Hair loss and sun protection, but I hate wearing hats -- how do you guys manage it?

Training Advice/Discussion General

9 years ago 04/24/2014 12:25pm EDT

Well, my 30s have finally hit and my hair is thinning. I went for an 8 mile run yesterday and got sunburned on the top of my head. My hair isn't really thin enough that I can apply sunscreen, and I don't like the constrictive feeling of wearing a hat -- the tight band around my head doesn't work for me. In the winter I wear ear warmers / headbands instead of full hats, for instance, but I'll wear a hat with a brim sometimes if it's raining hard.

So what do you guys like to do, short of shaving my head and putting on sunscreen are there any loose head coverings out there that I might like? Bandanas maybe?

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 12:38pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

Try a Buff. Several different configurations you can wear it in.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 12:42pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

They make that non-greasy spray stuff that is fine for runs. Just spray it on there and you're fine. Banana Boat sport or whatever. It comes out like hairspray.

I don't have problems on runs, but I use it for long days at the beach.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 12:44pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

9 years ago 04/24/2014 1:41pm EDT

re: to b or not to b attractive

Look for other types of sunscreen. I've got a powder that comes in a tube with an applicator brush. You sort of dust it on. I can't stand greasy sunscreen and being north of 50 I've got a tonsure starting that requires attention.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 2:00pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

A nice sunblocking toupee.

I have a sweaty outdoor toupee for running and a clean one I switch to for the rest of the time.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 2:03pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

"NO" to sunscreen. Beads of sweat would form on your add and act like a magnifying glass. Suck it up and wear a hat.

Also, plenty of harmful chemicals in sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the more chemicals are in there.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 2:05pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

9 years ago 04/24/2014 2:07pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

A much more effective and cheaper option:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-DD1dYoYL._UX385_.jpg

9 years ago 04/24/2014 3:59pm EDT

re: Top Noticer

9 years ago 04/24/2014 4:49pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

Sun exposure does not cause hair loss- no evidence.

Some evidence shows damage to hair but not permanent loss. Your hair loss is genetic.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 5:00pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

Just wear a hat every time you run. You will get used to it very quickly and won't even notice it after a while. this kind of thing works great for hot days: http://www.headsweats.com/products/super-duty-race-hat-white.html

9 years ago 04/24/2014 5:15pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

9 years ago 04/24/2014 6:48pm EDT

re: jsimpsonftw

A baseball-style hat has the additional advantage of shading your eyes in addition to covering your head. Try a tennis specialty store if you can't find a lightweight material hat at a running specialty store. Running in the morning or evening when the sun is low will also reduce your exposure.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 7:58pm EDT

re: damage control

Read his message. He didn't suggest that his hair loss was caused by exposure to the sun.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 8:34pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

jdjdhcoapa wrote:
-- the tight band around my head doesn't work for me.

Have you considered taking hat-wearing lessons? Maybe your local continuing ed program has an evening class.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 8:59pm EDT

re: damage control

Finasteride prevents hair loss.

9 years ago 04/24/2014 10:01pm EDT

re: jsimpsonftw

jsimpsonftw wrote:
Run at night

Ding! Ding! Ding!

And we have a winner!

9 years ago 04/24/2014 10:23pm EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

jdjdhcoapa wrote:
So what do you guys like to do, short of shaving my head and putting on sunscreen are there any loose head coverings out there that I might like? Bandanas maybe?
Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

Try the spray on hair product. That seems to work pretty well for me.

9 years ago 04/25/2014 1:03am EDT

re: jdjdhcoapa

Please use your head , excuse the pun. Wear a hat , there is no option.

Being a life long runner with very thin hair and balding spot on the crown , I burnt my head over and over for years. Ive now been treated for cancer on the scalp 4 times. Doc says do not run without a hat from the hours of 10-4. Do not go out in the sun with an exposed head during the same hours as you burn just the same.

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