Need a Summer Hat? - YES, you do!

You may be asking yourself, now that the warmer weather is here and the sun is much hotter...do I need to wear a hat? Yes, you do or at least, yes, you should. You should be wearing a hat during the hot summer months when you are spending time outdoors.

At this time of year, you may be looking for simple function in a spring and summer hat - a hat to protect your head and face from the harmful effects of the sun - both UVA and UVB rays are damaging to our skin. It has been reported that sun damage to the skin is a leading cause of skin cancers and melanoma. Wearing a hat in the summer can provide both style and coverage in the harmful sun summer months.

With the styles and variety of hats available, you don't need to wear a ball cap when you are out in the sun or on the beach (but, of course you certainly can choose a ball cap, if you like). You can opt for any other style of sun hat which will protect you from the sun and look fabulous at the same time. You will look super trendy if you choose a sun hat with a large floppy brim. Not only will you get great sun protection but, you will look like a movie star. Pop on some big sunglasses, your floppy brimmed hat and some kitten heeled sandals and you will look and feel like a million bucks.

For the sportier girl or guy, this summer you can sport a Tilly-like or down-under-like cotton brimmed outback hat. You can be ready for the bush, crocodile hunting or reading a book on the beach with one of these Australian like hats.

For the cowgirl or cowboy in you, get a cowboy styled hat for protection from the summer sun. We are not talking about a leather cowboy hat necessarily - although if you love cowboy hats, go for it. The only reason we suggest perhaps getting a non-leather cowboy hat is for the reason of the heat a leather cowboy hat will keep on your head and therefore, in your body. You can get cowboy hats in lighter fabrics and weaves. There are many straw and raffia cowboy styled hats which are perfect for the summer cowgirl or cowboy - UV sun protection with great country western style and flair.

Even a Fedora styled hat would be considered wearing a hat. While it may not provide much protection from the sun on your face, it will protect your head. Get a lightweight fedora for comfort and style.

And minimum, minimum, minimum, if you are not going to or do not want to wear a full hat (because it might mess up your hair)...please wear at least a visor to protect your beautiful facial skin. A visor will provide you with some sun protection especially on your face - not to mention the fact that you will be squinting less and therefore, you may even prevent some wrinkling.