (something that people with dark skin sometimes need to be reminded about since they don't burn in the sun like fair-skinned people do). Other than that, the only other potential problem would be heat loss in the winter, but wearing a warm hat fixes that too.

 

[Therian]

If I don't have dark skin, (I don't have pale skin but I don't have dark skin, I have a medium skin tone) do I only need to worry about getting skin cancer (From sun exposure) if I get sunburned/will get sunburned?

 

[Jikx]

If you're getting sunburnt then yes, as it means your skin is damaged!

Remember:

Sun leads to burns..
Burns leads to cancer..
Cancer leads to suffering..

 

[Therian]

I mean, if I don't/won't get sunburnt, do I still need to worry about getting skin cancer from sun exposure?

 

[Therian]

Could somebody use a (easy to get) skin sample from me to determine how easily it burns and stuff?

thanks

 

[honestrosewater]

Yes, you need to consider cumulative sun exposure, not just sunburns. Fifteen minutes here and there adds up.

Cumulative sun exposure causes mainly basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe sunburns, usually before age 18, can cause melanoma later in life.
- http://my.webmd.com/content/article/65/72793.htm?z=4209_00000_8000_to_15

You should be able to determine yourself your skin, eye, and hair color, whether you have lots of freckles or moles, how easily you burn, and whether your family members have had skin cancer. If you have skin and it's exposed to sunlight or tanning beds, you're at some risk - but it's easy protect yourself. Wear sunscreen regularly, avoid getting burned, and use extra protection when you're in the sun for long periods at a time or during more harmful periods.