TO OUR bald fellas, don’t think you’re off the hook when it comes to taming your shaved head. Yes, you too still have a cardinal duty of tending to your scalp. Just because there's an absence of hair, doesn’t mean the skin up there doesn’t deserve (need) a little TLC.
Whether it’s a personal preference to go bald, or you’ve experienced some degree of hair loss, you can rest assured that your shaved head needs extra care with exposure to the sun’s rays, pollutants, airborne toxins, and more. Not to mention, the guys who opt to chop it all off have to think about smaller follicles inside the scalp and future hair growth. It's a big change and a bold move, but overall, caring for a shaved head is pretty low maintenance.
To help you keep things in shape, we’ve crafted a post-shave regimen with essential grooming products that will make you feel liberated and proud to hold your head high. And not to worry—our guide isn't rocket science or super cost effective.
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1.The first line of defense is cleansing your scalp.
It starts with having the right products in your shower. In this case, a hydrating shampoo or facial cleanser will suffice. If you decide to choose a cleanser, be on the lookout for salicylic acid as it exfoliates, moderates oil levels in the skin and reduces the excess of shine.
Blind Barber Blind Barber Lemongrass Tea Shampoo
2. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate.
There's no skipping around this step, unless you want a world of problems. A scalp scrub will gently cleanse and break down any product buildup, dirt or oil—especially if you sweat often. Also, it clears pores and expels dead skin cells, as well as keeps the flakes at bay. At the end of the day, your shaved head will feel incredibly smooth.
Nutrafol Nutrafol Exfoliating Scalp Mask
Read more: Best Scalp Treatments
3. Feed your scalp the proper nourishment.
You're fresh out the shower and now it's time to hydrate your skin. It's paramount to hit every area of your body—and most importantly, your scalp. Lather your head with a moisturizer, but with a small dab. You don't want to have a greasy texture, unless a little shine isn't a bother. Apply just enough to prevent dryness, using either a balm formulated specifically for a shaved head or a facial moisturizer from your daily skincare routine.
Bevel Bald Balm
Bee Bald Smooth Daily Moisturizer
4. SPF is essential—on sunny and cloudy days.
Now that your scalp is completely exposed to direct sunlight, a lightweight sunscreen should be your best friend. It's important to double check the product is labeled at least "SPF 30" and "broad spectrum" to avoid heat damage. The higher, the better. Feel free to to reapply the product every few hours. Be thorough in rubbing it in to steer clear of white residue.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
ISDIN Zinc Oxide Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Read more: Best Moisturizers With SPF
5. Use cleansers to remove flakes.
If you're willing to take the plunge and chop off your hair, make sure to utilize an anti-fungal product to impede outbreaks such as dandruff. Grab a bottle with ingredients such as Ketoconazole or Zinc Pyrithione.
OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Salicylic Acid
Read more: Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
6. Ergonomic or Electric Razor? Both share the same goal.
Making a decision between an electric razor or manual razor is based on your own aesthetic preference. An ergonomic razor is designed with a pivoting head that comfortably maneuvers with the contours of your head. Electric shavers have a leg up on producing a more polished top without getting any cuts, nicks, ingrown hairs or irritation, though manual razors offer a closer, smoother shave.
Freedom Grooming The Flexseries Electric Head Shaver
HeadBlade Moto Head and Skull Shaving Razor
Joseph Cheatham covers grooming stories for Men's Health. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, where he wrote about fashion, lifestyle, and all-things skincare. He graduated with a B.A. in journalism from Howard University in 2016. When he's not writing, he's most likely doing one of three favorites: exercising, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
