Scalp Care for Bald Men

Bald men need to take special care of their scalp. Whether bald by choice (from shaving) or simply as a result of thinning hair. Bald scalps are susceptible to sun damage, windburn, allergens, acne, irritants, chemicals in the air and water, extreme temperatures, and other events that often have no effect on men who aren’t bald. In addition, bald men who shave need to be concerned about razor rash, razor burn, razor bumps, nicks and cuts on the head, and other discomforts. Here’s everything you need to know about basic scalp care for bald men.

Keep it clean
Scalps can get dirty, just like your hair once did. When they’re dirty, bald scalps build up excess oil that can lead to blemishes, pimples, and other skin issues. Wash your scalp every day and apply a gentle moisturizer if your skin seems dry.
Ward off acne
Did you suffer from acne as a teenager? You may find yourself plagued by it again, but this time on your bald scalp. Acne results when follicles are clogged with oil and dirt. This leads to inflammation, which results in pus-filled pimples that are commonly known as acne. Treat acne flare-ups with an over-the-counter acne medication, and exfoliate the skin on your bald scalp regularly to keep it clean.
Stop rashes before they start
The skin on your scalp is delicate and can be easily irritated. It may react adversely to certain shampoos or fragranced soaps, wool hats, perspiration, and other things. Be mindful if your scalp itches: Apply an over-the-counter cortisone cream when rashes or redness occurs, and consult a doctor if the rash is persistent, spreads, or bleeds. Meanwhile, wear fleece or cotton hats instead of wool, breathable baseball caps instead of tight-fitting spandex, use shampoo or soap specially formulated for sensitive skin, and don’t scratch!
Shave smart
If you shave your hair off, you are at risk of developing razor rash, razor bumps, razor burn, and possibly a head full of nicks and cuts. I recommend using the Wahl 5 Star Shaver or the Andis Profoil Shaver. But if you prefer the razor, follow these smart shaving tips:

• Make sure you don’t shave your scalp too often, or too carelessly.
• Be sure hair is at least one-quarter inch long so that it’s not too short to shave.
• Wet hair with hot water, lather generously with shaving cream, and keep moist. A long hot shower is the best way to prepare your scalp for a shave.
• Use only a clean, new blade every time you shave.
• Shave with the hair grain, NEVER AGAINST IT.
• Exfoliate and moisturize scalp skin daily.
• Care for raw skin on the scalp with an aftershave moisturizing solution like aloe vera.
• If skin seems dry or flaky, use a moisturizing cream formulated for sensitive skin.

Stay out of the sun
Bald scalps are extremely vulnerable to the sun’s damaging UV rays. In fact, many types of skin cancer can quickly develop on bald scalps, so it is critical that you protect your bald scalp from the sun. Apply sunscreen to your scalp every day — several times each day during the summer months. Wear a hat to fully protect your delicate scalp skin from the sun’s rays. Treat sunburn promptly with aloe vera gel, and make sure you see your dermatologist at least once a year to check your scalp for moles, growths, and other skin changes that could lead to skin cancer.
When you follow just a few simple rules, scalp care for bald men is easy — easier, perhaps, than caring for a head full of hair!