Awareness and First Aid

On cold winter mornings, we bundle up in jackets and gloves but often forget our heads. 

Does heat loss through your head really affect your body temperature?

There is a common belief that we lose between 40-50% of our body heat through our heads being exposed. While this idea is widely believed, it’s a myth. We experience heat loss from any part of the body that is exposed to the cold, not just the head. The head doesn’t lose more heat than other parts, such as your legs, arms or feet, but since it is often left uncovered, when the rest of the body is covered up, it becomes a key area for heat escape.

Why the head still matters

While the percentage of heat loss through the head has been exaggerated, exposing your head in cold weather can still lead to a significant amount of heat loss. Especially for children, because their heads are often proportionally larger than their bodies. The scalp has a rich blood supply, and in cold environments, the body prioritises core warmth, reducing blood flow to extremities and exposed areas. An exposed head can contribute to:

  • There is an increased risk of hypothermia, especially in children who lose body heat faster than adults. The elderly are at a higher risk due to old age weakening their body’s ability to regulate body temperature and sense that it is getting colder.
  • Headaches or respiratory issues: triggered by cold air exposure

Wearing a beanie, balaclava, or hoody can significantly affect how you feel and how your body performs in cold weather. These simple accessories are essential for retaining body heat. They also protect sensitive areas such as the ears and forehead from frostbite, a common risk in freezing temperatures. Additionally, covering the head helps prevent overall body heat from escaping, especially during outdoor activities or at night when temperatures tend to drop further.

Whether you're out for a walk, working outdoors, or travelling, remember that covering your head is a small step that can greatly impact your comfort and health.

Call ER24 on 084 124 - We’re ready for anything, even in the cold.