Could your barber help prevent skin cancer?

A new study by the University of Portsmouth suggests that barbers could play a significant role in early detection and prevention of skin cancer among men, opening up a new community-based approach to tackling the UK's most common cancer. 

Researchers found that while relatively few barbers currently discuss sun protection with their customers, over half would be willing to do so in future (55 per cent), with many also open to applying (26 per cent) or selling sunscreen in their shops (35 per cent). 

The study was conducted in Portsmouth, a city with melanoma rates are over a third (35 per cent) higher than the average for England. Researchers surveyed barbers across the city to explore their own sun-protection behaviours, current customer practices, and willingness to become involved in skin cancer prevention. 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with rates continuing to rise. Almost nine in ten cases are linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, and more than 80 per cent occur on the head and neck - areas regularly exposed during everyday activities. Men are particularly at risk, with around one in four expected to develop skin cancer during their lifetime. 

The study found that: 

• No participating barbershops currently sold sunscreen products but over a third (35 per cent) would consider selling sunscreen in their shop. 

• 57 per cent of barbers reported regularly or always wearing sunscreen themselves. 

• Just 17 per cent regularly discussed sunscreen use with customers. 

• Only 9 per cent had ever applied sunscreen to customers. 

• 55 per cent said they would consider discussing sunscreen with customers in future. 

• More than a quarter (26 per cent) would consider applying sunscreen after a haircut. 

Researchers also found that barbers who regularly used sunscreen themselves were significantly more likely to discuss sun protection with customers and to consider doing so in future. 

The study, published in Skin Health and Disease, was carried out by Helen Fleming, Research Associate from the School of Dental, Health and Care Professions, at the University of Portsmouth. The findings build on growing evidence that barbershops can successfully act as community health hubs.  

Across the UK, barbers have previously helped deliver mental health support, blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol checks and cancer awareness campaigns, particularly among men who may be less likely to engage with traditional healthcare services. 

"Most skin cancers are preventable, yet many men continue to underestimate the risks of sun exposure, particularly in the UK climate," said Helen Fleming.  

"The findings suggest that barbers represent an untapped public health resource. They have regular contact with men, often see areas of the head and neck that customers cannot easily examine themselves, and are well placed to start simple conversations about sun protection. Small interventions in trusted community settings could help reduce future skin cancer risk and ease pressure on NHS services." 

The study reveals an opportunity to embed skin cancer prevention messages into everyday interactions, particularly after short haircuts when previously covered areas of the scalp and neck become exposed to UV radiation. 

Building on the study's findings, Helen successfully applied for university funding to distribute 1,000 bottles of sunscreen free of charge to barbershops across Portsmouth this month (June 2026) when the UV index peaks in the UK. The initiative will allow participating barbers to offer sunscreen to customers immediately after haircuts while helping to normalise discussions about skin cancer prevention. 

The scheme aims to increase access to sunscreen through community businesses to encourage healthier sun protection among men. 

The research urges for a national skin cancer prevention strategy that places greater emphasis on education and prevention alongside treatment, and that barbers could become important allies in reaching groups that traditional public health campaigns often struggle to engage.