Have you gone out on a chilly morning and wondered if the chill hits harder for those with a shiny dome? You're not alone.
Picture this: you're wearing your warmest jacket, but as soon as the cold air touches your smooth dome, it feels like the chill cuts right through you. For many baldies, the winter season brings unique challenges to staying warm.
Bald heads and cold weather are a combo that sparks curiosity and concern among those who lack natural insulation up top.
Let's find out the chilly reality that baldies face and learn how to stay warm and cozy during winter.
Does a Bald Head Get Cold?
Whether bald or not, your head will get cold as the mercury drops. The real question we need to answer is, Does a bald head get colder than others?
The short answer is yes. A bald head gets a bit colder than a head with hair, but only by a small percentage.
A 2008 study shows that adults lose 10% of body heat when their heads are left uncovered, debunking the 40% to 45% myth that we've been hearing about from grown-ups.
The myth came from a U.S. Army Field Manual, which claims that 40% to 45% of heat escapes through our heads.
Does this mean we don't need to cover our heads out in the cold?
Nope.
Frostbite can be nasty when temperatures dip below 32 degrees F or zero degrees C.
Hypothermia is another thing we need to avoid. It starts when our body temperature drops below 95° F. Hypothermia is serious. When left untreated, it can lead to cardiac arrest and death.
In the cold, heat escapes from exposed body parts. Our heads are not the only part we need to cover. This is why we wear gloves, scarves, boots, mittens, and other protective clothing during winter.
Does More Hair Keep Our Heads Warmer?
This study shows that hair two centimeters long helps insulate the head and raise skin temperatures, but the effects are minimal.
Wearing a hat or beanie is still one of the best ways to protect our heads from the cold.
Potential Health Impacts of a Cold Bald Head
Our bodies function at an optimal temperature of 37° C, or 98.6° F. Thermoregulation helps keep this temperature even when it's hot or cold. If a baldies' body temperature drops, there are health issues that arise. Some of them are:
Increased Sensitivity to Cold
Hair acts as a barrier, and when the barrier is gone, direct exposure to the elements makes us more sensitive. This heightened sensitivity can lead to discomfort during the cold season.
You seldom see baldies without headgear during winter. I feel colder during the cold season which is why I now sleep with my favorite beanie to keep me warm in bed.
Tension Headaches
Cold scalps may lead to muscle tension in our neck and shoulders, giving us tension headaches.
Dry Scalp
Cold weather can dry out our bald domes as if our scalps weren't already dry from shaving. The proper treatment is necessary if you have a dry scalp or dandruff. Treating a dry scalp differs from treating dandruff because the two conditions aren't the same although their symptoms may look similar. Treating dandruff with dry scalp solutions won't work, just as treating dry scalp with anti-dandruff shampoo for example, won't work either.
Confused? Read our article on dry scalps vs dandruff to get a clearer picture.
Tips for Keeping a Bald Head Warm
Hats
A snug-fitting hat keeps you warm and protects you from the cool winds during winter.
For particularly frigid days, look for hats made of insulating materials like wool or fleece. Hats with thermal insulation are good additions to your winter wardrobe. I wear my trusted beanie not only when I'm outdoors but also when I go to bed.
I have one with FIR (far infrared) infused fabric, which keeps me warm and gives me a good night's sleep.
There are many choices for winter hats. From wool ball caps to trapper hats and stylish fedoras, it's easy to add one to your style.
Layered Clothing
Remember heat escaping from exposed body parts? This is where layering comes in.
We can add scarves or neck warmers to cover our necks, wear jackets for our upper body, gloves for our hands, and boots for our feet.
Indoors, we can wear hoodies to keep us warm. Some baldies use hoodies in exchange for pajamas to keep warm in bed.
Warm Compress
A warm compress is a relaxing way to warm our scalps before retiring to bed.
All you need is a warm washcloth dipped in warm water. Wring it out and place it on your head for 20 minutes.
The Bottom Line
Do bald heads get cold? Yes, they do, just like any other head if you're in cold weather. Longer and thicker hair may insulate you a little, but not that much.
The best ways to keep our bald heads warm are to wear hats, layer clothing, or even apply a warm compress if we feel cold.
FAQs
What Temperature is Considered Too Cold for a Bald Head?
There is no specific temperature that's too cold for anyone. Remember that our bodies function properly at 37° C (98° F), and frostbite starts when you hit 32° F or 0° C.
Can I Use Sunscreen on My Bald Head in Winter?
Yes, even during winter, UV rays can wreak havoc on exposed scalps. It can penetrate clouds or reflect off snowy surfaces. Applying an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen protects our scalps from UV damage during winter.
Is a Warm Compress Good for My Scalp?
Absolutely! A warm compress soothes and relaxes our cold scalps. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and apply it to your head for about 20 minutes. You'll feel relaxed once you're done.
