Bald or shaved heads require specific care and treatment in order to keep the skin on the scalp in tip-top condition. Maintaining a regular scalp care regime will enable you to reduce potential problems like dry skin.
Caring for a Bald Head
The bare skin on the head requires just as much attention as hair. A hairless head is exposed to the sun, air, pollutants, chemicals, chlorine and allergens and can therefore develop scalp problems. Acne, rashes and problems like ingrown hair can also create hygiene and health issues.
Treating the skin on the scalp in the same way as the skin on the body means that you reduce the likelihood of dealing with issues like sunburn, flaky skin and infections. Rashes can be treated by applying cortisone cream that can be bought over the counter. Regular washing and moisturising of the scalp will reduce problems caused by perspiration, dryness and clogged follicles that may encourage acne and pimple inflammation.
Caring for a Shaved Head
Many men choose to remove their hair as a fashion statement. This requires daily shaving of the scalp and this regular action can encourage scalp dryness if particular attention is not given to the care of the scalp before and after shaving. Shaving too often can dry out and irritate the skin on the scalp so adequate moisturisation is recommended to help overcome this problem. It is also important to shave when the pores are open so after a hot shower is the ideal time.
Caring for a head that is regularly shaved is a simple routine. After shaving the head, using the preferred shaving cream, the scalp should be washed with gentle shampoo. After patting dry moisturiser can be applied all over the scalp. For men with a more defined sense of style there are a variety of moisturising products available that provide a matt or shiny finish on the scalp.
The Importance of Pampering
Maintaining a healthy scalp requires more than a quick wash in the shower. A bald scalp should be regularly washed with a gentle shampoo, as this reduces moisture loss of the skin. Regularly removing dead skin and dirt, by gently exfoliating the scalp with a scrub is also recommended. The type of exfoliating product you use on your face or body can be used to remove dead skin from the scalp provided it is applied in gentle movements.
Moisturising the skin on the scalp is also important as this helps keep the skin soft and supple and stops it drying out and appearing flaky.
The Importance of Massage
Although scalp massage is known to stimulate hair growth it cannot encourage hair growth if baldness has occurred. What massage does continue to provide is a promotion of blood flow to the scalp, which helps maintain healthy skin. Scalp massage also relaxes muscles and eases tension and therefore helps rebalance. A simple technique, that involves moving the balls of the fingers in circular motions over the scalp, not only feels good but also provides many health benefits.