Does Hair Prevent Skin cancer on the Scalp?

A thicker head of hair mostly helps frame our face and impacts how we see ourselves and how the world sees us; but does it also help protect us against skin cancer?  The scalp is part of the skin and therefore is at risk to develop skin cancer like anywhere else on the body.  As part of a skin exam the scalp should be checked for any suspicious growths, whether or not we have a thick head of hair or not.  Men and women with thin hair do receive more ultraviolet radiation and therefore area at increased risk.  To help reduce the risk, hats and sunscreen to the affected areas, just like we would on our face, ears, and other sun exposed areas, are important.  It is recommended to get a full skin exam by your dermatologist once a year.