Yes, Bald Men Have To Take Care of Their Scalp

By Essence Wiley · Published March 22, 2024

While being hairless may lead you to believe you’re escaping long wash days or extensive hair care routines, bald heads need love, too. Yes, bald people still have to wash and moisturize their scalps.

Balding is more common than you might guess. Over 50 percent of men over the age of 50 are likely to experience androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, in their lifetime. Genetics plays a large role in your hair’s fate. MPD, a hereditary condition, refers to male sex hormones called androgens that regulate hair growth in cycles.

“With male pattern baldness, this growth cycle begins to weaken, and the hair follicle shrinks, producing shorter and finer strands. Eventually, the growth cycle for each hair ends, and no new hair grows in its place,” according to Healthline. One of the earliest symptoms of male pattern baldness is a receding hairline or a bald spot.

Hair loss can also be onset by age. As you age, hair growth slows and eventually stops, causing the follicles to become thin. Stress, diseases, and tension can also contribute to hair loss.

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Whether you were forced into baldness or are willingly trying a new look, it’s important to formulate a “no-hair” care regimen based on your skin’s needs. “Just because I don’t have hair doesn’t mean I can neglect my scalp,” says content creator Carlos Harris Jr., who is intentional about his grooming routine.

Dryness and dandruff are the biggest risk factors for bald heads. The skin can become overexposed to sunlight, leading to a dry, flaky, and itchy scalp. For people of color, this can result in visible discoloration and light-colored patches.

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Going bald is a mental thing. Experts suggest thinking of your scalp as an extension of your face. It should be clean and well-nourished. Hydrating, moisturizing, and gentle products are the first line of defense against dandruff. Salicylic acid cleansers have some great perks– they moderate oil levels and exfoliate the skin. Tea tree oil, hyaluronic and glycolic acid, and vitamin E are all other key ingredients to look for when shopping.

Luckily, we’ve got you. NaturallyCurly has compiled a list of products catered toward our bald brothers, and we even included some bald celebrity hunks for inspo on how to rock your look.

Our Recommendations:

Own Your Dome® Comprehensive Cranium Care® Head Wash

C3’s Head Wash is a tried-and-true product for baldies and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. It’s a four-ingredient wash that doesn’t include any additives like fragrance or foaming agents, reducing the risk of inflammation on the scalp. It can be used daily on the face, scalp, and beard. One review says the award-winning wash “has cleared up my regular face breakouts, and my head has been clean and clear as well.”

Bee Bald Clean Daily Cleanser

Bee Bald is another male grooming line founded by a bald man who wanted to purchase products that worked on his face and head. Their Clean Daily Cleanser does just that, leaving the skin clean and refreshed. It is made with (among other things) Salycilic and Glycolic Acids, providing a gentle exfoliation and hydration system.

African Shea Butter

After a good cleanse, you’ll need to follow up with a moisturizing product on the scalp. Ol’ trusty– African Shea Butter is a great option. It’s super accessible. You’ve likely seen it at your local beauty supply and sometimes a local grocery store.

Not only does Shea Butter nourish the skin, but it offers anti-inflammatory properties that help fight breakouts and heal any cuts, even skin tone, and adds a protective layer from sunlight.

Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, but if you’re going for that Mr. Clean shiny look- the more, the merrier. Purchase an unrefined, all-natural butter for optimal results.

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream

While experts recommend using facial products for your bald head, this Weleda moisturizer is acceptable for all body parts. With a medley of plant-rich ingredients like chamomile, rosemary extract and sunflower oil, this product restores all hydration to rough, dry skin. The instructions encourage using a small dab as the thick full-coverage product will leave a lasting glow.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60

Whether you’re sporting a baseball cap, a hoodie or flaunting your now clean, moisturized head, sunscreen is essential for bald people. A broad spectrum one like this product from the viral brand, La Roche-Posay is ideal.

It offers a dermatology-approved formula of protective antioxidants and lightweight powders that will leave your skin nourished without becoming greasy. Plan to reapply it throughout the day to stay protected.

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide and 100% Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

If you want to splurge, check out this GQ-approved SPF. It checks off all the boxes—it’s broad spectrum, doesn’t leave a white case, and is sensitive-skin friendly. What makes its formula special is the DNA Repairsomes, which help heal existing sun damage. You should snag this sunscreen if you know you haven’t cared for your scalp.

Our NaturallyCurly team:

The men of NaturallyCurly have the sharpest scalps and are here to share their favorite products that help cleanse, smooth, and condition their skin. Check out their recommendations for products that can help keep your scalp skin happy and glowing.

Varsay Sirleaf, Director of Innovation