How to Take Care of a Shaved Head

Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional

Going bald isn't just about shaving your head and calling it a day. Your scalp needs attention - probably more than when you had hair acting as a built-in shield. 

I've been shaving for more than a decade, and I've spent years testing products and dealing with my own hair loss issues (nicks, bumps, flakes, you name it!). I'll share how I keep my scalp fresh, healthy, and irritation-free.

When we finish, you'll learn useful tips and tricks, the right routine, best tools, and quick fixes for common scalp problems. Let's get your scalp looking fresh and feeling comfortable.

7 Tips on How to Care for a Shaved Head

Keeping your head looking sharp is pretty simple. You need to master the prep, process, and post-shave care.

1. Moisturize Daily

Don't just towel off and walk away after shaving your head. Post-shave care is where you lock in that smooth, healthy feeling.

Hydration isn't negotiable. Harsh weather multiplies dryness. Both winter and summer can be harsh on our exposed scalps. Well-hydrated skin helps prevent dryness, itching, and flakiness.

Our Refreshing Sandalwood Moisturizer is a must-try for anyone seeking the best scalp care. It's better than your facial moisturizer since it's designed for a shaved head. You only need a dime-sized amount on your clean-shaven head. Apply to damp skin after shaving or rinsing.

2. Use Sunscreen or Wear a Hat When Outdoors

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, men with bald scalps are more vulnerable to scalp melanoma than those with hair. Your scalp has zero UV ray protection now. Sun exposure can cause burns, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer, even on cloudy days.

Always wear SPF 30 sunscreen when outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after sweating or swimming. 

Can't deal with sunscreen? Wear a UPF-rated hat for sun protection. You can choose from summer hats or winter hats that fit your style.

3. Wash Your Scalp Regularly

Your scalp still produces oil and collects dirt, dead skin, and sweat. Regular washing helps prevent buildup and keeps you feeling fresh and clean.

How often to wash:

• Oily scalp: Daily

• Normal scalp: Every other day

• Dry or sensitive scalp: 2-3 times per week

Use gentle, pH-balanced cleansers; your facial cleanser will do. Skip harsh soap or body wash - they strip natural oils and cause dryness.

4. Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week

Dead skin cells or gunk can mess up your shave. Exfoliating with a gentle scalp scrub 2-3 times a week can lead to a smoother shave and help prevent ingrown hairs. Use circular motions and light pressure; you're removing dead skin, not scrubbing a dirty pot.

Just don't exfoliate daily. It irritates the skin and makes dryness worse.

5. Get the Right Gear

You can't win with bad equipment. Your electric shaver makes or breaks everything. Cheap tools pull, tug, and give uneven shaves. A bad electric razor also takes twice as long and gives you half the results.

Invest in a high-quality electric shaver designed for bald heads. I use Freebird's FlexSeries Pro, it has ScalpSafe blades and gives me a close shave in just 90 seconds!

Prefer a manual razor? The Henson AL13 safety razor shaves close and is a safer choice. Just know that compared to electrics, a safety razor has a learning curve, and you can still get nicked.

6. Shave with Proper Technique

Bad shaving technique causes razor bumps, irritation, and uneven patches. Here's how to do it right:

• Prep: Wet your scalp with warm water for 30 seconds. This softens hair by up to 70%. Use a pre-shave oil for a smoother glide, especially if you're using a manual razor.

• Lubricate: Always use shaving cream or gel. Never dry shave with an electric shaver, if your skin can't handle it.

• Shave: Use short, controlled strokes. First pass with the grain (direction of hair growth). Second pass against the grain only if your skin tolerates it.

• Rinse: Cool water closes pores, removes excess shaving cream, and reduces inflammation. Try to blast your scalp with cold water for 10 seconds. It'll shut your pores and lower post-shave redness.

For a detailed guide, read our article on how to shave your head.

7. Handle Scalp Problems Fast

Even with perfect routines, issues pop up. Here's how to fix the most common ones:

• Razor bumps: Stop shaving for 2-3 days. Apply a warm compress for 5-10 minutes, then use aftershave with witch hazel. Exfoliate gently once razor bumps heal.

• Dry, flaky scalp: Moisturize twice daily. Switch to gentler cleansers. Reduce washing frequency. Ensure it's not dandruff (yellowish, oily flakes require anti-dandruff treatment).

• Oily scalp: Wash your hair daily with an oil-free cleanser or a face wash containing salicylic acid to help control oil buildup.

• Sunburn: Apply aloe vera immediately and take ibuprofen for inflammation. Stay out of the sun until the skin is fully healed and avoid picking at or peeling skin.

When to see a dermatologist: Problems lasting more than 2 weeks, severe redness or swelling, infected bumps, or any mole that looks suspicious.

Bonus Tips for Bald Heads

• Manage sweat. Use blotting papers or oil-absorbing sheets to help manage shine. If you sweat excessively, try applying a gentle antiperspirant to your bald head before bedtime to reduce sweating the next day.

• Control shine. If shine is a concern, a mattifying moisturizer can do the trick. Some shine is natural, though, so don't go overboard.

• Boost shine. Want more shine? Apply a small amount of jojoba oil, then buff gently with a soft towel. Jojoba oil is the closest to the skin's natural oil, so you'll get a natural shine without looking greasy.

• Wear hats. Hats are a baldie's best friend. They protect you from the sun and keep your head warm (bald heads get cold) while adding some style. If you're prone to "Hat Acne," wipe your scalp with an unscented wipe when you take them off.

• Use a handheld mirror. To avoid patchy shaves and uneven cuts, using a handheld mirror can help.

• Use clippers for longer hair. Using a rotary shaver directly on longer hair can cause pulling and tugging. Buzz it with hair clippers first, then shave.

Pro-Tip: As an experienced shaver, I know how to shave without a mirror. I wet my non-shaving hand and run it through the shaved areas. I'll feel any patch of stubble and go over the area again.

The Bottom Line

Caring for a bald head comes down to maintaining a proper routine, daily hydration, sun protection, and addressing issues promptly when they arise.

Avoid rookie mistakes baldies make, like forgetting to moisturize, exfoliate, and apply sunscreen.

The real secret? Own it. Embrace the look and confidence that comes with rocking a clean-shaven look. Test different products and stick with what clicks.

FAQs

How Often Should You Shave Your Head?

Shaving daily or every other day is best for a perfectly smooth look. It's similar to how often you shave your face, keeping a consistent stubble on your head and face. You can shave once or twice a week if you prefer a subtle, close-to-the-buzz-cut look.

How Often Should I Wash My Shaved Head?

An oily scalp needs daily washing to control oil. No one wants greasy pillowcases. Daily washing also makes sense if you live in an area with high pollution or work in a dirty environment. Use a gentle cleanser that matches your skin type. 

Can Vaseline Help with a Dry Scalp?

Petroleum jelly may help a dry scalp by creating a protective barrier and sealing in moisture. The drawbacks? Vaseline can clog your pores and worsen dandruff. It's also difficult to wash off, allowing more dirt and bacteria to accumulate.

Should I Moisturize my Shaved Head?

Moisturizing your head after shaving should be a part of your post-shave routine. It's important to moisturize since shaving can cause dryness. A hydrated scalp prevents dryness and irritation. 

What's the Best Moisturizer for a Bald Head?

Look for lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizers. Ones that contain hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin. Avoid heavy, greasy formulas that clog pores or leave residue. 

How Do I Get Rid of Razor Bumps on My Head?

Stop shaving for 2-3 days to let your skin recover. Apply a warm compress to the affected area for 5-10 minutes to reduce swelling. Then, use an aftershave balm containing witch hazel or tea tree oil. Gently exfoliate with a scalp scrub once the bumps start to heal to prevent ingrown hairs.