There’s some great advice to be found online, and experienced baldies will have a wealth of knowledge that can help you look after your scalp.
But for every nugget that will help keep your bald head looking and feeling its best, there’s a terrible piece of advice floating around the web that will actually have the opposite effect.
In my 20 years of head shaving, I’ve followed all kinds of advice, good and bad. In that time, I’ve learned to be skeptical, to research the science, and which to listen to vs. which to disregard.
I’m here to save you a ton of time by listing the ones I should never have listened to.
Check out these common statements that you should take with a huge pinch of salt!
“Sunburn? Just moisturize and you’ll be fine”
OK I admit it, this was something I’ve told myself a few times.
Sunscreen is an inconvenience, especially on vacation. If I’m in and out of the pool, I have to dry, reapply, and so on.
And that’s why I’ve ended up with a burnt scalp and sunstroke on more than one occasion. ‘Raw lobster’ isn’t the look I’m going for.
The worst part is, that burn might go a nice deep mahogany once you’ve slapped on some moisturizer for a day or two, but then it’s gonna peel. And nobody wants to turn into Flaky Freddie half-way through your vacation.
So now, I always apply sunscreen religiously to avoid sunburn.
Thankfully I made this change before I did irreversible damage to my scalp. Sun damage can cause permanent discoloration, not to mention the potential for skin cancer.
If you read one guide today, make it my guide to safely tanning a bald head.
“Soap works just fine for me”
I see this one all the time and it drives me crazy.
Well-meaning bald guys who just assume everyone’s scalp is the same will dish out this advice like it’s gospel.
The truth is everyone is different, and there are a couple of things to consider before advising everyone to do the same thing:
- Skin sensitivity: Scalp skin can be sensitive, so most regular soaps will cause dryness, and even irritation. At the very least, avoid harsh soaps with strong fragrances or chemicals.
- Scalp conditions: If you have dandruff, eczema, or psoriasis, avoid soap. Instead, you’ll need a product specifically designed to treat those conditions.
For most people it’s generally OK to use soap on your scalp (like… it’s not going to melt or anything…), but there are better options out there that will nourish and protect your bald head.
Personally, I like to keep my dome looking its best. So while I’m skeptical of marketing trying to sell me the latest product, there are ways that a good head wash can give much better results than soap or even regular cosmetic shampoo.
The main thing is moisturization. Soap can strip the skin of its natural oils, so it’s important to keep your scalp hydrated. Whenever I have to wash with soap, I hate the tight, dry feeling I get on my scalp, and I can’t wait to handstand into a vat of moisturizer.
Look for natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter that are known for their moisturizing properties.
What about regular shampoo? That might seem like a good idea, but most contain sulfates, which can dry out your scalp.
That’s why I prefer specialist bald head washes that are specifically designed for your scalp. They’ll give you a fantastic clean without drying out your scalp. Here are my favorites.
If you don’t want to invest in a scalp cleanser, at least make sure you use a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain moisture.
This is a really controversial one!
Lots of people tell me that they use soap and it “works just fine”.
My opinion is that there’s a big difference between my scalp looking “just fine” and being the best it can be!
Which side are you on? Do you use soap or a specialized product for your scalp? What differences have you noticed? Let me know in the comments section below!
“Shave against the grain for a closer cut”
Ouch.
Shaving against the grain can lead to razor burn and ingrown hairs unless your scalp is used to the action. If you’re new to head shaving, always shave with the grain to protect your scalp.
If you’re a more seasoned baldie, you can test how sensitive your scalp is by slowly and gently shaving the back and sides of your head against the grain. I’ve been shaving my head for over 20 years and my scalp has toughened up nicely, so I can dive right in.
But even when you’ve reached this point, you’ll want to use a fresh razor to make sure it’s as sharp as possible to reduce drag. A good quality shaving foam/gel/soap will help here, too.
For extra lubrication, add some shaving oil before you apply the shaving gel. This was something of a revelation when I started using it, and I’ve been relying on oil ever since to give me the perfect glide and eliminate shaving rash almost completely.
If you’re interested in learning more about blade technique, I’d highly recommend this post about how to shave your head with a razor.
“You don’t need to moisturize.”
Sure, there are guys in the bald community who view moisturizer and post-shave maintenance as a little too metrosexual for their taste.
But skipping moisturizer altogether can leave your scalp dry and flaky. As ever, I like to make sure I’m using the right tools for the job, so I always look for a moisturizer that’s specifically designed for bald heads.
I’ve tried most of the brands on the market, and you can check out my top recommendations here.
I also use an alcohol-based post-shave treatment called ClearHead before applying moisturizer and I’ve noticed a significant reduction in soreness and redness after shaving:
HeadBlade ClearHead
Aftershave Scalp Treatment
- Reduces Razor Burn
- Prevents Ingrown Hairs
- Reduces Oiliness
“Any razor will do.”
Sure, you can waste money on overpriced, top-line razors. But you’ll also miss out on a great shave by going cheap and cheerful.
According to a survey I ran, 69% of bald men said that they preferred shaving with a razor over an electric head shaver, and the main reason was closeness.
A good quality razor with good quality blades will give a good-quality shave.
I invested in a Leaf razor which gives me the closest shave I’ve ever had. When I compare that to the substandard job done by a disposable, it’s no contest.
You don’t have to spend $100+ to get a good shave. But yes, you can pay for an excellent one.
There are also some excellent budget options. I have recommendations at all price levels in this roundup of my favorite razors for head shaving.
“You can use the same products as on your face.”
I’m on the fence about this last one. It’s technically correct (the best kind of correct), but using products formulated for your face isn’t the optimal way to care for your bald head.
The scalp is different from facial skin, so using products formulated for the scalp will usually give a better result.
For example, a scalp-specific moisturizer will provide the hydration your scalp needs without clogging pores, unlike regular facial moisturizers that might be too heavy or not adequately formulated for scalp health.
It’s easy to think this is just marketing promoting products we don’t need, but this idea is backed up by science.
Final Thoughts
Be careful whose advice you take. Like anything else in life, critical thinking and questioning what you’re told can make all the difference.
By avoiding bad advice and following tips from knowledgeable sources, you can confidently embrace your bald look while maintaining a healthy, great-looking scalp.
