Preventing hat tan lines

[Country]

I haven't gone sly I just have a buzz cut. I was wondering if I eventually go all the way down how to keep from getting tanlines while wearing a hat. I work on a farm in the Deep South so in the heat of summer I have always wore a hat. Most of the time a wear a baseball style cap with the vent in the back. I just think it would look strange to have a very tan face with a white dome from the ears up. Would sunscreen prevent this with everyday exposure to the sun or would it just make the contrast less. Any thoughts or experience with this?

[Country]

I don't want to end up like this.

[Marshal S.]

Always use sunscreen.  You can also let your head get some sun to keep things even.

[Tyler]

Hat tans are the worse!

[Baldstu]

Could,nt agree more Tyler looks really naff

[slymyke]

I don't want to end up like this.

Wow, where did you find that pic, Country?  There is so much wrong with that (besides the hat tan)... haha.


If you allow your head to get sun, use sunscreen.  If you are in the sun for long periods of time, a sun block may be more appropriate.  If you are wearing a ball cap for long periods of time in the sun, you may want to put some sun block on your head in that open area in the back... and on your face and neck to prevent a huge contrast. 

I am a Floridian, and no stranger to the sun.  I don't like to wear hats much anymore, and I hate getting tan lines from sunglasses.  I usually only wear them if I absolutely have to. 

[slybeard]

I live in the south and rarely wear hats.  You should use a good sunscreen on any exposed skin.  That should help keep the exposed skin from getting much darker than the covered skin.  Do not try to get a "quick tan" to even it out by exposing your head with no sunscreen - you will get a bad and painful sunburn.

[wayno]

If I plan to be in Texas sun for a while, I usually wear a Panama-style hat. The brim is large enough that tan lines are not an issue.

[Sir Harry]

I find that fitted caps are better than adjustable caps as far as tan lines go, however, in the summertime, brim caps might be the best. Some people make the mistake of wearing their caps too tight, resulting in tan lines among other things. Another key is to keep your cap/hat clean. If you see too many dirt stains on the inside or outside, you may have to trash it.

[Country]

Thanks guys. I have learned the importance of a clean hat since buzzing my hair. If I don't wash if once a week I would have a few break outs on my forehead. As for brim hats I see their usefulness but I have never liked them. Looks like I may have to learn to like em.