If you regularly shave your head, you’ll understand the importance of a moisturizer to manage that awful dry feeling on your scalp.
A good moisturizer is essential for your bald head, especially after wet shaving.
Key takeaways
- Best overall bald head moisturizer: Bald Boss by The Bald Brothers is my pick for best moisturizer for its all-around performance and cool, fruity scent.
- Natural solution: Jojoba oil is a great natural oil to use as a scalp moisturizer. It’s rich in vitamin E, non-greasy, and has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
- SPF is vital: Remember, many moisturizers lack SPF. It’s crucial to protect your bald head from the sun, so consider using additional sun protection.
- Application: Cleanse, pat dry, apply moisturizer in a circular motion, let it absorb, and reapply as needed.
Quick Comparison:
| Moisturizer | Link | Best for: | SPF? | Finish | Discount Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Bald Brothers Bald Boss Face & Scalp Moisturizer | Click here | Best overall | No | Matte | HAPPY20 |
| Bee Bald Smooth Plus Daily Moisturizer | Click here | Best with SPF | Yes | Matte | n/a |
| HeadBlade HeadLube Glossy | Click here | A shiny head | No | Shine | n/a |
| HeadBlade HeadLube Matte | Click here | A matte finish | No | Matte | n/a |
| Freebird Refreshing Sandalwood Moisturizer | Click here | Sensitive scalps | No | Shine | n/a |
| Cliganic USDA Organic Jojoba Oil | Click here | Best oil | Some | Shine | n/a |
What to look for in a moisturizer
- Fast absorbing: Choose a product that sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue. A moisturizer should provide immediate relief, especially after shaving which can leave your scalp dry.
- Non-sticky finish: Ideally, your moisturizer shouldn’t leave a sticky or slippery layer. The ideal cream disappears entirely, without any unpleasant tactile residue.
- SPF protection: Exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays increases the risk of skin damage and cancer, especially for bald heads. If your moisturizer includes SPF protection, reapply when in direct sunlight for extended periods, just like regular sunblock. If not, don’t forget to use sunblock on top of your moisturizer.
- Organic ingredients: Avoid moisturizers with harsh chemicals. Ingredients like alcohol can dry the skin, while others, like Propylene Glycol, can irritate. Look for natural ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Best Overall Bald Head Moisturizer: Bald Boss Face & Scalp Moisturizer
After a lot of trial and error with other products, I use this specialist scalp moisturizer for bald head care every day, and can’t recommend it enough.
In my opinion, this is easily the best moisturizer for bald head maintenance. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in the appearance of my scalp since I started applying this on a daily basis.
Why should you trust this review?
Expertise: I’ve been shaving my head for nearly 20 years and for that entire time, I’ve used moisturizer to keep my scalp hydrated and reduce redness and soreness.
Experience: Unlike many online reviews, I’ve tested Bald Boss and can recommend how effective it is from personal experience! Here’s my full review.
Pros
1. Long-lasting
2. Non-sticky and non-greasy
3. Great smell
4. Natural ingredients
5. Quick-absorbing
Cons
1. No SPF
EDIT: This used to be a problem, until The Bald Brothers developed an SPF product!
Bald Brothers Daily Sunscreen SPF50 Invisible Gel
- Rare, fast-drying SPF gel
- Ultra matte, zero shine finish
- Rich in antioxidants & skin barrier support
- Fragrance-free & hypoallergenic
- Formulated for daily use on the scalp
Best for SPF protection: Bee Bald Smooth Plus Daily Moisturizer
Pros
1. Sun protection against UVA and UVB rays
2. Quick-absorbing
3. Non-greasy
4. Smells great
5. Value-for-money
Cons
1. Matte
If you’re a fan of a good shine on your bald head, Bee Bald’s moisturizer might not ‘bee’ for you. It never completely eliminated my shine but it does aim to reduce it, so if you’d rather have a shiny bald head, consider the next option instead:
Best for shiny bald heads: HeadBlade HeadLube Glossy
Pros
1. Good Value
2. Fast-absorbing
3. Non-Greasy
4. Long-lasting
HeadLube actually keeps your head hydrated longer than some more expensive products, without having to reapply.
Cons
1. Residue
If you don’t properly rub HeadLube into your scalp it can leave a white residue, although this shouldn’t be too much of an issue given how fast-absorbing it is.
2. Lack of SPF
Sun protection is important for people with shaved heads as we’ve covered, and it’s a shame more moisturizers don’t include SPF, including HeadLube.One user wished the product contained SPF for sun protection, which can be important for those with shaved heads
3. Shine
This should be obvious, but if you’re looking for a matte finish, don’t choose a gloss product. Instead, use the recommendation below:
Best matte finish: HeadBlade HeadLube Matte
Pros
1. Reduces shine
2. Value for money
3. Soothing
4. Non-greasy
5. Fast-absorbing
6. Great smell
Cons
1. Short-lived matte effect
The matte effect does not last the whole day, and you might need to reapply. Everyone’s scalp is different, but I don’t expect that many people will get a consistent effect all day.
Choosing a bald head moisturizer as a black man
Black men’s bald heads often suffer from either dryness or oiliness, which are two opposite problems.
If your head tends to be dry, look for a strong hydrating moisturizer like Bald Boss (recommended above).
On the other hand, if your scalp is particularly oily, look for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic. This is a fancy way of saying that the product won’t clog or block your pores but instead will keep them breathable to avoid acne breakouts.
This is because your oily scalp is caused by more active sebaceous glands, which produce the natural oil that lubricates and protects your head.
Best for sensitive scalps: Freebird Refreshing Moisturizer
Pros
1. Designed for sensitive scalps
2. Natural soothing ingredients
3. Dual hydration
4. Vegan & cruelty-free
5. Clean & fresh fragrance
Cons
1. Lack of SPF
Like many other scalp moisturizers, Freebird’s lacks sun protection.
Best moisturizing oils for a bald head
There are some great bald head moisturizers on the market, but lots of bald guys like to look for a more natural alternative.
If this is you, there are lots of natural and organic oils with various benefits for a bald scalp. There’s one that stands out, though:
Which oil is best for a bald head?
While there are lots of oils out there that moisturize, hydrate, and soothe itchy and irritated scalps, jojoba oil is the best all-round option. It’s rich in vitamin E for amazing hydration, has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and is super-absorbent and non-greasy.
If you’re looking for an oil to keep your bald head looking at feeling its best, you won’t go wrong with jojoba oil.
Benefits of jojoba oil for a bald head
Jojoba oil has a number of benefits for a bald head. It’s a great natural moisturizer, which is kind to sensitive skin. It’s also a good option for anyone suffering from dry, flaky, or itchy skin due to its ability to soothe these and many other skin conditions.
One of the most significant benefits of jojoba oil for a bald head is its moisturizing properties. The oil is rich in vitamin E and other fatty acids that can penetrate deeply into the scalp to provide nourishment and hydration.
It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which helps maintain the natural pH balance of the scalp. This helps to reduce flakiness and dryness. The best part is, jojoba oil absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue behind.
If you have sensitive skin, jojoba oil is an excellent option for you. The oil is gentle and hypoallergenic, making it a perfect choice for those who are prone to irritation or allergic reactions.
If you’re spending time outdoors, jojoba oil offers some protection against the sun’s harmful rays, but it shouldn’t be used as a sunblock. Jojoba oil has an SPF4 rating, which isn’t great, even compared to some bald head moisturizers which include SPF30 protection.
Sun damage on a bald head is not a great look and the dangers of skin cancer are very real. The safest option is to use an actual sunblock, wear a hat, or both. Learn more about tanning a bald head.
How to use jojoba oil on a bald head
- Start with clean, dry hair.
- Apply a small amount of jojoba oil to your fingertips and massage it into your scalp for a few minutes, covering the entire area.
- Leave the oil on your scalp for at least an hour.
- Rinse the oil with warm water and a gentle bald head shampoo.
How to Apply Moisturizer to Your Bald Head
Using your bald head moisturizer properly is just as important as choosing the right product. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the most out of your moisturizer:
Step 1: Cleanse Your Scalp
Before you apply moisturizer, it’s important to properly clean your scalp to remove any dirt, sweat, or oil that could prevent the moisturizer from absorbing properly.
Use a specialist bald head shampoo or head wash to avoid stripping your scalp of its natural oils.
Step 2: Pat Dry
Once your dome is clean, pat your scalp dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause irritation.
Your scalp should be slightly damp when you apply the moisturizer, as this can help lock in moisture. However, if it’s too wet the moisturizer won’t soak in properly.
Step 3: Apply the Moisturizer
Take a small amount of moisturizer (about the size of a small coin) and warm it up in your hands. Then, gently massage it into your scalp using circular motions.
Make sure to cover all areas, including the back of your head and behind your ears. If you accidentally use too much, treat yourself and rub the excess into your face.
Step 4: Let It Absorb
Give the moisturizer time to absorb before you put any hats on your bald head. This should only take a couple of minutes if you’ve used a good quality moisturizer, as all the best ones are fast-absorbing.
If your scalp feels greasy, you might have used too much. Use a little less next time and remember that different moisturizers need different amounts to properly hydrate your scalp.
Step 5: Reapply as Needed
Depending on your skin type, the moisturizer you use, and the climate where you live, you might need to reapply throughout the day.
If your scalp feels dry or tight, it’s a sign that you need more moisturizer. If it feels greasy or oily, use a little less but apply more frequently throughout the day.
FAQs
Moisturize your bald head once or twice daily. You should be able to moisturize in the morning after a shower and be good for the day, but you may need to reapply later in the day if you have particularly dry skin or during bad weather.
The best time to moisturize a bald head is immediately after showering or washing your head. Hot water alone can dry your scalp, while moisturizing will relieve this dryness. Some people also like to moisturize before bed to allow the product to work overnight
You can use face moisturizer on your bald head, as long as you check that the product is gentle, non-comedogenic, and free from harsh chemicals. Face moisturizers are typically designed to hydrate sensitive skin, making many of them suitable for the scalp as well.
While you can technically use any moisturizer on a bald head, it’s best to choose one specifically designed for scalp care or a gentle face moisturizer. Avoid products with high alcohol content or harsh ingredients that might dry out or irritate the scalp.
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and is great at hydrating your skin. If you suffer from dryness, flaking, dandruff, or psoriasis on your scalp, coconut oil can help alleviate those symptoms and keep your skin feeling nourished and healthy.
Summary
If you want to know how to look good bald, start by looking after your scalp.
A good moisturizer is an essential part of a bald head care routine, so find the right one for you and use it every day to stop your scalp from drying out and maintain a healthy-looking dome.
I always recommend Bald Boss as the best overall moisturizer for bald heads, but that’s because it’s the right product for me. Everyone’s scalp is different.
If you have a specific need when it comes to bald head care, I’d always recommend choosing the best tool for the job. So if your scalp is dry, oily, or sensitive, go with a moisturizer that targets this specific problem.
Now you’ve got this step sorted, check out my free PDF guide that will walk you through the other steps to looking better bald:
