Protecting the Face, Exposing the Scalp: 84.4% of Men Do Not Protect Their Scalp from UV Rays — Survey of 411 Men Aged 20–50

Biotech Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture) conducted a survey in May 2026 targeting 411 men aged 20–50 on the topic of 'Spring UV Exposure and Scalp Care Habits.'

The results revealed that despite UV levels in May already reaching summer-like intensity, men's scalp UV protection lags far behind. While many apply sunscreen to their face, neck, and arms, they leave their scalp completely unprotected—a 'vulnerable structure' now brought to light.

In response to these findings, Biotech will strengthen its initiatives to promote habitual scalp protection and care ahead of the peak summer season.

Key Findings from This Release

Approximately 4 out of 10 men (39.4%) reported taking 'no specific action' for UV protection.

23.4% of men apply sunscreen to their face, but only 8.8% use scalp-specific UV sprays or sunscreens.

Among men who protect their face from UV, 84.4% take no protective measures for their scalp.

A total of 68.3% of men either 'don’t know specifically,' 'have never thought about it,' or 'don’t understand' the effects of UV radiation on their scalp and hair.

41.6% of men are aware they expose their scalp to UV during commutes or outings. In contrast, 34.5% are unaware they are being exposed at all.

■ Survey Background

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency’s UV Index, UV radiation levels in May already reach the 'high' category, sometimes matching peak summer levels※1.

The scalp, being the highest point of the body and directly exposed to sunlight, is said to receive 2–3 times more UV radiation than the face. Experts warn that oxidative stress and inflammation caused by UV exposure can disrupt the scalp environment, damaging hair matrix cells that support hair growth and oxidizing sebum—potentially increasing risks of hair thinning, hair loss, and scalp issues.

While UV protection for the face and body has become commonplace, awareness that 'the scalp also needs UV protection' has not taken root among men. Scalp UV care has yet to become an established daily habit. Therefore, this survey aimed to quantitatively clarify how men currently protect themselves from UV rays and how aware they are of UV’s impact on the scalp, during this active outdoor season in May.
※1 Based on the Japan Meteorological Agency’s 'Monthly Average of Daily Maximum UV Index (Observed Values)'

■ Survey Summary

① Nearly 40% of men take no UV protection. Scalp-specific UV care is implemented by only 8.8%

When asked about 'UV protection measures they usually take' (multiple responses allowed), the most common answer was 'nothing in particular' at 39.4%. This was followed by 'wearing a hat or cap' (30.9%), 'applying sunscreen to the face' (23.4%), and 'applying sunscreen to exposed areas like neck and arms' (19.0%). In contrast, 'scalp-specific UV sprays or sunscreens' were used by only 8.8%, and 'UV styling products for hair and scalp' by just 3.4%. Scalp care adoption rates were the lowest among all protective measures.

※ Biotech survey

② Face protected, scalp exposed — 84.4% gap

Cross-tabulation showed that among the 96 men who reported applying sunscreen to their face, only 15 also used scalp UV sprays or UV styling products. The remaining 81 men (84.4%) protected their face while leaving their scalp completely exposed. Even men who believe they are 'properly protecting themselves from sunburn' completely overlook their scalp.

84.4% of men who protect their face from UV take no action for their scalp

③ 41.6% aware of scalp UV exposure during commutes, while 34.5% 'never thought about it'

When asked about 'situations in the past month where they believe their scalp was directly exposed to UV,' 'commuting or going out (on foot or by bicycle)' ranked highest at 41.6%. This was followed by 'outdoor sports or exercise' (20.7%), 'driving (including through windows)' (19.0%), 'golf, fishing, or hiking' (17.3%), and 'parks, BBQs, or dropping off/picking up children' (15.6%). It is clear that during daily activities like commuting or shopping, the scalp is exposed to significant UV radiation.

Meanwhile, 18.0% responded 'nothing in particular comes to mind' and 16.5% said 'never thought about it'—a total of 34.5% were unaware of UV exposure to their scalp. A significant gap exists between exposure reality and personal awareness.

※ Biotech survey

④ 7 out of 10 men 'do not correctly understand the effects of UV on the scalp'

When asked how much they know about UV’s effects on the scalp and hair, only 10.5% said they 'understand well and take daily precautions.' This was followed by 'heard it’s harmful but don’t take action' (21.2%), 'vaguely think it’s bad but don’t know specifics' (27.7%), 'never thought about it' (14.4%), 'don’t know' (17.0%), and 'believe there is no impact' (9.2%). It became clear that only about 1 in 10 men possess correct knowledge and take action regarding scalp UV protection.

※ Biotech survey

⑤ Emerging demand for 'knowing one’s scalp condition' as an entry point

When asked about interest in services like 'scalp check-ups,' where experts regularly examine scalp health, 15.6% said 'would definitely like to use,' 19.2% said 'would consider depending on content and cost,' 27.5% said 'somewhat interested,' and 17.5% said 'would like to know my scalp condition first before deciding.' A total of 79.8% responded positively. Rather than immediate service contracts, there is clear demand for an 'entry point' to first understand one’s own scalp condition.

※ Biotech survey

■ Expert Commentary

■ Conclusion: Now, Before Summer Peaks, Is the Time to Build the Habit of 'Protecting the Scalp'

This survey revealed that men’s UV protection habits suffer from an extreme gap: 'face protected, scalp exposed.' The scalp receives 2–3 times more UV than the face—essentially the most vulnerable, high-exposure zone of the skin. Whether men can establish the habit of protecting their scalp before summer fully arrives will determine the condition of their scalp environment afterward.

Biotech Co., Ltd. recommends starting with a visual assessment of one’s scalp condition through trial expert check-ups. Why not begin a pre-summer reset by understanding, together with experts, the impact of UV radiation that has been unknowingly absorbed over time?

■ Survey Overview

Item

Content

Survey Name

Survey on Spring UV Exposure and Scalp Care Habits

Target Group

Men aged 20–50 (with some hair/scalp concerns or weekly outdoor activity)

Valid Responses

411

Method

Online Survey

Period

May 8–10, 2026

Conducted by

Biotech Co., Ltd.

■ Company Overview

Item

Content

Company Name

Biotech Co., Ltd.

Headquarters

7F, Hasegawa Building, 1-14-9 Kaminakayama, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi

Representative

CEO Ken Shimizu

Business

Development, sales, and salon operations for hair growth and hair care products

URL

https://www.biotech.ne.jp/

【Contact】

Biotech Co., Ltd.

Public Relations: Takuya Iwata

TEL: 052-746-9961