The Best Exfoliators for Bald Heads

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Having a bald head comes with its own unique set of skincare needs. Without hair follicles to naturally slough off dead skin cells, bald heads are prone to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Exfoliation is essential for keeping a bald scalp healthy, refreshed, and smooth.

But not all exfoliators are created equal. The ideal exfoliator for bald heads will be gentle yet effective at removing buildup without causing redness or inflammation.

Why Exfoliate a Bald Scalp?

Exfoliation provides several key benefits for bald heads:

• Removes dead skin cells – Skin naturally sheds dead cells. Without hair, these can build up on a bald scalp. Exfoliation whisks away flaky skin.
• Unclogs pores – Exfoliation clears debris, oil, and impurities from clogged hair follicles and pores. This minimizes ingrown hairs and acne breakouts.
• Smooths and softens – Getting rid of dry, dead cells unveils fresh new skin. This leaves a bald head feeling incredibly smooth.
• Enhances product absorption – With a clean slate, treatments like moisturizers can better penetrate the skin to work their magic.
• Prevents ingrown hairs – Exfoliating pre-shave helps lift hairs so razors can cut them cleanly at the surface rather than below it.

How Often to Exfoliate

Most dermatologists recommend exfoliating a bald scalp 2-3 times per week. Those with very dry or oily skin could exfoliate up to 5 times a week. It’s best to start slow and gradually increase frequency based on your scalp’s needs. Be sure to alternate exfoliating with moisturizing to maintain a healthy balance.

Choosing the Best Exfoliators

Physical Scrubs

Physical exfoliants use tiny granules or abrasive materials to mechanically slough off dead cells. They are directly rubbed into the scalp. Examples include:

• Sugar scrubs – Fine sugar grains dissolve as they polish away dull skin. Look for ones with moisturizing oils.
• Salt scrubs – Sea salt crystals provide intense exfoliation. Best for super oily skin.
• Silicone scrubs – Tiny silicone beads offer smoother, gentler scrubbing. Great for sensitive skin.
• Loofah scrubs – For a light scrub, loofah plants woven into mitts or pads gently buff skin.
• Bristle brushes – Firm bristles deeply cleanse and exfoliate. Opt for soft bristles if you have sensitive skin.

Chemical Exfoliants

Chemical exfoliants use acids and enzymes to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, causing them to naturally slough off. Examples include:

• Glycolic acid – Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid penetrates easily to intensely exfoliate. It may cause irritation on sensitive skin.
• Lactic acid – Found in milk, lactic acid offers a gentler alternative to glycolic acid. It hydrates as it exfoliates.
• Salicylic acid – This beta hydroxy acid is ideal for oily, acne-prone skin thanks to its deep cleaning antibacterial properties.
• Fruit enzymes – Papaya, pumpkin, and pineapple enzymes provide a milder chemical exfoliant great for sensitive skin.

Tips for Exfoliating a Bald Scalp

• Wet your scalp first – Begin by wetting your scalp with warm water. This softens the skin and opens up pores for exfoliation.
• Massage it in – When applying a scrub, take your time massaging it all over your head using gentle, circular motions. Resist the urge to rub too vigorously.
• Rinse thoroughly – Always rinse very thoroughly after exfoliation to remove all dead skin cells and product residue. Leaving residues on your scalp can lead to irritation.
• Follow up with moisturizer – Be sure to apply moisturizer after exfoliation to replenish hydration and oils.
• Listen to your scalp – If exfoliating causes stinging, burning, or increased sensitivity, cut back on frequency. Discontinue use if irritation persists.

With the right exfoliator and proper technique, you can reveal a refreshed, healthy-looking bald scalp. Just remember – less is often more when caring for your bare scalp!

Our Top 5 Picks

Here are the 5 best exfoliators for bald heads along with a brief review for each:

1. Bee Bald SCRUB

This exfoliator uses crushed walnut shells, kaolin clay, and bentonite clay to gently lift away dead skin and impurities, leaving the scalp smooth and ready for shaving. It’s ideal for bald heads.

2. Bald Head Scrub by Brio

This pre-shave exfoliator uses oat kernel powder to remove flaky, dry skin and restore softness. It leaves the scalp ready for a smooth shave. It’s also excellent choice as an exfoliator for bald heads.

3. Charcoal Exfoliator 

The M3 Naturals Activated Charcoal Scrub is an exfoliating face and body scrub that helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and impurities.

It contains activated charcoal to draw out toxins, as well as ingredients like jojoba beads, coconut oil, and shea butter to exfoliate, moisturize, and nourish the skin.

In reviews, users mention the scrub leaves skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth. Some note their complexion looks brighter and clearer after use.

The fine jojoba beads provide gentle exfoliation without irritation. A few reviews mention the charcoal can stain sink and tiles, so rinsing thoroughly is recommended.

4. HeadBlade HeadShed Men’s Exfoliating Scrub

The HeadBlade HeadShed Scrub is a pre-shave exfoliator designed specifically for bald and shaved heads. It uses fine ground walnut shells to gently scrub away dead skin cells, oils, and impurities, preparing the scalp for a closer, smoother shave.

Reviews praise the HeadShed for leaving the scalp feeling fresh, clean, and invigorated. It helps reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs. The scrub has a minty scent that leaves the scalp tingling.

Overall, the HeadShed is an excellent bald head exfoliator that makes shaving easier and more comfortable.

5. Comme Homme Scalp Exfoliator

The Comme Homme Exfoliator is a pre-shave scrub designed to prep the skin for a smooth, close shave. It contains small jojoba beads to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and impurities.

It leaves the skin feeling refreshed and renewed. During our tests, I noted that my razor glided more smoothly after using the scrub. It also helps prevent ingrown hairs and razor burns. The scent is light and clean.

Globally, I recommend this as an effective bald head exfoliator to add to your shaving routine.