5 Ways to Protect That Classic Shine
There’s a rumbling in the streets of Reno, Nev, for Hot August Nights this week that reminds us all of the old days, when gas was cheap and our hair was as thick and luxuriant as the cushions in a ’57 Bel Air. Now that time has thinned out your pate, and the bluebird Northern Nevada skies are letting the sun shine through, it’s important to take steps to preserve the luster of your car and your skin.
The UV Index is hovering around 9 and 10 for the duration, which is considered “Very High.” While you’re walking around the streets of downtown Reno, or perusing the classic cars in one of the show ‘n shine lots, remember that you can get a sunburn in as little as 15 minutes, though you may have to look through an entire phalanx of ’69 Camaro Super Sports before you start to feel it.
Rest assured that once you get scalp sunburn, you’ll REALLY feel it! Since your scalp receives way more UV exposure than other parts of your body, it’s the first place you’ll burn and the first place you should protect. Here are five ways you shade your dome from these hot August days.
#5 Mind the Gap
Don’t forget that even those of you lucky enough to still have a full head of hair aren’t immune. Depending on your favorite era of American car culture, that neatly parted coiffure could be setting you up for a nasty hair-part burn. The next time you slice that with a comb you could be reeling from the burn and looking silly with a deep red line befouling your Fonz-like coolness.
#4 Be A Night Owl
The best action happens at night, right? Wait until the sun goes down to set out and see the classics. During the daylight hours enjoy the myriad indoor activities, or lounging (in the shade) by the pool or under the pines at beautiful Lake Tahoe.
#3 Head For The Shade
Stay on the shady side of the streets, in the shadows of the downtown Reno casino towers during Hot August Nights. It’s very common for the classic car buffs to cover their lids with shade-maker hats and/or umbrellas while perusing the hot rods.
#2 Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen.
You protect the shine on your cars hood from scratches and water spots with carnauba wax and you protect the shine on your scalp from sunspots and burns with sunscreen. Apply at minimum 30 SPF or higher sunblock at least 30 minutes prior to exposure, and reapply after swimming, or sweating. Spray sunblock is usually easier to apply to your head than the rub on variety. Be sure to test the product to make sure it doesn’t make your hair look oily or greasy. Another good scalp sunblock option the alcohol or gel-based sunblocks, which are completely, clear and won’t leave white residue on your head or hair.
Keep in mind that SPF refers to a product’s ability to protect your skin from UVB radiation, which is what gives you a sunburn. UVA is the radiation that can prematurely age your skin. The Centers for Disease control recommends a sunblock with both UVA and UVB protection (also called broad-spectrum sunscreen), rated 15 SPF or higher, although we recommend 30 SPF at least.
#1 A Hat
The absolute best way to block UV light exposure to the sensitive and thin skin of your scalp is by wearing a hat. The bigger and shadier the better. But not everyone wants to look like Farmer John poking around the auto show (plus, your shadow could spoil the gleaming chrome of a ’59 Cadillac). Wear at least a baseball cap with full opacity, not a mesh back. That mesh will let in all the light and still allows your scalp to burn.
