Bald filterHow to take care of a bald head

How to take care of a bald head: shaving, skin care and sun

A shaved head is low maintenance, not no maintenance. A scalp that has always lived under hair suddenly faces the razor, the sun and the cold. A few habits keep it smooth, even-toned and free of bumps. Here is the routine, from the first shave to daily care.

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How to shave your head smoothly

Shave after a hot shower, when the skin is soft and the hair is swollen with water.

  1. 1

    Trim first

    Cut everything down with clippers, without a guard. A razor only works well on hair a few millimeters long.

  2. 2

    Soften the skin

    Shave during or right after a hot shower, or press a hot, damp towel on your head for a minute.

  3. 3

    Apply shaving gel or cream

    A clear gel lets you see where you are going, especially around the ears and on the back of the neck.

  4. 4

    Shave with the grain first

    Follow the direction the hair grows, in short strokes, without pressing. Then make a second pass across or against the grain if you want it smoother. Rinse the blade often.

  5. 5

    Rinse cold and moisturize

    Rinse with cool water, pat dry and apply a moisturizer or an aftershave balm without alcohol or fragrance.

Razor, head shaver or clippers?

  • Cartridge razor

    The smoothest shave. Change the cartridge every 5 to 10 shaves: a dull blade irritates and cuts.

  • Head shaver

    A rotary electric shaver designed for the head. Fast, works dry, fewer cuts, a little less smooth than a blade.

  • Safety razor

    A single blade, cheap to replace, gentle on skin prone to ingrown hairs. It takes some practice on the back of the head.

  • Clippers without a guard

    Leaves a very short stubble (0.5 to 1 mm). The right choice if your skin does not tolerate a razor, or if you prefer a shadow to a shine.

Daily scalp care

  • Wash it like your face

    A gentle cleanser or a mild shampoo once a day. Your scalp still produces sebum, with no hair left to absorb it.

  • Moisturize

    A light, non-greasy moisturizer in the morning and after shaving prevents tightness and flaking.

  • Fight the shine

    A mattifying moisturizer or blotting papers keep your head from shining in photos and under office lights.

  • Exfoliate once or twice a week

    A gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliant (glycolic or salicylic acid) removes dead skin and helps prevent ingrown hairs.

Sun and cold: protect your head

The top of the head takes the sun straight on and burns faster than the face. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or more every morning, even when it is cloudy, and again after swimming or sweating. A cap or a hat works too.

In winter, a bald head loses heat and dries out: wear a beanie outside and moisturize more. A freshly shaved scalp stays paler for a few weeks; it evens out with daylight, even with sunscreen.

How often to shave

Hair grows about 0.3 to 0.5 mm a day. For a smooth head, shave every 1 to 3 days; for a light shadow, running the clippers twice a week is enough. Shaving every day can irritate sensitive skin: skip a day when redness appears.

Common problems and how to fix them

  • Razor bumps

    Small red bumps after shaving. Shave with the grain, without pressing, with a fresh blade. Products with salicylic acid help.

  • Ingrown hairs

    Exfoliate regularly and avoid stretching the skin while you shave. If a bump gets infected or keeps coming back, see a doctor.

  • Cuts

    Press a cold, damp cloth or an alum block on the cut. A dull blade and dry skin cause most of them.

  • Flakes and dandruff

    Flakes on a bald head often mean dry skin or seborrheic dermatitis. An anti-dandruff shampoo (ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione) used on the scalp usually clears it up.

Not shaved yet?

Check the result before the first shave: bald-filter.com shows you bald live on your camera, for free and without uploading anything. Turn your head to see the back and your profile, the angles that are hardest to picture.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you shave a bald head?

Every 1 to 3 days for a smooth head, depending on how fast your hair grows and how sensitive your skin is. Twice a week with clippers is enough for a light shadow.

What is the best way to shave your head?

After a hot shower, trim with clippers, apply shaving gel, shave with the grain with a sharp blade, then rinse with cool water and moisturize.

How do I stop my bald head from shining?

Wash it every day, use a mattifying moisturizer and keep blotting papers at hand. The shine comes from sebum, which the scalp keeps producing without hair.

Do you need sunscreen on a bald head?

Yes. The scalp gets direct sun and burns easily. Apply SPF 30 or more every morning, or wear a hat.

How do I get rid of bumps after shaving my head?

Shave with the grain with a fresh blade, exfoliate once or twice a week and use a soothing aftershave without alcohol. See a doctor if the bumps get infected or do not go away.

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