What can bald guys do to prevent helmet sunburns?

Question

In the cooler months I normally wear a skullcap like this, which both keeps me warm and covers my scalp under my helmet.

Now that summer is around the corner that skullcap is way too hot. I'd like a way to protect my scalp without completely overheating... do any of my fellow bald guys have any tips?

Edit: To clarify, yes, I am wearing a helmet. Any solution would have to be something that would work under the helmet.

Answer 1

Get a thin, tropical-weight wool cycling cap. It'll keep the sun off your head but still breathe and wick sweat. I have one from Walz that's been just wonderful.

Answer 2

I generally wear a "headsweats" type cap/bandana as well as sunscreen on any exposed skin. This type of product has the added benefit of absorbing some or most of the sweat coming off your dome and headed for your eyes.

And yes - as other posters have mentioned, this works well under a helmet, just like a bandanna would.

Answer 3

Sunscreen lotion smeared over the top of your head? Until it's figured out, basically zinc oxcide on the head.

Do you want a brand reccomendation?

Answer 4

Use a bandana underneath the helmet. I have seen several bald riders using them.

Answer 5

I have a couple of helmet covers that work for me. There's one in my profile pic, and a large version of that pic here. Basically thin, stretchy synthetic material that goes over the whole helmet, and includes a small visor and large cotton neck flap. Down here the hole in the ozone layer makes the sun a little more enthusistic so it's even more important. I find the helmet cover cooler than anything that goes directly on my head, and the slight extra wind resistance is not an issue when touring.

I also use a headsock in the winter, but it does get toasty in the summer.

Answer 6

Another Baldy Here!

Seems like the answers cover the range of options. I typically go with "headsweats" type options with wicking fabrics and buy em only when they are on sale. On a day where I do not expect to sweat a lot, I roll with a bandana.

A couple points that haves not been mentioned in regards to sunblock:

1) Sunblock has a tendency to run and winds up in your eyes...aside from blurry vision, it is also not a very pleasant experience. If you go with sunblock definitely go with a least a Sport version which is supposed to minimize running, but my experience is that Aveeno and Neutrogena Face Lotions are best!

2) Sunblock also wreaks havoc on the pads inside the helmet.

Answer 7

The one thing I hate most about loosing my hair is coming back from a ride with lines on my head burned in.

Sunblock is how I handle it.

Answer 8

Presumably you're wearing a helmet... Some are less "open" than others. I have seen some that have such large holes it would be possible to get leopard-spot tan spots on one's head.

I think the sunblock is the easiest solution....There are very light skullcaps available but they're still going to be hotter than not.

If you're not wearing a helmet.... Tests have shown that modern, well-ventilated models are significantly cooler than your bare head.

Answer 9

Cheap, readily available answer is a bandana. It works great.

I also ride often with a cycling hat like Waltz caps. Rapha makes some cool looking ones but they cost some major coin...

Caps have a visor to keep the sun/rain out of your eyes which bandanas don't. If it is bugging you and you switch it around backwards also.