Bald Head Care Guide: Essential Tips for a Healthy, Smooth Scalp

With a bald head comes great responsibility. Yes, the bald look can be easy and low maintenance, but taking good care of your scalp goes beyond shaving.

And so, if you’re wondering how to care for a bald head, you’re in the right place. Whether you’ve decided to embrace hair loss by shaving your head or have embraced the bald look, these simple bald head care tips will keep your scalp looking and feeling its best.

When you have a shaved head, your scalp becomes an extension of your face, at least as far as skincare is concerned. If you don’t have a skincare routine more involved than splashing some cold water on your face, now is a good time to start one (it’s not as intimidating as it may seem).

Keep the skin on your scalp clean by using a face wash daily. If you’re prone to acne or oily skin, look for a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, which will help keep oil, breakouts, and excess shine at bay. If you have sensitive skin, a gentle cream cleanser is usually safe for use on your head.

You may not have hair, but one of shampoo's main jobs is to cleanse the scalp, so using shampoo on a bald head is a good idea. If you’re using face wash on your scalp daily, you only need to use shampoo occasionally (about once a week).

A hydrating shampoo keeps the scalp moisturized, and using a medicated shampoo with anti-fungal ingredients will help if you have scalp conditions like dandruff (yep, you can get dandruff even if you don’t have hair). Our dandruff detox shampoo contains pyrithione zinc 1% (an anti-dandruff ingredient) and salicylic acid, which can stave off breakouts.

If your scalp feels dry or tight, you can also apply a small amount of conditioner —  just remember to rinse thoroughly to avoid build-up.

Scalp scrub is your friend when you have a bald head. Most scrubs have a gritty texture that physically sloughs off dead skin cells, excess dirt, and oil, and it can help prevent ingrown hairs. You can also use a chemical exfoliant containing ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, which chemically breaks down dead skin cells and leaves the scalp soft and smooth.

Just like the skin on the rest of your body, your scalp needs to stay hydrated to look and feel its best. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after the shower when your skin is still slightly damp.

Use a small amount to prevent the head from looking oily. If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to avoid fragrances. Make sure you’re choosing a moisturizer made for the face or scalp, not a lotion for the body, which may cause breakouts.

If you take just one tip from this article, remember that using sunscreen is an essential part of scalp care. Scalp melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can frequently appear on the face, ears, bald scalp, and neck, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

 Bald heads are especially vulnerable to sunburn, as hair provides a protective barrier. Opt for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and remember to cover your full head, including the ears.

To avoid nicks and razor burns, shave carefully with an electric razor or an ergonomic razor designed to contour with the curves of the head. Always use shaving cream or gel when using a razor, and shave with the grain of the hair, at least for the first pass.

With a few easy steps (and a few products in your shower or medicine cabinet), you can keep your bald head looking its best. Here’s what to remember about maintaining a bald head.

• Regularly cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your scalp to keep it smooth and refreshed.

• Use sunscreen daily to prevent sun damage and help maintain scalp health.

• If you’re a minimalist, use products designed for your face on your scalp. It’s better to use products made with facial skin in mind than soaps or lotions for your body, which can be too harsh.

For more men’s grooming tips, check out our guide to how to look good balding.