This commentary raises an important issue that has not been sincerely considered in the field of dermatology, which is the vital role of hairdressers--a group that makes daily observations of the general populations' scalp and neck--in the detection of head and neck melanomas in the general population. We note several key areas of research that are needed to assess the feasibility of using hairdressers as a resource for melanoma detection and referral. If research suggests hairdressers can be trained and are willing to make appropriate referrals then implementing these efforts will likely reduce the increasing disease burden of head and neck melanomas.
Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.