Expert-Recommended Skin and Scalp Products For Bald Men

Scalp care is trending right now, and experts say bald men should be participating. Eagan, MN dermatologist Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD says bald men should be caring for their heads in the same way we care for any other part of our skin. However, he says the scalp often gets overlooked due to location. With scalp care trending with the masses, now is the time for bald men to step up their skin care.

The good news is that “bald scalp follicles shrink to a microscopic size, so they are much less prone to congestion and irritation,” says founder of Josh Rosebrook Skin and Hair Care Josh Rosebrook. “With hair growth on the scalp, there’s more physiology, so nonexistent hair allows for a simpler care routine.” However, he adds that “since sebaceous glands still remain on a bald scalp, they do need to be cleansed often.”

What kind of skin care should bald men be using on their heads?

Rosebrook recommends simply extending facial cleansers over the scalp area or using shampoo to cleanse the area daily. Following a cleanse, Washington, D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, recommends mirroring your facial routine on your scalp. “I routinely tell patients to apply the same products on their scalp as on their face—particularly topical vitamin C under sunscreen since antioxidants potentiate (or enhance) the protective effects of sunscreen,” says Dr. Alster. 

A hydrating product is essential for bald heads. “With bald men, we’re treating scalp skin health and working to keep it well-moisturized,” says creative director, master stylist and colorist Paul Labrecque with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. Rosebrook recommends “using your favorite body cream or facial moisturizer to offset dryness and dehydration.”

While you don’t need to exfoliate daily, Rosebrook suggests folding in an exfoliant product a couple of times a month. Sunscreen is the most important step here. Protecting the scalp from the sun is essential. Dr. Crutchfield says, “SPF 30 should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours (and more if swimming).” For additional scalp protection, he recommends wearing a hat as often as possible. When it comes to SPF for the scalp, Dr. Alster says mineral is preferable.

Expert-Recommended Products

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SACHAJUAN Scalp Treatment Duo ($49)

Nathan Nguyen, hair stylist and educator at SACHAJUAN, recommends doing a scalp treatment once every two weeks with this product. It contains rosemary oil, ginger extract, menthol and salicylic acid to help soothe the scalp.

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CeraVe Daily Face and Body Moisturizer ($16)

“For hydration, I recommend a lipid and ceramide-rich lotion or cream that restores and maintains the components of the skin barrier,” says Dr. Crutchfield. He suggests sticking to CerVe lotion or cream for this.

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Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Capillaire ($126)

“My team and I love and use Biologique Recherche products at my Salon and Skincare Spas. I especially adore their Lotion P50 Capillaire for the scalp as a sebum regulator,” says Labrecque. The formula features cider vinegar and a purifying poly-alpha-beta hydroxy complex to help balance pH and lightly exfoliate the scalp.

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Josh Rosebrook Body Acid Serum ($50)

“Body Acid Serum is an incredible product for scalp exfoliation,” says Rosebrook. “It will leave the scalp soft, smooth and hydrated as it resurfaces and sloughs away unwanted dry dead skin cells.”

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SACHAJUAN Scalp Scrub ($55)

Nguyen recommends incorporating a scalp scrub into your routine. It will “aid in the exfoliation of the scalp removing oil build-up, pollutants and dead skin cells while promoting new cell growth,” he explains. He recommends using the SACHAJUAN Scalp Scrub with the Scalp Brush ($17) once a week for a deep cleansing moment.

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Biologique Recherche Shampooing Traitant Dermo-Apaisant ($75)

“You cannot go wrong with Biologique Recherche’s Shampooing Traitant Dermo-Apaisant as a cleanser. It is very soothing and gentle and is suitable for frequent use if needed,” says Labrecque. This formula is especially great for those with a dry, itchy scalp.

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Dove Unscented Bar ($7 for four)

Dr. Crutchfield recommends using a gentle cleanser on a bald head. He suggests the Vanicream Cleansing Bar ($6) or Dove Unscented Bar.

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Biologique Recherche Huile Bénéfique ($100)

Labrecque recommends using this nourishing oil to keep the scalp healthy, hydrated and balanced.