Baldies, how do you protect your head from burning under your helmet.

[ANTONISH]

I was in Albi for the Semaine Federale a few years back - temperatures in the high thirties.
In the local Decathlon I found a sort of mesh skullcap. It was designed to absorb water and release it by evaporation. Works well as a head cooler.

I use it as head covering under my helmet in the summer. Even without being soaked it's cooler than using a casquette.
In winter I want something warmer

[Nigel]

Tilley T5. I use them without the helmet, though I suppose you could add one.

Other sun hats are available.

[simonhill]

On my last tour I found what I thought was a scarf. It had a label of Coolcore. I googled it and found it is (meant to be) a super fabric that when wetted it cools even more than a normal wetted fabric - so they say..

They make all sorts of stuff - headbands, hats, etc. You may find something suitable there. Google 'em.

[AndyK]

I spray my bald patch with Malibu factor 15 sun protection. Its non sticky and does the job.

Al

I use this too - Malibu SPF15 Clear Hair and Scalp Protector, available in a handy 50ml bottle that you can take with you on tour. However I do still find it greasy and occasionally suffer from lotion-in-the-eyes moments.

If I know I'm going to be out for the day I use Riemann P20 spray, which lasts all day long. Again it leaves an oily residue though.

Otherwise a Buff is OK, though not ideal.

If anyone finds a scalp protection lotion/cream that genuinely is non-oily, do let me know...

[carlislemike]

Whatever you do, wear something. I developed actinic solar keratosis (sic) awkward skin lesions and lectures from my doctors and dermatologists. Could develop into skin cancers. I’m of the ginger hue, now bald on top. I worked and cycled in The Sudan then as a teacher in the UK where sports coaching all weathers and no sun protection has given me several lumps which had to be excised. So now, Factor 50, April to October, thin cycling cap under a helmet, if worn etc. Prendas Cyclismo recommendation here; superb range.

[Mike Sales]

Prendas Cyclismo recommendation here; superb range.

I bought ten trade casquettes from them for ten pounds. An obscure team, Liberty Seguros.
My favourite though is a Festina.

[rualexander]

Factor 30 sunscreen, clear, non greasy, alcohol based.
Plus a visor that absorbs the sweat, such as this https://www.haloheadbanduk.com/product/halo-visorband/

[Cunobelin]

Two "Buffs" and a small coolbag!

Dampen one of the Buffs and place it in the freezer (Fridge is OK, but not as effective). Then when youget hot and sticky, swop over and a cold, damp buff is amazingly cooling

Of course, it also keeps the sun off.

[philvantwo]

Don't think I could walk round with a bald head, I used the clippers about 10 years ago with no grade attachment on, the Mrs went mad, said I looked nearly 70 instead of 48! So my suggestion is a wig!!

[JohnW]

Following developing my bald patch about 10 years ago, on my first full-day ride in the sun I realised the need for something.
I put a single sheet of soft toilet tissue on the bald patch - costs virtually nothing, I don't have to be bothered with keeping it safe, very available, and about as cool as you can find.

I either try to keep it in place on my head whilst I put the helmet on, or lay it in the appropriate place in the helmet and bob my head down to put the helmet on. Honestly, it's practical, it works, it's cheap, no need for any specialist shop, doesn't need cleaning and available in white........or a variety of pastel shades if that's your thing.

If your scalp sweats on a climb, then the little patch of tissue is replaceable.

If you're bald all over, then you may need more than one sheet, or a tissue table napkin.

But - no need for sophistication. If you're only happy with Campag branding, take a felt pen with you!

[Reddington]

Casquette in Summer and either Winter Casquette(with ear covers)or running Beanie on cooler/colder days.

[RickH]

Casquette all year round for me (peak keeps both sun & rain out of your eyes). Plus a thermal buff over the top in cold weather (because you can remove it on the move if you start to overheat).

I abandoned the single use plastic overhat several years ago!

[Cugel]

Casquette all year round for me (peak keeps both sun & rain out of your eyes). Plus a thermal buff over the top in cold weather (because you can remove it on the move if you start to overheat).

I abandoned the single use plastic overhat several years ago!

Quite.

I cannot understand these fellows taking foolish risks in the sunshine by going out in a heating-up plastic hat with no peaked item to stop them becoming dazzled just before riding into the pothole or over a small & innocent dog crossing the road! They're also going too fast as they hit the dog (or perhaps the cat) since that plastic hat induces feelings of invulnerability, despite dripping sweat in their already dazzled peepers. Oh yes it does!

Squirrels can also teleport to the front of one's wheel; and blackbirds often do a hedge-to-hedge loop via a stop in your lap as you intersect their trajectory. Will that polystyrene banana do you any good as you tumble to the tarmac and the squirrel dives off elsewhere? No, you will break your wrist and collarbone anyway. If the hat hits a bit of grass it might look like its been hit with a lump hammer but this is just the nature of a plastic eggshell over some future sea-pollutant.

Cugel, still wearing a merino undervest, mind.

PS No, I coudnae resist.

[AndyK]

Following developing my bald patch about 10 years ago, on my first full-day ride in the sun I realised the need for something.
I put a single sheet of soft toilet tissue on the bald patch - costs virtually nothing, I don't have to be bothered with keeping it safe, very available, and about as cool as you can find.

I either try to keep it in place on my head whilst I put the helmet on, or lay it in the appropriate place in the helmet and bob my head down to put the helmet on. Honestly, it's practical, it works, it's cheap, no need for any specialist shop, doesn't need cleaning and available in white........or a variety of pastel shades if that's your thing.

No, that's...
I mean it's...
no.
Just no.

[AndyK]

Factor 30 sunscreen, clear, non greasy, alcohol based.
Plus a visor that absorbs the sweat, such as this https://www.haloheadbanduk.com/product/halo-visorband/

Never mind the visor, I need a link for this genuinely non-greasy sunscreen. I've tried a lot of them, all claiming to be "non-greasy", and all of them were so greasy I could have lubed my bike chain with them.