How to Care for a Bald Head

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.

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How to care for a bald head

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.”

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.”

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.

“It’s not just the longevity where the difference shines through either, the blades tend to be far superior,” says Hunt. “This means less painful grabbing of hairs, less irritation, and a more even finish. While you’re at it, try to go for a cordless option. It’s much easier than trying to deal with a cable dangling in front of your eyes that will most likely get caught on your nose mid-shave.”

Dead skin and hair shards left on blades are a recipe for infection and razor burn. Brush them off, hit with a disinfecting spray, and oil the blades. It takes 30 seconds and saves your scalp.

“When you shave your head, particularly when you go super close, flakes of skin are going to get involved too,” says Hunt. “If these are left on your blades alongside hair shards before being reused, your chances of scalp irritation are going up. It can be as simple as using a brush to clear the build-up, followed by a blast of Clippercide spray. This stuff kills almost anything – it’s fungicidal, virucidal and germicidal. Lastly, oil your blades every now and then. Just a couple of drops are needed to keep them sharp and running smoothly.”

Scrub shampoo isn’t just for dandruff sufferers. A scalp scrub a couple times a week clears dead skin, prevents buildup, and keeps your head smooth and even. Opt for natural exfoliants over plastic beads.

“It works like a face scrub—removing dead skin that rinses away,” says Hunt. “Twice a week is plenty.”

This was originally published in British GQ.