Shaving your head can be a liberating and empowering choice, whether you do it for style, convenience, or health reasons. However, a bald head also requires special attention and care to keep it looking and feeling great.
In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on caring for a shaved head and some of the best products and tools you can use for how to care for a bald head.
Tips and Tricks on How to Care for a Bald Head
Having a shaved head is a bold and confident style choice that has gained popularity among men and women alike. Whether you're embracing the bald look by choice or necessity, proper care and maintenance are essential to keep your scalp smooth, hydrated, and protected.
Preparing for the Shave
Before diving into the world of shaved head care, it's important to ensure you know how to shave your head and have the right tools and products to achieve a smooth and comfortable shave. Here are some key considerations:
The cornerstone of a fantastic shaved head is a quality razor. Consider investing in a high-quality electric shaver specifically designed for bald heads. This option will provide a close shave while minimizing the risk of nicks and cuts.
Pair your chosen electric razor with a shaving cream, gel, or pre-shave oil that works best for your skin. Experiment with different products to find one that provides a smooth glide and moisturizes your scalp effectively.
Consult with fellow head shavers to get recommendations on their favorite shaving products.
Before shaving your head, it's crucial to prepare your scalp properly. Start by exfoliating your scalp to remove any dead skin cells or buildup.
This will help ensure a smoother shave and prevent ingrown hairs. You can use a gentle scrub or a soft bristle brush to exfoliate your scalp before shaving.
Moisturizing your scalp is the next step in achieving a comfortable shave. Apply a hydrating lotion or oil to soften the hair follicles and create a smooth surface for the razor. Make sure to choose a product specifically formulated for the scalp and massage it gently.
The Shaving Process
Now that your tools and scalp are prepared, it's time for the main event: the shave itself. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect shaved head:
1. Wetting the Scalp
Start by wetting your scalp thoroughly with warm water. This helps soften your hair and open up your pores, making it easier to achieve a close shave.
2. Applying Shaving Product
Take a small amount of your chosen shaving cream, gel, or oil and apply it evenly across your scalp. Massage it gently to create a rich lather for lubrication during the shave.
3. Shaving Techniques for a Close and Even Shave
Using short, gentle strokes, carefully shave your head toward hair growth. If you prefer an ultra-skin smooth look, you can also shave against the grain for a closer shave.
After completing the shave, rinse your scalp thoroughly with cool water to close the pores and remove any lingering shaving cream or oil.
Post-Shave Care
Once the shaving process is complete, caring for your freshly shaved head is important to maintain its smoothness and prevent irritation. Here are some post-shave care tips:
Just because you don’t have hair growth doesn’t mean you can skip washing your scalp. Dirt, oil, sweat, and dead skin develop that build up on your bald scalp, causing irritation, dryness, and dandruff. To prevent this, you should wash your scalp daily with a gentle shampoo and conditioner suitable for your skin type. You can also use a scalp scrub that removes dead skin cells. Do this once or twice a week to exfoliate and remove any impurities.
Clean your scalp with a gentle cleanser specifically designed for your bald scalp. Avoid harsh soaps or shampoos that can strip away natural oils and cause dryness to your sensitive skin.
Moisturize your scalp daily with a product that provides long-lasting hydration. Look for ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, or coconut oil, known for their moisturizing properties.
If you experience razor bumps or an irritated scalp, apply a soothing balm or aftershave to calm the skin. Look for products that contain ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Hydration and Protection
Proper hydration and protection are vital to keeping your shaved head looking and feeling its best. Here are some essential considerations:
Moisturizing your dry scalp should be a top priority in your shaved head care routine. A well-hydrated scalp helps prevent dryness, itching, and flakiness. Look for moisturizers specifically formulated for the scalp and apply them daily.
Bald heads are more prone to dry and itchy scalp, especially if you are exposed to harsh weather conditions or sun damage.
To keep your scalp healthy, hydrated, and smooth, make sure to apply a moisturizer after washing your head or when you have dry skin. You can use a regular moisturizer that works for your face or body or a special product designed for bald heads like Freebird's intensely nourishing Refreshing Sandalwood Moisturizer, a must-try for all men and women who are asking about how to care for a bald head.
One of the biggest challenges of having a shaved head is protecting scalp skin from the sun daily. Without hair to shield your scalp from harmful UV rays, you are at a higher risk of sunburn, sun damage, skin-causing cancer, and premature aging.
To avoid these problems, you should always wear sunscreen or a hat outside. You should take care and reapply sunscreen every two hours or after sweating or swimming. Look for water-resistant options that won't run into your eyes when you sweat or swim.
Maintenance and Styling
Maintaining a beautiful bald head doesn't end with the shave itself. Regular care and styling are necessary to ensure your bald look remains polished and stylish.
Maintaining scalp cleanliness is essential to prevent the buildup of dirt and oil. Wash your scalp regularly, but avoid over-washing, as it can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness. Invest in a gentle cleanser designed for the scalp and work it into a lather. Rinse thoroughly to cleanse your scalp.
Some people prefer a shiny bald head, while others prefer a matte look. If you belong to the latter group, you may want to prevent unwanted shine on your scalp, especially if you have oily skin or live in a humid climate. You can use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture to prevent unwanted shine.
While a shaved head offers a sleek and minimalist look, there are still options for styling. Experiment with different products with natural and organic ingredients like scalp balms, sweet almond oil, shine sprays, or texturizing creams to add dimension and shine to your bald look. Don't be afraid to consult a professional stylist specializing in bald heads for personalized recommendations and techniques.
One of the fun and creative ways to protect your scalp is to style it with accessories. Accessories can add personality and flair to your bald look and complement your outfit and mood. You can experiment with different types of accessories, such as:
Hats: Hats are practical for protecting your scalp from the sun and fashionable for adding color and texture to your head. You can wear a hat and choose from various styles, such as beanies, fedoras, baseball caps, berets, or bucket hats.
Scarves: Scarves are another versatile accessory that can protect your scalp. You can wrap a scarf around your head like a bandana or tie it into a turban, a bow, or a knot. You can also use scarves with different patterns, fabrics, and lengths to create different looks.
Earrings: Earrings are a great way to draw attention to your face and enhance your features. You can wear earrings that match your skin tone, eye color, or outfit. You can also choose earrings that suit your style, such as studs, hoops, dangles, or cuffs.
Glasses: Glasses are useful for improving your vision, stylishly framing your face, and adding some contrast to your head. You can wear glasses that fit your face shape, personality, and occasion. You can also switch between different types of glasses, such as sunglasses, reading glasses, or prescription glasses.
Treatment of Scalp Problems
Sometimes, despite taking good care of your bald head, you may still encounter scalp problems, such as dryness, flaking, itching, redness, irritation, or infection. Various factors, such as shaving technique, skin sensitivity, weather conditions, or underlying medical conditions, can cause these problems. To treat any scalp problems, you can use these tips:
Identify the cause of your problem and try to avoid or eliminate it. For example, if you have razor bumps or ingrown hairs, you may need to change your razor or shaving cream or shave less often or more gently.
Use products that are suitable for your skin type and condition. For example, if you have a dry or flaky scalp, you may need to use moisturizing and soothing products. If you have an oily or acne-prone scalp, you may need oil-free and antibacterial products to cleanse your scalp.
Consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin and your problem persists or worsens. You may need a prescription medication or treatment to address your problem.
Conclusion
Caring for a bald head requires proper preparation, maintenance, and protection. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to achieving a smooth, healthy, and stylish bald look.
The most important and rewarding way to care for a shaved head is to embrace and love it. A bald head is not a flaw or a limitation; it is a choice and a statement. A shaved head can make you feel free, confident, comfortable, and attractive. To embrace and love your shaved head, you can:
Surround yourself with positive people who support and appreciate you for who you are.
Ignore negative comments or judgments from others who don’t understand or respect your decision to shave your head.
Celebrate any achievements or milestones that you accomplish with your bald head.
Be proud of yourself for taking control of your life and making a bold move.
Embrace the confidence that comes with rocking a bald head, and remember to have fun exploring different products and techniques that work best for you.
Happy head shaving!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you shave your head?
Generally, it depends on your personal preference. You need to consider your hair growth rate and skin sensitivity. Many would choose to shave their head as often as they shave their face since the stubble on your face would grow at the same rate as your head.
For a smooth and shiny look, shaving daily or every other day would be a good place to start.
If you prefer the close-to-the-buzz-cut look, you can shave your head once or twice a week. Choosing this frequency lowers the risk of irritation and dryness with frequent shaving.
What should you put on your head while shaving?
While your shaver's owner's manual may say that you can do a dry or wet shave with your shaver, I would recommend a wet shave rather than a dry shave. I learned the hard way when I first got my rotary head shaver. I opted for a dry shave without preparing my head and neck. The result: razor burn on my neck. This taught me a painful lesson. Always do a pre-shave routine by moisturizing your scalp and neck before shaving. Virgin Coconut Oil works well for me. You can also try out our best-selling pre-shave lotion and shave gel.
How often should I wash my shaved head?
If you have an oily scalp, it's a dirt magnet, so you must wash daily to remove excess oil. Daily washing is also recommended if you live in a location with high air pollution levels. You can use a shampoo that suits your skin type and is formulated for daily use. For bald guys with dry or sensitive skin, washing every other day or twice a week is a good option. Use a gentle cleanser that hydrates your skin.
Can Vaseline help with a dry scalp?
Using petroleum jelly on your dry scalp may help since it creates a protective barrier on your skin and seals in moisture. The drawbacks? Vaseline can clog your pores and make dandruff worse. It's also hard to wash off, which means you may attract more dirt and bacteria.
If you are unsure if Vaseline will help your dry scalp, consult your dermatologist.
Do you put aftershave on your head?
You can use an aftershave on your head if you don't get irritated. Remember, though, that not all aftershaves are suitable for your head. The best aftershave routine for your bald head is to use aftershave products specially designed for head shavers.
Should I moisturize my shaved head?
Moisturizing your head after shaving should be a part of your post-shave routine. It's important to moisturize since your shaving can cause dryness. A hydrated scalp prevents dryness and irritation. You can start with our scalp care line, designed specifically for bald heads.
