Have you ever faced the sting of razor bumps or the burn of a nick while shaving your head? We've all been there, and let's be honest, it's anything but pleasant.
Our scalps are one of our most sensitive skin layers, and baldies should take extra care, especially when shaving.
If you want to maintain a healthy scalp and avoid razor burns, razor bumps, and skin irritation, applying shaving cream and gel should be a part of your head-shaving routine.
Join me as we list the best shaving cream for head shaving and learn how to apply them before a shave.
8 Best Shaving Creams and Gels for Head Shaving
#1 Freebird Soothing Shave Gel - My Top Pick
If you're looking for a shave gel that provides a smooth, comfortable shave and nourishes your skin and hair follicles, look no further.
Freebird's Soothing Shave Gel is my top pick for the best shaving cream for head shaving since it does the above and is the best partner for my Freebird FlexSeries shaver. The gel's lighter consistency doesn't clog my rotary blades compared to the thicker texture of other shaving creams.
The soothing shave gel is also perfect for sensitive skin coz it's made with gentle ingredients. Plus, it's vegan and cruelty-free.
Backed by Freebird's 30-day trial and money-back guarantee, you'll surely get your money's worth when you order their shave gel.
Leave the gel on your scalp for 30 seconds to soften the hair before shaving. After you're done, rinse the residue and towel dry.
#2 Headblade HeadSlick Shaving Cream - Best All-Around Shaving Cream
The HeadSlick mentholated shaving cream is another good option as it is our best all around shaving cream for head shavers. The guys at Headblade know their stuff, and their specialty is producing products specifically designed for baldies.
They didn't add fragrance, which is good news for those irritated by scented shaving creams. Rinsing it off is also easy since it's water-soluble and leaves your scalp feeling fresh.
#3 Proraso Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream - Best for Sensitive Skin
Do you have sensitive skin like me? You should look for a shaving cream that won't cause skin irritation. Proraso's Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream will surely impress you. To soothe your skin and help prevent razor burns and skin irritation, Proraso added oatmeal and green tea to their shaving cream. They're also strict about staying away from parabens, mineral oils, silicon, artificial colors, and other ingredients that can irritate your skin.
Backed by close to 115 years of experience in the shaving game, you can surely trust Proraso to live up to its billing.
So what are you waiting for? Prep your electric shaver for sensitive skin and lather your dome with the top shaving cream for sensitive skin.
#4 Bee Bald Premium Shave Cream - Best Value for Money
Who said you have to spend a fortune on a premium shaving cream? Bee Bald Premium Shave Cream is another top pick for head shavers on a budget. Bee Bald is one of those products designed specifically with our smooth domes in mind, so you're sure to get a quality shaving cream.
Bee Bald's shaving cream has added bee pollen extract (it fits their name, right?), a unique and natural ingredient that contains fatty acids and vitamins that can help soften the skin.
Value for money? You bet.
#5 The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream - Best Luxury Shave Cream
The Art of Shaving Sandalwood shave cream is a bit pricey, but for good reason. It's a solid performer who doesn't leave the scalp dry after shaving. If you love the smell of sandalwood, you'll be pleased because it lingers on the skin.
Made from Sandalwood essential oils, the scent is natural and not overpowering. It produces a rich, foamy lather that prevents skin irritation and leaves it silky smooth.
#6 Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel - Best For Dry Skin
Another high-end shave gel that's worth the price, the Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel doesn't disappoint. It provides excellent lubrication and protects skin from razor burns and razor bumps. Our scalp is more sensitive than our face, so spending more on a good shaving cream is a good idea.
You'll surely notice the difference if you're used to applying the good stuff to your scalp and suddenly switch to cheaper alternatives.
Some reviews even show that the gel heals minor nicks and cuts. If you let the shave gel sit on your cut for a while, it will heal quicker.
#7 Old Spice Bald Care Shave Cream - Best Latherless Cream
Some shavers prefer latherless creams because they are easier to apply. You don't need a brush and water to create lather. Another benefit of not having lather is seeing exactly where you're shaving, helping you avoid multiple passes that may irritate the skin.
Old Spice's Bald Care Latherless Shave Cream helps you see missed spots clearly and nourishes your scalp with Vitamin E.
Buy on Amazon.
#8 The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Soap - Best Shaving Soap
If creams and gels are not your thing, The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Soap gives you a traditional wet shave experience using a soap bar. You'll get a foamy lather boosted with sandalwood essential oil, known to nourish dry skin.
Types of Shaving Creams for the Head
Choosing a lubricating product for our scalps can be overwhelming. There are many products out there, and picking one boils down to personal preference. Let's look at the different types of shaving creams, gels, and soap you can buy.
Shaving creams: The Classic Pick. Thick and full of lather, shave creams usually have a thick consistency and work well for head shavers who use safety razors.
Shaving gels: Lightweight and easy to rinse, shaving gels are ideal partners for electric shavers because they have a thinner texture that may not clog electric razor blades.
Latherless creams: Imagine having an invisible shield as you shave. Latherless creams have a super thick consistency without the foamy fuss. It's good for bald heads who want a streamlined shave.
Shaving foams: Not a good choice for head shavers, shaving foams have a fluffy and airy texture that provides less lubrication, leading to dry skin and skin irritation.
Shaving soaps: Soap bars last longer than shaving creams and can be used as a regular bar soap if you prefer.
Shaving Cream Ingredients to Look Out For
The search for the best shaving cream for head shavers starts with choosing the best ingredients. Similar to cooking, the art of shaving requires the best ingredients for best results. Baldies want healthy skin, so avoiding harsh chemicals, artificial colors, and overly scented shaving products is the best way to go.
Hydrators: Shaving can be harsh on our sensitive scalps, and we often end up with dry and flaky heads. Ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter in creams or gels are good for keeping your scalp moisturized.
Soothers: Do you have sensitive skin? Aloe vera, oatmeal, and chamomile are your best buddies. They soothe and calm your skin and prevent razor burns and pesky bumps.
Lubricants: A smooth glide is essential to a comfortable head shave. Choose quality shaving cream with glycerin and fatty acids for a smooth shave.
Fragrance: Every bald head wants to smell good after a shave. However, we must avoid shaving products with too much fragrance because they irritate our scalp. For bald men with sensitive skin, choose unscented creams and gels or those with light and natural ingredients.
How to Apply Shaving Cream on the Head
While you can apply shaving cream with your hands, using a shaving brush has benefits.
Softens hair
Exfoliates skin
Lifts hair
Apply these steps to apply shaving cream with your shaving brush:
#1 Soak your shaving brush in warm water for 30 seconds
#2 Take a warm shower to soften hair. Warm water softens hair and opens up pores for a smoother shave.
#3 Apply a generous amount of cream or gel around three-quarters of an inch onto your shaving brush
#4 Using a shaving mug, whip the shaving cream into a rich lather
#5 Lastly, apply the cream or gel to your scalp with your shaving brush. Let it sit a minute, allowing it to work its magic.
After shaving, don't forget to use a moisturizer and apply sunscreen if you go out on a sunny day.
The Bottom Line
While some may have tough skin and can get by with dry shaving, the safest way to avoid irritation is by using creams and gels.
I prefer to wet shave since dry shaving with an electric shaver results in razor burns on my neck. Lesson learned.
I now use a good shaving cream with coconut oil every time I shave my head.
We hope our comprehensive guide helped you pick the right shaving products.
Happy Shaving!
FAQ
What is the best razor for shaving your head?
Again, personal preference applies here. Some may prefer traditional safety razors, while some may use modern electric shavers. Read our comprehensive guide on razors vs electric shavers to learn more.
Should I use shaving cream with a head shaver?
Yes, whether you're old school and use a safety razor or a techie who prefers electric razors, shaving creams and gels should be part of your shaving routine. Choosing the best shaving creams should be your first step if you prefer a wet shave.
Can you use shaving gel for the head?
Gels do not foam compared to traditional creams, making them easier to apply. Barbers prefer gels over creams because they're transparent and help them see where they shave. Due to their thinner consistency, gels also prevent clogging electric razor blades.
Can I use regular shaving cream on my head?
Yes. Lubricants like shaving cream, gel, or oil are generally recommended to prevent razor burn, ingrown hairs, and irritation. Use a sharp razor and shave with the grain for a smooth and painless shave.
Is it better to shave your head wet or dry?
It depends on several factors, including your skin sensitivity, convenience, hair type, and the level of smoothness you want. Dry shaving is quicker and more convenient because you don't need any prep. Wet shaving is ideal for shavers with sensitive skin who prefer a closer shave.
Is shaving cream good for your scalp?
There are numerous benefits when using shaving cream for the scalp. It creates a slippery layer between razor blades and the scalp which helps reduce irritation. Some shaving creams have ingredients that soften hair, making it easier for electric razors to cut hair.
