Last Updated on: September 29, 2022
An itchy scalp isn’t something any guy desires. In addition to being uncomfortable, it may be pretty embarrassing trying to scratch your itchy scalp in front of others. Additionally, noticing whitish or yellowish flakes all over your scalp is enough to aggravate you, which may lead you to wonder if being bald for a period can help you get rid of dandruff.
Well…
Although going bald can make dandruff treatment more effective, it’s not uncommon for bald men to complain of having dandruff. Surprised huh?
Thus, to learn what causes shaved head dandruff and how to get rid of it, you should continue reading.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a scalp condition characterized by an itchy and flaky scalp. It’s the accumulation of dead skin cells that causes scalp irritation.
Dandruff causing fungus, Malassezia globosa is the primary cause of dandruff.
This fungus thrives in the warm environment that a full head of hair provides and feeds on the excess natural scalp oils produced by the sebaceous glands.
Causes Of Dandruff
Some common causes of dandruff are the following:
1. Malassezia Globosa
This dandruff-causing fungus is the leading cause of seborrheic dermatitis. This skin infection causes itchy, flaky, and dry skin and scalp.
Thus, you can say seborrheic dermatitis is the medical term for dandruff.
Naturally, the fungus lives on the scalp; however, in a condition where the natural scalp oil produced is in excess, this fungus feeds on it and breaks it down into oleic acid. This is where the trick is; not everyone is sensitive to this oleic acid. Guys with sensitive scalp are more prone to irritation by this acid, leading to dandruff.
However, it’s rare for bald men to experience seborrheic dermatitis because the fungus responsible for causing this skin condition thrives better in the warm and thick environment the hair provides.
2. Over-Shaving
This is the most common cause of flaky or dry skin in bald men. Although, it’s essential to shave regularly to maintain that bald look, especially if you’re bald by choice. Shaving is a form of physical exfoliation of the dead skin cells, but when you over shave, you’re not giving your scalp the chance to regain the lost moisture.
Furthermore, because there is no hair sealing in moisture, your scalp is exposed and becomes dry. Over time, this skin starts to peel off, giving off the appearance of dandruff. However, the possibility of a guy developing dandruff symptoms depends on if he naturally has dry skin.
3. Dermatitis–Eczema And Psoriasis
These two skin conditions can also give a dandruff-like appearance. These genetic skin conditions cause flaking in less hairy areas like the elbows and knees. Therefore, if you’re experiencing consistent or recurrent dandruff even after going bald and using anti-dandruff treatment products, it’s high time you consult your dermatologist. This way, you can find out if you’re experiencing dandruff or psoriasis.
How To Prevent Dandruff On Bald Head
It’s ironic that some guys still wind up with dandruff on their bald heads even though being bald is an easier way to eliminate the persistent itchy dandruff. This is frequently attributable to improper shaving techniques.
So let’s look at some tips for avoiding dandruff on a bald head. After all, you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t bald and presumably dealing with dandruff:
1. Practicing Proper Shaving Habit
a. Choose The Right Razor
Depending on your preference and budget, you might opt for an electric razor, double-edge safety razor, or cartridge razor. These razors would definitely get the job done by giving you a clean shave. However, you should avoid an electric razor if you have sensitive skin.
Additionally, using the double-edge razor requires a high level of caution, especially if you’re new to it. It’s incredibly sharp and can leave cut nicks on your scalp, which you won’t like. The cartridge razor is one I would recommend for guys with sensitive skin.
It’s also essential to avoid re-shaving a particular spot multiple times, or you risk having razor burns. This is essential as razor burns can cause dry, crusty scalps. An electric head shaver is also a better option if you’re not a fan of razors.
b. Apply Pre-Shave Oils
Moisturizing your scalp before a shave makes it easy for a razor to glide through and keeps your scalp hydrated and elastic. Your best bet for this would be to use a pre-shave oil or lotion. These oils are formulated with carrier and essential oils to provide your scalp with the necessary moisture it needs while still offering its health benefits.
Oils like argan, coconut, and jojoba oil are the commonly used carrier oils in a pre-shave formulation.
These oils are known for their hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-dandruff activities, especially coconut oil. Furthermore, jojoba oil is almost a replica of the natural scalp oil (sebum) and functions as the sebum.
Essential oils like rosemary and tea tree oil are also a great addition to your collection if you’re prone to having dandruff. This is because these oils are good for their anti-dandruff and disinfecting abilities.
However, ensure you don’t apply these essential oils directly to the scalp as they could irritate you. Combining these carriers and essential oils would help keep your skin hydrated while preventing dandruff.
c. Avoid Cheap Shaving Creams
Being on a tight budget can tempt you to settle for cheap shaving creams. Although a regular guy might have no problem using these aerosolized shaving creams, you should avoid them for someone prone to dandruff. These shaving creams lack the moisturizing ability and contain little to no water.
Due to this, using them on your scalp can cause it to dry out quickly, forming crusts. Additionally, these products contain several ingredients that irritate your scalp skin and lead to dryness. I always recommend using shaving soap, as they’re rich in oils.
2. Practice Good Aftershave Care
Most guys quickly carry on with their daily activities after a shave, forgetting that the shaved or bald head requires care too. Practicing good aftershave care is essential to preventing dandruff. When shopping for a shaving kit, ensure you get an aftershave lotion or balm. These products would help soothe and disinfect the scalp, thus preventing dandruff.
Also, ensure you select a balm or lotion that contains oils that have excellent hydrating properties.
A lotion with aloe vera is a bonus because aloe vera is known for its soothing abilities.
Furthermore, another aftershave care you must not neglect, especially if you’re an outdoor person, is applying a sunscreen of SPF 30. This prevents your scalp from sunburning, which later peels and looks awful.
3. Always Do A Scalp Massage
Massaging any body part is an excellent way to increase blood circulation to that area. Doing so to your scalp is advised. Massaging your scalp encourages blood flow, which carries oxygen and essential nutrients needed to keep the scalp hydrated and healthy.
I suggest you do this daily, and being bald is an advantage as it’s easier to do a scalp massage on bald heads than one full of hair.
How To Get Rid Of Dandruff
Having dandruff is pretty normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Thus, if you’re suffering from one, the best way forward is to look for ways to get rid of it. Some effective easy-to-do methods for getting rid of dandruff include the following:
1. Scalp Moisturizing
Dandruff often arises when your scalp is too dry, or your glands are not producing sufficient natural scalp oil to keep the scalp skin moisturized. Therefore, using oils that are excellent hydrators is advised.
Oils like jojoba, argan, and coconut oils are a great addition to your hair care kit if you suffer from dandruff. Also, essential oils with antimicrobial activities would be necessary to inhibit the further action of dandruff-causing fungus. Tea tree, peppermint, and rosemary oil are a great start.
I recommend you mix the essential and carrier oils in a dilution ratio of 20 drops of essential oil to 6 teaspoons of carrier oil to make your little bottle of anti-dandruff oil.
2. Use Of Anti-dandruff Treatment Products
Suppose you are probably too busy to go shopping for individual oils that are effective for dandruff. In that case, that’s not a problem either. Several products in the market are specially formulated to treat dandruff. These products are affordable and effective, provided you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
These anti-dandruff treatment products often come as a kit comprising shampoo, conditioner, scalp cream, oil, or lotion. Thus, I advise using them together for an effective result.
3. Shaving Off Your Hair
Full hair provides a perfect environment for the dandruff fungus to thrive and grow. Also, because dandruff is a scalp condition, anti-dandruff products need to get to the scalp to rid your head of dandruff effectively.
However, with full hair, most of the products are more likely to be rubbed off on the hair. Therefore, an excellent way to get rid of dandruff is to go bald for that treatment period. Although, this is optional if you don’t think you can rock the bald look.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Bald Guys Get Dandruff?
Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis is a condition of the scalp, not the hair. Therefore, losing your hair does not necessarily rule out dandruff. It can only make the dandruff treatment more effective as it removes the hair that dandruff can attach to. Furthermore, bald guys can get dandruff if their scalp is too dry or are naturally prone to dandruff.
How Can You Avoid Dry Scalp On A Shaved Head?
It is very easy for a bald head to dry as there is no hair coverage to lock in moisture. Therefore, you should regularly moisturize your scalp with a suitable balm or lotion to avoid getting crusty or dry skin.
I recommend you look for balms or lotions containing jojoba oil and other hydrating ingredients. Also, ensure you apply these products daily. However, guys with naturally oily scalps might not have to do this daily.
Does Shaving Your Head Help With Dandruff?
Yes, shaving your head would hasten getting rid of dandruff. This is so that the anti-dandruff treatment products may more easily treat and disinfect the scalp on a bald head. Shaving the hair off is another effective method for removing the fungus’ ideal breeding ground.
Also, shaving removes dead skin cells, including dandruff, as it is a physical exfoliation. However, understanding that shaving your head does not make you immune to developing dandruff is crucial.
Conclusion
Although bald men can get seborrheic dermatitis, it’s most often rare. The main cause of a bald man’s dry, flaky scalp is a dehydrated scalp that requires moisturizing.
Additionally, dandruff is a common scalp ailment that is curable. Therefore, if you have one that resists treatment, you are either not following the recommended treatment regimen or have psoriasis or eczema rather than dandruff.