How Barbers Could Strengthen Skin Cancer Prevention

BARBERS may offer an opportunity to strengthen skin cancer prevention by promoting sunscreen use among their customers.

Barbers routinely work around the scalp, face, ears, and neck, creating a potential opportunity to reinforce sun protection behaviors. A pilot study of UK barbers found customer-facing skin cancer prevention practices were uncommon, although many participants said they would consider adopting them.

Barbers Show Potential for Skin Cancer Prevention

Researchers surveyed barbers in one UK city about their own sunscreen habits, current prevention practices with customers, and willingness to introduce future measures. Of 31 barbers invited, 23 completed the survey, a 74% response rate.

More than half, 57% (n=13), reported regularly or always wearing sunscreen themselves. However, only 17% (n=4) regularly or always discussed sunscreen with customers, while 9% (n=2) reported applying sunscreen to customers. None currently sold sunscreen.

The gap between current and potential practice was notable. Overall, 55% (n=12) said they would consider talking to customers about sunscreen, 26% (n=6) would consider applying it, and 35% (n=8) would consider selling sunscreen.

Personal Sunscreen Habits May Shape Customer Advice

Barbers who used sunscreen themselves, and those who believed sunscreen protection was important, were significantly more likely to talk with customers about sunscreen. These factors were also significantly associated with considering future conversations about sunscreen and considering sunscreen sales.

The findings suggest personal prevention behaviors and beliefs may influence whether barbers engage customers in skin cancer prevention. Because barbers regularly see the head and neck during appointments, the setting could offer an additional community touchpoint for sunscreen awareness, particularly for men with short hair who may have greater UV exposure to the scalp.

A Community Prevention Opportunity

The study highlights a potential role for barbers in encouraging sun protection behaviors beyond traditional healthcare settings. Simple conversations about sunscreen may be the most acceptable approach, given that more than half of respondents would consider discussing it.

However, this was a small pilot study involving 23 barbers from a single UK city. Larger studies are needed to determine how widely the findings apply and whether barber-led interventions change customer behavior or skin cancer outcomes.

For clinicians, the findings raise the possibility that community partners could help extend skin cancer prevention messaging to populations who may otherwise receive limited sun protection counseling.

Reference
Fleming H et al. Skin cancer prevention practices of barbers for their customers: a pilot study. Skin Health Dis. 2026;6(5):734-742.

Featured Image: hedgehog94 on Adobe Stock.