Benefits of Shaving Head: Pros, Cons, & How to Do It Right

If you’re experiencing hair thinning or male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), noticing the early signs of baldness, or are interested in changing your look, you may be curious about the pros and cons of shaving your head.

So, is shaving your head good for your hair? How often do you have to shave if you’re rocking a bald look? What’s the best razor to use?

We’ll cover the benefits of shaving your head as well as some potential disadvantages. We’ll also touch on how to safely shave your head if you choose to do it yourself.

Why shave your head? It can:

• Be an easy way to respond to hair loss

• Save you money

• Save you time

• Simplify scalp care

• Keep your head cooler

• Give you a different look

Below, we’ll go into more detail about some of the benefits of shaving your head.

Shaving Your Head Is an Easy Way to Deal With Hair Loss

Embracing the fully bald look is possibly the easiest and most sustainable way to deal with hair loss, thinning hair, or a receding hairline.

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to go bald, check out our interview with one man who decided to embrace the bald look.

Shaving Your Head Saves Money

Can you save money by shaving your head? Yep.

After the initial cost of investing in an electric shaver, a solid razor, and some shaving cream (all of which can be purchased inexpensively), shaving your head is less expensive than visiting a barber every few weeks.

Even if you decide to have your head professionally shaved, it should cost less than a full haircut would.

Plus, you won’t be buying shampoo, conditioner, and other hair care products anymore. Instead, you can wash your scalp with soap or a facial cleanser.

Shaving Your Head Saves Time

There’s some upkeep associated with a fully bald head (you’ll have to shave it every few days), but it’ll also save you time.

There’s no denying the practicality of this low-maintenance look. You won’t have to worry about shampooing, so you may take shorter showers, and you’ll save time on styling. Plus, no bad hair days.

A Shaved Head Makes Scalp Care Easy

Taking care of your scalp becomes easier without hair in the way.

You’ll be able to exfoliate and moisturize easily, and if you have an existing scalp condition like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, it’s easier to apply treatment and ointments.

A Shaved Head Will Stay Cooler

If you live in a warm climate or just run hot, you may appreciate that, without hair trapping heat, you’ll feel a little cooler. You also might notice the sweat on your scalp dries more quickly.

You May Be Perceived Differently With a Shaved Head

This one’s not necessarily a benefit, but it’s definitely not a downside.

A 2012 study found that men with shaved heads were perceived as more dominant, stronger, and taller when compared to pictures of themselves with hair.

So, it might be worth leaning into being bald with self-confidence and empowerment.

Are there shaving head benefits for hair growth? Unfortunately, no. The idea that shaving your head leads to thicker or denser hair is just a popular myth.

Shaving your head can’t and won’t change its thickness, density, color, or how fast it grows.

However, after you shave your head, the hair that grows in might appear temporarily thicker just because of its blunt tip.

Though shaving your head has many benefits, it also has some potential drawbacks:

• Dry skin. Frequent shaving and exposure to the elements can lead to dry skin on your head. For this reason, you’ll want to use a facial or body moisturizer to keep your scalp hydrated and exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. (And by the way, bald people can still get dandruff).

• Sunburn. Hair offers protection from the sun, and without it, a bald head is more prone to sunburns. Research shows that the scalp is a common site for certain types of skin cancer. To avoid scalp sunburn, wear SPF every day on your scalp and any exposed skin.

• Ingrown hairs. An ingrown hair happens when a hair grows back into the scalp instead of growing outward. It’s particularly prevalent in people with tightly coiled hair. Although it’s most common in the beard area, it can occur on the scalp, especially after shaving. Regular exfoliating can help.

• Scalp irritation. Shaving can cause redness, irritation, itching, or razor burn, especially if you use a dull blade. Make sure your razor is clean and sharp before using it.

Shaving your head is pretty straightforward, though it does require a little prep to get right.

Here are the basic steps:

1. Look at your scalp with a mirror to find any scabs, bumps, cuts, or other areas you’ll want to avoid.

2. Buzz your hair first with clippers to get it to a uniform length.

3. Wash your scalp.

4. Apply shaving cream.

5. Start shaving at the top center of your head, then move down toward the sides and back.

6. Rinse, dry your scalp, and apply moisturizer.

Using shaving cream and scalp-friendly lotion afterward can help you avoid razor burn.

For a (much) more in-depth tutorial, check out our dedicated guide for how to shave your head.

Whether to rock the smooth-head look (or even just a buzz cut) is ultimately a personal choice.

Here’s what to remember about the benefits of shaving your head:

• Shaving your head eliminates the hassle of hair loss, saves money on haircuts and products, and simplifies your grooming routine.

• Embracing a fully bald head is easy and safe. But you’ll need to be mindful of wearing sunscreen on your scalp and practicing scalp care to avoid ingrown hairs and scalp irritation.

• Hair growth and increased hair density aren’t among the benefits of shaving your head. If you’re looking to slow or reverse hair loss, we offer access to two FDA-approved medications — minoxidil and finasteride. 

For more info on shaving your head, check out our posts on bald head care and the best beard styles for bald men.

If you decide shaving your head isn’t for you (we get it), connect with a licensed healthcare provider online through Hims to learn more about your hair loss treatment options.