Brits soaking up the sun could be risking skin cancer in an unexpected place06:57, 18 Jun 2026As summer dawns and high temperatures roll in, Brits across the UK will be taking out their sunscreen. But even the most diligent sunbather is likely missing one vital part of their body that often gets the most sun.‌The skin on your scalp can get sunburnt just like skin on any other part of your body, and this increases your risk of skin cancer as the sun damages cells in your skin. Additionally, while people might be vigilant about getting moles or marks on the rest of their skin checked out quickly, they often forget to check their scalp for early signs of skin cancer.‌Dr Conal Perrett, Consultant Dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, said: “The scalp is one of the most overlooked areas for sun protection, yet it’s particularly vulnerable, especially for individuals with thinning hair, wider partings or bald patches.‌“Many people assume their hair provides complete protection from UV radiation, but that’s simply not the case. Even people with thick hair can experience sunburn along their parting, around the crown or near the hairline.”"Skin cancers, including melanoma, can and do develop on the scalp. Because the area is covered by hair, suspicious lesions may go unnoticed for longer compared with more visible areas such as the face, neck or arms.‌"People tend to check moles and skin changes on exposed areas of the body, but very few routinely examine their scalp. That can potentially delay diagnosis."Symptoms of a sunburnt scalp includes:FlakingTenderness when brushing or washing hairItchingRedness on the hairlineIrritation on the scalpWarmth on the scalpBlistering, swelling and headaches in severe cases‌The main difference people will be able to notice between dandruff and scalp sunburn is that dandruff is often a recurring condition that develops over time whereas a scalp sunburn only lasts for a short time after UV exposure.Dr Perrett said: "Scalp sunburn is often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, but severe burns can require medical assessment. If symptoms are worsening rather than improving, it's important to seek professional advice."Article continues belowThe dermatologist assured it’s not just bald people that can have a sunburnt scalp and UV damage can happen even when the temperatures are cool or the weather is cloudy. He added:"The sun can also damage the hair itself. Prolonged UV exposure can weaken the hair shaft, leading to dryness, brittleness and increased breakage. Protecting your scalp helps protect your hair as well."If you have burned your scalp, certain shampoos or hair products may have ingredients that aggravate it. While it heals, the doctor recommended using fragrance and sulphate free products. Fragrance-free after-sun products or aloe vera gels can any discomfort.It’s also best to avoid scratching, picking or peeling the skin and using heat styling tools. If you must go back into the sun, protect your healing scalp with a hat or avoid prolonged exposure until your skin has recovered. If your sunburn lasts longer than a few days or you start to experience blistering, significant swelling, severe pain, fever, chills, dizziness, nausea or signs of infection, you may need to get medical advice.