Being bald can be great. You just need to know how to care for a bald head. Research from the University of Pennsylvania found that men with shaved heads are perceived as stronger, taller, and more commanding than hairier counterparts. But with great power…comes a few extra grooming steps.
To the uninitiated, having a shaved head may seem far easier to care for. But a bare scalp still requires upkeep. A shiny, irritated, or sunburnt head ruins the effect.
We asked barber TJ Hunt of Ruffians how to keep a shaved head looking sharp.
How to care for a bald head
1. You Must Moisturize
Plenty of guys moisturize their faces and forget the scalp. Big mistake. Shaving strips natural oils and leaves skin vulnerable. Daily moisturizer—especially right after shaving—keeps redness, dryness, and irritation in check.
“Regularly shaving your head can irritate the skin wherever the razor glides,” says Hunt. “Moisturizing daily, especially after shaving, goes a long way toward preventing it.”
2. Wear SPF
Your scalp takes direct fire from the sun. Skip sunscreen and you’re asking for burns, spots, and long-term damage. Daily SPF is key.
“Not applying SPF to your shaved head is weird, considering it’s the spot that is likely to get the most rays directly shining upon it,” says Hunt. “Many of us love a one-size-fits-all approach where grooming products are concerned, so opt for a daily moisturizer that has SPF.”
Ali Finney
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
3. Buy Real Clippers
You’ll spring for Mach 3s at the drugstore but hesitate at $80 clippers? Think long game. Professional clippers last years, give a cleaner shave, and spare you from hair-yanking irritation. Go cordless—you’ll never go back.
