Bald Head Dandruff: 8 Tips for a Shaved Head

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Bald head dandruf

Are you still noticing bald dandruff even after shaving your head? If you notice flakes, you probably have a dry scalp, and there are a ton of causes and solutions that can help you. The main question is how do you get rid of shaved head dandruff for good?

So the question is “are the flakes on your bald head really dandruff or something else?” Your flakey scalp might be the cause of dry skin, too much sun, or poor grooming.

First, let’s start with the causes and where bald dandruff problems come from. Then we’ll provide actionable bald head care advice to help get rid of your dandruff. Keep reading.

What Causes Bald Dandruff?

Dandruff on a bald head is commonly caused by dry, flaky skin. The scalp can dry out for many reasons, including sunburn, care products with harsh ingredients and head shaving. As the head is shaved, the scalp is essentially being exfoliated, creating stress on the sebaceous glands and drying the skin out.

As your skin becomes more dry, it will lead to more flakes and dandruff production. You may also see redness and scales as a result of your dry, itchy scalp. There may also be environmental causes, as the air is drier in areas like Arizona and Nevada.

Dandruff Facts

Dandruff affects not only the scalp but other areas as well. You may notice dry flakes around your ears, eyebrows, and even on your face. Scientifically, it’s known as seborrheic dermatitis, but to everyone else, it’s those annoying white flakes that make it impossible to wear black.

In more severe cases, you may notice thicker pink or scaly lesions that have silver white scales, which are actually known as psoriasis. You will need to check in with a doctor if you notice these types of flakes.

What do Dermatologists Say?

Other dermatologists believe that your diet is the main culprit. In fact, some studies show that diets rich in sugary carbs and dairy produce a buildup of glycogen in skin that feeds yeast. This leads to more oil production in the sebaceous glands, resulting in a higher amount of flakes.

While a doctor may be able to provide a medicated topical cream or shampoo suggestion, there are other ways to prevent an inflamed scalp from shaving your head.

Shaved Head Dandruff

While every scalp is different, some men may see more dandruff after they start shaving their head. This means you’re probably drying out your skin by shaving it too much or using the wrong shaving creams.

Everyone produces sebum oil though, so you may also be experiencing higher sebum oil production if you have recently changed your diet.

The type of razor you use may also cause issues. If you use a double edge safety razor to shave your head, for example, you may notice more flakes because it’s easier to dry out your scalp.

Head Shaving With a Razor

Men who use a cartridge razor or even a disposable razor have fewer problems with dandruff. There are also razors specifically designed to shave your head, such as HeadBlade.

Men who use these razors report fewer issues with dandruff. However, it’s best to test out different blades by waiting between shaves and seeing what razor offers the best shave without causing a dry scalp.

There are a few other products you can use to eliminate dandruff once and for all. The important part is that you keep your scalp hydrated and moisturized to prevent flaking and itching.

Buzz Cut Dandruff

Dandruff is a condition that results from the build-up of oil on the scalp. This occurs when hair follicles are not able to absorb oils and sweat effectively, which can cause flakes to form.

Dandruff is most commonly seen in men and women who have buzz cuts or other short haircuts because the clippers scratch the skin on the scalp.

Check With Your Doctor

While most dandruff cases are cut and dry, you may have a more serious condition. Psoriasis produces flakes like dandruff, but it’s an actual skin disease that gets worse without medical treatment. Your doctor can perform a simple test to check what exactly is causing your dandruff issues.

In addition, if you have been out in the sun without a hat and notice flakes afterward, it could just be that you dried out your skin, which is now making it peel. If you head outside during winter or summer days, you should always put on sunscreen or wear a hat.

You can also use balding clippers to avoid shaving your head so close every day while still keeping it trim. In fact, you may like the look even better with clippers.

Bald Dandruff Treatment

So now that you have an idea about dandruff and where it comes from, you simply need to get rid of it once and for all with an awesome bald head care routine.

The following is a step-by-step shaving routine to help with your dry scalp, and we also provide some tips below to getting rid of dandruff if the problem persists.

Apply a bald head moisturizer to help fight dandruff.
Apply a bald head lotion after shower, and shaving to fight dandruff.

1. Shower First

By now, you probably know that showers allow your skin to breathe and open up your hair follicles. This ensures that you get a nice, smooth shave without any tugging or going over a dry scalp with a razor. This definitely leads to a dry, flaky scalp.

2. Use a Pre-Shave Oil

To moisturize your scalp and keep it dandruff-free, the best solution is to moisturize it with a pre-shave oil. These products contain carrier oils such as jojoba oil or castor seed.

These are natural oils produced from nuts and seeds. These contain vitamin E and work with your natural scalp oils to keep your skin healthy.

3. Avoid Alcohol-Based Shaving Creams

You may think that any old can of shaving cream will do, but that’s not the case. Alcohol will completely dry out your skin, and cheap shaving cream cans typically have alcohol-based ingredients.

Instead, you should get a boutique shaving cream that you use to lather up your head before your shave.

Higher quality shaving creams moisturize and make it easy for the razor to glide over the contours and dips in your skull.

4. Shave Your Head with the Right Razor

You may think a double-edged razor gives you the cleanest shave, but it actually destroys your skin in the process. Instead, you should use a cartridge razor or something specifically created for shaving a bald head, such as Skull Shaver.

You can also use bald clippers to trim and keep your head close-shaven in between shaves if you want to give your skin a break.

Before you get started, make sure you get the best cartridge razor. The Fusion ProGlide is the best on the market, especially if you want a clean shave every morning.

5. Follow Up with an Aftershave Balm

Aftershave is your best friend when it comes to preventing a dry scalp. However, you don’t want to use any old splash or aftershave lotion, as these probably contain alcohol. Instead, you should use an aftershave balm that will moisturize and cleanse your skin at the same time.

Balms also don’t burn, so you can avoid that Home Alone face.

Also, if you notice that your head is a bit shiny from the balm, you just need to wait about 15 minutes. It will absorb naturally into your skin.

How to Prevent Dandruff?

Expert dermatologists have a lot of tips for those developing dandruff symptoms. If you’re suffering from shaved head dandruff, then you can also try some of these quick tips for treatment.

1. Change What You’re Eating

Have you noticed an increase in dry flakes with a new diet? Are you eating more sugar and carbs? This actually causes more problems with yeast, which leads to flaky, dry skin.

Dairy and potatoes are the main culprits, so try to avoid these and other sugary treats if you can’t get rid of the flakes.

2. Wash Your hair and Scalp

Natural oils actually can cause more issues with sebaceous glands, so it’s best if you shower at least once a day. Oils and dead skin cells are the primary reasons why your head may experience more dry skin.

3. Try a Hot Oil Mask

Oil-based treatments work for those who have excessive oil problems on the scalp. You can apply oil to the scalp to actually draw out the oil and remove them. Dermatologists say that the masks act like a magnet. Coconut oil is the preferred oil mask for scalps.

4. Don’t Scratch

It may be tempting to scratch off flakes, but this only causes more irritation and flakes. Instead, try to wrap your head in a damp towel and apply a skin soothing shampoo such as Scalp Revival from BRIOGEO.

5. Try Home Remedies

There are home remedies available that contain apple-cider vinegar, but you should only try these sparingly. Since apple cider naturally has anti-microbial properties, it can lower the amount of yeast on your scalp and help with inflammation.

However, cider isn’t as effective as a good shampoo or moisturizer. In addition, it will make your skin smell pretty pungent, just like a balsamic salad dressing.

6. Try Different Sensitive Skin Products

One cause of dandruff is a sensitivity to oleic acid. This is commonly found in products made with olive oil. You may want to try other cooking oils if you have this sensitivity.

7. Try Special Dandruff Shampoos

Dermatologists say that certain dandruff shampoos really do work. The best ones contain zinc or sulfur, which reduce the amount of yeast on your scalp.

If you’re worried about the smell, you should know that most of these shampoos have been updated, and unless you opt for a strong T-Gel shampoo, you won’t have to deal with those odorous dandruff shampoos of old.

If you have redness and irritation, dermatologists suggest using shampoos with zinc pyruthione, ketoconazole, and selenium sulfide.

8. Try Tea Tree Oil

You can apply tea tree oil directly to your scalp after a shower to help with yeast problems and dry skin. The tea tree oil sucks up excessive oils and cleanses your skin at the same time.

Wrapping Up

Whether you shave or have male pattern baldness, dandruff doesn’t have to ruin your bald game – so don’t give up on looking good. Typically, a dry scalp is only temporary and can be treated with these methods above.

If you notice prolonged dry skin even after making changes to your diet, you should check with your doctor to make sure you don’t have an underlying skin condition.

FAQ

Why do I have dandruff if I’m bald?

The fact that bald people still have a scalp (unless something has gone catastrophically wrong) is the reason they can get dandruff. Dandruff is a condition that includes skin flaking from the head, which may arise for several reasons, as Katta explains.

Will going bald remove dandruff?

While there is a chance of your scalp or hair becoming coated with dandruff, shaving your head may help prevent this. The dead skin on your scalp begins to slough off on its own, cleansing your hair of any dandruff, when you shave off your head or experience hair loss.

Can you have dandruff with no hair?

You’re probably suffering from seborrheic dermatitis if your skin is irritated and you have large, yellowish flakes of skin on your scalp. Dead skin clogs the pores, attracting bacteria, and this is an infection. Even if you’re bald, this may occur.

How do you get rid of dandruff when balding?

Before you shave, apply oils like argan oil or coconut oil. The razor will glide on more smoothly and your scalp from drying out if you lubricate your skin. Furthermore, because of its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is particularly beneficial for people with dandruff. Choose a shaving cream with moisturizing features.

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AUTHOR

I'm the founder of Bald & Beards, an amateur barber and I've been obsessed with men's grooming, styles, and trends for over 20 years.