A Guide to Shaving Your Head with Acne

You've got your razor in hand, but your scalp is dotted with acne - now what? Shaving over pimples is like navigating a minefield - one false move, and kaboom!

So, do you quit shaving due to acne-prone skin?

Nope, the good news is there are practical tips and tricks on navigating the tricky terrain of head shaving with acne that we'll share with you today. By learning these techniques, you'll feel more capable and in control of your shaving routine.

What Causes Acne?

Excess sebum or oil may lead to blocked hair follicles, which results in inflamed spots called acne. Acne can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, spots filled with pus, and cysts.

Should I Shave My Head If I Have Acne?

It depends on what type of acne you have. Understanding your specific condition is key. You can still shave if your scalp has a few pesky pimples. Just follow some essential steps to minimize irritation (we'll show you how later). Although these cases are rare, it's a different story if you have inflamed cystic acne. Put your shaver down in this case, and let your scalp calm down a bit before shaving. Remember, your comfort and skin health come first!

Step-by-Step Guide to Shaving Your Head with Acne-Prone Skin

Preparation

Before you even think about picking up that razor, remember that preparation is the key to a safe shave with acne-prone skin. This crucial step will ensure you're fully informed and ready for your shave.

Begin by cleansing your scalp with a gentle cleanser and warm water to remove excess dirt and oil. Next, apply a warm compress or take a warm shower to soften hair and open your pores. This step helps for a smoother shave with less irritation.

Apply anti-acne shaving cream formulated for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free is a good option with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.

The Shaving Process

You can now begin shaving. Always use a clean and sharp razor, whether manual or electric and the right shaving technique. Be gentle on your scalp when shaving, don't apply too much pressure, use light strokes, and shave with the grain to avoid making your acne worse. If you have particularly inflamed acne, skip over them rather than risk cutting them open.

Post Shave

Once you've completed your shave, it's time to rinse your scalp with cool water to close pores and soothe any irritation. Pat gently to dry; no vigorous scrubbing is needed here!

After drying, apply an alcohol-free aftershave or moisturizer that won't clog your pores.

How to Prevent Acne When Shaving

Before we share tips on preventing or avoiding pimples when shaving, you need to be sure that you're dealing with acne and not razor bumps or scalp folliculitis, which can be similar in appearance.

Razor bumps occur when hair follicles become inflamed after shaving due to ingrown hairs. They appear as red, irritated spots, which can be mistaken for acne. Preventing razor bumps or ingrown hair requires a different strategy. Read our guide on how to get rid of razor bumps for more information.

You may also be dealing with scalp folliculitis, which is not acne but looks a lot like it. It has a distinct red ring around the bumps, which may lead to pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over.

Keep Your Scalp Clean

Remember, keeping your scalp clean and free from excess oil is a proactive step to prevent pimples and maintain healthy skin. This will help you feel reassured that you're doing everything possible to avoid acne.

You should add a cleanser to your grooming kit as part of your scalp care for acne. Freebird has a detoxifying scalp cleanser specifically designed for baldies. CeraVe's Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser with 4% benzoyl peroxide is popular among users with acne-prone skin, along with Nivea's Sensitive Post Shave Balm.

Use an Electric Shaver

If you're serious about minimizing irritation and pimples, consider switching to an electric shaver. They're generally gentler on the skin and reduce the risk of nicks and cuts, which can aggravate acne. This step will help you feel confident and secure in your shaving routine.

If you prefer a manual razor, use sharp blades and be gentle when you shave. Dull blades can tug on the skin and irritate it. While at it, don't press too hard. You don't want to cut those sensitive acne spots.

Replace blades regularly based on your manufacturer's recommendations or when you start feeling a drop in performance from your electric shaver. If you're using a disposable razor, don't be tempted to use it again to save on costs. There's a reason why it's called a "disposable" razor.

Here are the best razors for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Shave with the Grain

If you have acne-prone skin, shaving with the grain or along your hair growth is the shaving technique you should use. It helps minimize irritating your acne even further. Remember to apply less pressure and shave slowly while shaving with acne.

Exfoliate Regularly

Regular exfoliation is your scalp's best friend. If you have acne-prone skin, exfoliating a few times a week helps remove dead skin cells and clear pores. Be careful not to overdo it - too much exfoliation can irritate sensitive skin.

Clean Your Shaver

Shaving acne requires using a fresh, clean blade every time. Remember, combined dirt, oil, and bacteria is a perfect recipe for acne breakouts. Read our guide on how to clean an electric shaver.

Wet Shave

Wet shaving is the gold standard for those with sensitive scalps or acne-prone skin. Why? It's gentler, like giving your scalp a spa treatment before the shave. Warm water opens up pores and softens hair, making it easier for your shaver to glide smoothly without irritating. Shaving cream also adds a layer of protection that also helps reduce friction. But remember to pick the right shaving cream for a smooth shave (which we will discuss later).

Shave Less Frequently

Frequent shaving can irritate skin, especially if you have acne-prone areas on your scalp. Shaving can sometimes lead to clogged pores when dead skin cells and oils are not cleared away.

Skipping shaving altogether gives your skin a chance to heal and lowers the chances of trapping impurities under freshly shaved skin. Shaving less frequently can also reduce the risk of irritation and inflammation, which can exacerbate acne.

How often should you shave? For some, three to five days is a good frequency, but if you notice acne breakouts, you may have sensitive skin. Extend your break and skip shaving for a week.

Check What You Apply on Your Scalp

Applying the wrong shaving cream, gel, oil, or aftershave products can worsen acne. Avoid products that irritate sensitive or acne-prone scalps when shaving with acne. Avoid essential oils that are too thick and may clog pores and lead to breakouts. Stick to soothing ingredients like aloe vera or allantoin. Foams may worsen acne; if you can find an oil-free, non-foaming cream with glycerin, that's a good option.

Moisturize

A dry scalp may lead to irritation and worsen acne breakouts on your scalp. Dry skin produces excess sebum that may lead to clogged pores. Moisturizing helps maintain a healthy oil and moisture balance, lowering the chances of acne breakouts.

Look for moisturizers that won't clog pores, like aloe vera or Freebird's refreshing scalp moisturizer, designed for baldies like you and me.

See a Dermatologist

If your scalp acne doesn't clear up with over-the-counter treatments, or you notice severe or painful scalp acne, you must see your dermatologist for recommendations. Stubborn acne may require prescription medication.

How to Manage Post-Shave Pimples

Get a Tan (with Caution)

Getting a tan may or may not work for you. Sunlight gives you a Vitamin D boost, potentially improving skin conditions, including acne. If you have oily skin, sun exposure can help dry up excess oil, which reduces acne.

For dry skin, sun exposure can increase oil production, which we don't want if you're shaving with acne.

Use Exfoliant with Salicylic Acid

Using an exfoliant with salicylic acid can be an effective strategy for managing scalp acne. Salicylic acid is known for penetrating oil and exfoliating skin. When applied to your scalp, it helps break down dead skin cells and unclog pores, which is what we want to avoid acne. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce redness and swelling from scalp acne.

Regular use of salicylic acid can treat existing breakouts and help prevent them.

Wear a Hat

If scalp acne breakouts cause embarrassment, you can wear hats to cover them up while treating them. Opt for hats made from lightweight and breathable materials to allow circulation and keep skin hydrated. Avoid tight-fitting hats that can irritate sensitive skin and may cause new acne breakouts. Lastly, wash hats regularly, as they can trap dirt and oils, which may cause acne breakouts.

The Bottom Line

Shaving your head while dealing with acne is easier when you apply the proper steps like the ones we shared here. Always listen to your body; some hacks may work for you, while some may not, especially if you have sensitive skin. Don't think twice about seeking professional advice from a dermatologist if things worsen.

FAQs

Does Shaving Help with Acne?

Shaving does not directly help clear up acne, but it does help clear dead skin cells that contribute to breakouts.

Does Shaving with an Electric Shaver Cause Acne?

Generally, shaving with an electric razor causes less skin irritation and acne, especially if you have blades designed for sensitive skin. Ensure you don't use dull or dirty blades, which can cause breakouts.

How to Prevent Acne After Shaving with an Electric Razor?

To prevent post-shave acne when using an electric razor:

• Cleanse your scalp before shaving.

• Use sharp blades.

• Apply a moisturizer after shaving.

• Avoid tight-fitting hats immediately after shaving.

• Exfoliate regularly but gently.