Remember the first time you shaved your head? That liberating feeling you got from finally breaking free, not worrying about male pattern baldness, doing combovers, wearing hats, and thinking about how to regain lost hair.
Freedom feels great, but the vibe changes when you start experiencing post-shave stings, razor burns, and razor bumps that may accompany head shaving.
This is where adding an aftershave to your grooming routine comes in.
To make your bald head happy and healthy again, join me and discover the best aftershave lotion for bald heads.
The 11 Best Aftershaves for Head Shavers
#1 Freebird Hydrating Post Shave Lotion - Top Pick for Bald Heads
Our top pick for your aftershave routine is Freebird's Hydrating Post-Shave Lotion. This sandalwood-scented aftershave lotion is a game-changer. It can remove the sting from your shaving routine and soothe and hydrate your scalp to prevent irritation.
Freebird formulated their post-shave lotion with bald scalps in mind. It's perfect for moisturizing our scalps and helping them heal after a shave. It's made with gentle ingredients, is paraben-free, and is safe for sensitive skin.
Buy from myfreebird.com.
#2 Bee Bald Post Shave Healing Balm - Runner-Up for Bald Heads
Another excellent product from Bee Bald formulated with head shavers in mind. The Bee Bald Post Shave Healing Balm is suitable for all skin types and contains bee pollen and honey extracts that help soothe irritation post-shaving. It also has anti-bacterial properties that help prevent infection.
Its non-greasy formulation and fresh aquatic scent are a perfect combination for head shavers who want less shine and a lighter fragrance aftershave.
#3 Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Best aftershave for sensitive skin
Dermatologists say head shavers with sensitive skin should avoid alcohol-based formulas because they cause dry skin.
The Nivea Sensitive Skin Post Shave Balm is alcohol-free and packs a soothing punch with Vitamin E, witch hazel extract, and chamomile. These are the perfect ingredients for calming even the most reactive scalps.
It's dermatologically tested and our best aftershave for sensitive skin. Nivea is a famous brand that assures you of quality.
Researchers at Nivea formulated this aftershave balm to fight the five signs of shave irritation:
burning,
micro cuts
dryness,
tightness
and stubble itching
#4 LeLabo Aftershave Balm - Best Luxury Aftershave
Users describe the LeLabo Aftershave Balm as a luxury aftershave balm in a bottle. The creamy balm works well for baldies with dry and sensitive skin.
The floral scent of bergamot makes you smell like a million bucks. Notable ingredients include avocado oil, squalene, sunflower, rosemary, and niacinamide.
Buy from their website.
#5 NUXE Men Aftershave Balm - Best aftershave for all skin types
Our top pick for aftershave for all skin types, the NUXE Men Aftershave Balm, is made from carefully selected natural ingredients like oak bark, sandalwood, horse chestnut, hornbean buds, and baobab leaf mucilage.
This aftershave balm takes advantage of the power of oak bark extract to help reduce irritation and redness, leaving your scalp smooth and irritation-free.
#6 Weleda After Shave Balm - Best gentle aftershave
An aftershave balm that will surely soothe your scalp, the Weleda Balm is packed with the natural goodness of chamomile, aloe vera gel, shea butter, jojoba, and coconut oil. It's gentle on sensitive skin and great for refreshing and cooling scalps after shaving.
#7 Proraso Aftershave lotion - Best aftershave for oily skin
While alcohol-based aftershaves aren't recommended for those with dry skin, they are helpful for those with oily skin. The alcohol will remove some excess oil on your skin, which is good for overall scalp health.
You'll be fine using an alcohol-based aftershave if you avoid ingredients that can clog pores, like cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil. These ingredients cause more oil, which we don't want for our scalps.
The Proraso aftershave lotion is our best bet for oily skin. It contains witch hazel, eucalyptus, and menthol, which calm and refresh your scalp after a quick shave.
#8 Horace Aftershave Gel - Best natural aftershave
The Horace Aftershave Gel is as natural as it gets. It's paraben- and silicone-free and contains aloe vera, menthol, and kukui oil. This effective combination helps prevent razor burns and invigorates your scalp.
Buy from their website.
#9 Sukin Signature Facial Moisturizer - Best in Fragrance
Don't let the facial label fool you. The Sukin Facial Moisturizer is packed with aloe vera and jojoba oils, which also work wonders on scalps.
It smells great and contains other ingredients like sesame oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, baobab extract, citrus, cinnamon, and Tasmanian pepper.
#10 Shiseido Moisturizing Recovery Cream - Best aftershave for dry skin
The Shiseido Moisturizing Recovery Cream is our top pick for dry scalps. Modern razors are sharp and efficient but can aggravate dry skin, often leading to irritation, redness, and dandruff.
If your scalp feels dry and rough after shaving, the Shiseido aftershave cream is all you need to moisturize it the whole day.
Buy from their website.
#11 Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel - Best aftershave for razor burn
If razor burns on your head are a problem, try our top aftershave with skin healers that help prevent your dreaded nemesis. The Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel is alcohol-free and contains lavender, aloe, sage, chamomile, and glycerin. Proven skin-soothing ingredients that heal and hydrate tender scalps after shaving.
Head shavers love Jack Black's cooling gel because it hydrates the scalp while controlling oil. Witch hazel helps reduce excess sebum, while the other ingredients maintain hydration.
What are aftershaves?
Aftershaves are your scalp's best buddy after a good buzz. They've always been part of the shaving ritual; as their name implies, you apply them afterward.
Aftershaves were initially designed as alcohol-based disinfectants for those nicks and cuts you get from shaving. If you shaved in the early days, you'll surely remember the burning sensation when you apply aftershave on your freshly shaved scalp. And since they're alcohol based, they most likely dry out your skin more often than not.
Today's aftershave formulations have dealt with the issues mentioned. Aftershaves now contain little to no alcohol, so they no longer sting. Removing alcohol also means they can reduce dryness. But that's not all. Aftershaves can now remove redness, calm irritation, moisturize, and close pores.
You can also choose various forms like shaving gel, balm, and post-shave lotion.
Why do we need aftershaves?
Even with the best electric shavers, shaving can wreak havoc on our skin, especially our ultra-sensitive scalps. Tiny nicks, inflammation, dryness, irritation, dandruff, razor burn, and razor bumps are all part of the head-shaving experience.
Aftershaves are like superheroes that come to the rescue and help minimize or totally eliminate these shaving side effects.
Here are the benefits of using aftershaves.
Benefits of using aftershaves
Disinfection
One reason aftershaves were created was to act as an antiseptic for nicks and cuts. They are good at disinfecting to this day. The good thing is that they no longer sting when you apply them to freshly shaved heads.
Reduced irritated skin and redness
Aftershaves calm and soothe our scalps after shaving, which reduces the chances of skin irritation and redness.
Moisturization
Shaving can remove our scalps' natural oils, which makes them drier. Too much dryness can cause irritated skin and dandruff. Aftershaves replenish lost moisture and help keep our scalps hydrated and smooth after a morning shave.
Smell Good
Some aftershaves have fragrant essential oils that make your scalp smell good after applying. If you want people to notice your fragrance when you enter a room, an aftershave with a strong smell is a good choice. If you want a lighter smell or are sensitive to fragrance, aftershaves with more delicate fragrances or scentless formulations are available.
Promote a Healthier Scalp
Adding an aftershave to your shaving routine will ultimately promote a healthier scalp.
How to Choose the right aftershave for bald heads
Choosing the right aftershave for your chrome dome can be challenging. With all the choices out there, it can be an overwhelming decision. Here are some tips you need to consider before buying.
For specific body parts
Some aftershaves are designed for specific body parts. In our context, choosing one formulated for bald heads is better than those meant for the face or neck. While facial aftershaves may work just fine on your scalp, a bald head aftershave will always be the top choice for baldies.
For dry skin
Thanks to electric razors that give us a smooth dome in 90 seconds, a smooth shave is now easier to achieve. However, shaving can aggravate the situation and cause even more dryness if you have dry skin. This can lead to dandruff, flaking, and an itchy scalp.
The best aftershaves for baldies with dry skin contain natural ingredients that moisturize scalps, like coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, and honey.
For oily skin
For baldies with oily skin, you must choose the opposite and avoid the abovementioned ingredients that can over-moisturize your scalp and clog pores. A water-based aftershave and one with a small amount of alcohol are good ideas.
For razor burn
If you are prone to razor burn, an aftershave with antiseptic properties like witch hazel or tea tree oil is a good option. These ingredients help prevent infection and lower the risk of razor burn.
For sensitive skin
If your scalp gets easily irritated, don't worry. Some aftershaves are formulated to minimize or prevent skin irritation. Not only that, some shavers are gentle on your scalp.
Look for one that has natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. Aftershaves that are dermatologically tested with non-oily formulas are a good choice. Freebird's Hydrating Post Shave Lotion is a good option here, so we have it as our top pick.
Try it for yourself. It's the best thing you can add to your post-shave ritual.
Tips on using aftershave for bald heads
Before applying aftershave, rinse your head and face with cold water. Cool water helps close pores and prevents clogging. Pat your head dry and apply a small amount of aftershave while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Make sure to cover your entire scalp, including your neck area. Remember not to scrub your freshly shaved scalp with your towel while drying. It can cause irritation or damage to your skin.
If you feel dry, apply aftershave throughout the day. Our scalps need extra hydration and nourishment, especially after a shave.
Conclusion
A shaved head is meant to be shown to the whole world, but razor burns and dry scalps can ruin the show. Before you get your turtleneck or hoodie from your closet, adding the best aftershave to your shaving routine can help you deal with post-shave discomfort.
Now that you've chosen to rock your bald head confidently, having a top-notch aftershave in your arsenal is essential. It helps keep your scalp healthy and hydrated.
Treat yourself to one of our best picks and take your grooming game to new heights.
We recommend our top pick: Freebird's Post Shave Hydrating Lotion. Try it today.
Your scalp will thank you for it.
FAQ
Can we use aftershave on our bald head?
Absolutely! Some aftershaves are specifically formulated for sensitive scalps, making them better suited for baldies than traditional facial aftershaves.
Aftershave balms vs lotions: Which is better?
Both are good aftershaves you can apply to your bald head after shaving. Balms are usually thicker and creamier in texture than lotions. They also contain a small to no amount of alcohol, which is suitable for those with oily scalps.
Do aftershaves expire?
Yes. Depending on the manufacturer, they may last six months to five years. Check the label before buying to ensure that you'll get a product that will last long. Aftershaves that contain alcohol usually last longer than their no-alcohol counterparts.
Can an aftershave replace a moisturizer?
As their name implies, an aftershave and a moisturizer are designed to solve different problems. Moisturizers deal with dry skin, while aftershaves soothe irritation shaving. While an aftershave may contain moisturizing ingredients, it's best not to replace them with your aftershave. Having the best moisturizer and aftershave in your arsenal will always be the best option.
