This common hairstyle could have deadly consequences: How changing your part might save your life
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When we think about sun protection, we often consider slathering sunscreen on our faces, arms, and legs or donning a wide-brimmed hat. But there's a part of our body that's frequently overlooked, and neglecting it could have serious, even deadly, consequences. This is a lesson that Chloe-Amanda Bailey, a sports reporter, learned in the most harrowing way when she was diagnosed with scalp cancer at the age of 34.
Chloe-Amanda's story is a stark reminder of the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, particularly in a country like Australia, where the UV levels are among the highest in the world. For years, she had been parting her hair in the same way, unknowingly exposing the same section of her scalp to the harsh sun. What appeared to be a harmless pimple on her part-line turned out to be a basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer that, while not as lethal as melanoma, can still have significant health implications.
The realisation that something as routine as a hair part could lead to cancer is alarming. It's a wake-up call for all of us, especially those who spend considerable time outdoors. Chloe-Amanda, who frequently found herself on the sidelines during the cricket season, had been diligent about wearing sunscreen on her face but had never considered the need to protect her scalp.
The experience was not only frightening but also left Chloe-Amanda with a permanent reminder of her ordeal—a bald, indented patch on her scalp the size of a 50-cent piece. The physical changes compounded the emotional toll, as she felt shame and embarrassment over the 21 staples in her head, which she struggled to conceal.
But Chloe-Amanda's story doesn't end with her diagnosis. It sparked a conversation with her friend and former journalist Samantha Brett, who was in the process of launching Naked Sundays, an SPF brand aimed at making sun protection more accessible and convenient. This discussion led to creating a 'world-first' water-based SPF product specifically designed for the scalp.
The innovative product addresses a critical gap in sun protection. Traditional sunscreens can be greasy and unsuitable for hair. Still, Naked Sundays' SPF 50 formula is alcohol-free, avoiding the drying effects that alcohol can have, especially on treated hair like Samantha's bleach blonde locks. It's a game-changer for those who can't wear hats due to work or personal style, offering a discreet way to protect the scalp without compromising appearance.
Chloe-Amanda's experience is a powerful testament to the importance of regular skin checks, including her scalp. She urges others to be vigilant about all parts of their skin, as scalp cancers account for 13 per cent of all skin cancers. Her message is clear: if she could turn back time, she would have taken better care of her scalp.
As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to damage, and the risk of skin cancer increases. It's crucial for our community, particularly those of us over 60 who have lived through decades of sun exposure, to take heed of Chloe-Amanda's story. We must expand our sun safety practices to include our scalps, whether that means using specialised SPF products, wearing hats, or simply changing our hairstyle to avoid exposing the same area day after day.
Let's take this opportunity to re-evaluate our sun protection habits and make sure we're covering all our bases—literally. Have you ever considered the sun safety of your scalp? Will you be changing your hair part or incorporating a scalp SPF into your routine? Share your thoughts and any sun safety tips you might have in the comments below. Your insight could very well save a life.
Chloe-Amanda's story is a stark reminder of the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, particularly in a country like Australia, where the UV levels are among the highest in the world. For years, she had been parting her hair in the same way, unknowingly exposing the same section of her scalp to the harsh sun. What appeared to be a harmless pimple on her part-line turned out to be a basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer that, while not as lethal as melanoma, can still have significant health implications.
A 'pimple-like' bump on Chloe-Amanda Bailey's scalp was discovered to be basal cell carcinoma. Credit: PonyWang / iStock
The realisation that something as routine as a hair part could lead to cancer is alarming. It's a wake-up call for all of us, especially those who spend considerable time outdoors. Chloe-Amanda, who frequently found herself on the sidelines during the cricket season, had been diligent about wearing sunscreen on her face but had never considered the need to protect her scalp.
The experience was not only frightening but also left Chloe-Amanda with a permanent reminder of her ordeal—a bald, indented patch on her scalp the size of a 50-cent piece. The physical changes compounded the emotional toll, as she felt shame and embarrassment over the 21 staples in her head, which she struggled to conceal.
But Chloe-Amanda's story doesn't end with her diagnosis. It sparked a conversation with her friend and former journalist Samantha Brett, who was in the process of launching Naked Sundays, an SPF brand aimed at making sun protection more accessible and convenient. This discussion led to creating a 'world-first' water-based SPF product specifically designed for the scalp.
The innovative product addresses a critical gap in sun protection. Traditional sunscreens can be greasy and unsuitable for hair. Still, Naked Sundays' SPF 50 formula is alcohol-free, avoiding the drying effects that alcohol can have, especially on treated hair like Samantha's bleach blonde locks. It's a game-changer for those who can't wear hats due to work or personal style, offering a discreet way to protect the scalp without compromising appearance.
Chloe-Amanda's experience is a powerful testament to the importance of regular skin checks, including her scalp. She urges others to be vigilant about all parts of their skin, as scalp cancers account for 13 per cent of all skin cancers. Her message is clear: if she could turn back time, she would have taken better care of her scalp.
As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to damage, and the risk of skin cancer increases. It's crucial for our community, particularly those of us over 60 who have lived through decades of sun exposure, to take heed of Chloe-Amanda's story. We must expand our sun safety practices to include our scalps, whether that means using specialised SPF products, wearing hats, or simply changing our hairstyle to avoid exposing the same area day after day.
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