Are Hat Tan Lines a Thing?

Most of us have seen or experienced bathing suit tan lines. It’s something that happens if we’re sitting out in the sun for a long time. But did you know your hat can create tan lines too? I hadn’t really thought about it until I saw professional golfer Stewart Cink’s head.

Golfer Hat Tan Line

Recently golfer Stewart Cink and his caddie, son Reagan Cink, were playing a tournament when they both decided to take off their hats. Low and behold they revealed some major tan lines. You can see the evidence of it in the photo above.

Who knew your hat could create such an excessive tan line on your head? I guess that could happen if you’re out in the sun a lot golfing a lot. Particularly if you don’t protect your skin with sunscreen! Although, I imagine, no matter how much sun protection you use, you’d still get some sort of tan if you spent all day, every day, outdoors.

So just remember to apply that sunscreen so you can avoid this perplexing look and keep your skin healthy.

Just Say No To Tanning

While I found this photo entertaining, these tans are not particularly good for the golfers – or anyone. It’s in everyone’s best interest to avoid tanning in general. Tanning is not good for your skin. You see, a tan is actually your skin’s response to being damaged by the sun. 

Like the US Food & Drug Administration says “there is no such thing as a safe tan”.

Of course, as I said, if your job involves spending everyday outdoors for long periods of time – like professional golfers – you probably can’t avoid a tan completely but still, you can protect your skin.

So wear sunscreen every day and don’t just sit in the sun or tanning booth and bake your skin .

Suncare Smarts

Now that you have an understanding of what a hat tan line looks like – I think we can all agree it’s not an awesome look. Just practice being sun safe and you can skip out on this look.

For even more suncare tips check out our Suncare Smarts series.