What aftershave should you use for a shaved head?

What should you look for in an aftershave?

Look for a product that moisturizes and soothes rather than one containing fragrance, alcohol or ingredients that irritate your skin. An emollient is a skin softening moisturizer, and either an aftershave or a moisturizing lotion can serve that purpose. A hydrating gel is another option. A moisturizing lotion can do the aftershave job without having the job title printed on the bottle.1

Sensitive skin deserves attention before the razor comes out, too. Choose gentle shaving products and a shaving cream labeled for sensitive skin if your scalp is very dry or sensitive. Shaving cream softens hair, moisturizes skin and adds a protective layer between the blade and skin. It is less irritating and more moisturizing than soap, so replacing it with ordinary soap is not a useful shortcut.34

How to shave your head and apply aftershave

1. 1Soften the hair first. Shave just after a shower, or hold a warm, damp washcloth against the area. Wash with a moisturizing cleanser and warm water.
2. 2Apply shaving cream or gel. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the hair before you start shaving.
3. 3Follow the direction of hair growth. Use light, short strokes and aim for one pass over each area rather than repeatedly chasing a closer finish.
4. 4Rinse the razor after each swipe. Remove the collected hair and shaving cream so the blade stays clear.
5. 5Rinse away the remaining shaving cream. Finish with a cold water rinse or a cool, damp washcloth to calm the freshly shaved skin.
6. 6Apply your soothing aftershave or moisturizer after shaving to rehydrate the scalp.

Going against the grain gives a closer shave but increases the risk of razor burn and ingrown hairs. Repeated passes also increase irritation, so the closest possible shave is not always the most comfortable one. The razor does not need a second audition on every patch of scalp when one pass will do.3

Replace disposable razors or blades after 5 to 7 shaves, and replace a blade sooner if it becomes blunt or damaged. Let the razor dry completely between uses and store it away from the wet shower or sink. For an electric razor, clean it every 5 to 7 shaves. A soothing product after shaving is only one part of the routine; the condition of the tool matters before it touches your scalp.234

How often should you use aftershave?

Use the soothing aftershave or moisturizer once you finish shaving. The useful timing is after the shave, rather than a particular morning or evening hour. Do not shave over irritated skin to maintain a schedule: wait until the irritation has resolved. Shaving removes hair at skin level, so regrowth can become visible within hours or a few days; aftercare is for the skin, not for extending the smooth result.23

What if your scalp burns or stings after shaving?

Razor burn usually appears within minutes as a blotchy, irritated rash. Burning, stinging, itching, tenderness and swelling can accompany it. The blade can cause tiny cracks in the skin's outer layer, loss of moisture and inflammation. Use a cool washcloth and a soothing moisturizer, avoid irritating products, and stop shaving the affected area while it heals. Sensitive skin is more prone to razor burn.1

Razor burn commonly lasts a few hours to a few days. Contact a healthcare professional if the rash does not settle within a few days or looks infected. Do not keep changing aftershaves to manage a rash that needs an assessment.1

What if you get bumps rather than a rash?

Razor bumps are inflamed spots caused by hairs growing back into the skin, and they can occur wherever hair is shaved. Curly, coarse hair is more prone to this problem. Infection around a hair follicle can look similar and can occur alongside ingrown hairs. Recurring bumps therefore need more than a search for a different balm.5

For recurring ingrown hairs, avoid stretching the skin and shaving the same area twice. Leave approximately 1 mm of stubble rather than shaving extremely close, or try switching from a blade to an electric shaver. Stopping the hair removal that causes the bumps is the most definitive approach; the inflammation typically settles in 4 to 6 weeks after stopping.5

There is no single shaving interval for preventing recurring bumps. More frequent shaving can give hairs less time to curve back into skin, while reducing shaving to every other day is another approach. Choose an interval alongside gentler technique, not instead of it, and do not shave through active irritation. See a dermatologist if bumps continue after changing your habits, because persistent bumps can leave scars.25

Your shaved scalp also needs sun protection

With little or no hair shielding the scalp, sun protection becomes part of everyday care. Apply sunscreen generously over the exposed scalp and reapply every two hours while outside. SPF 30 or SPF 50 are options, but neither removes the need to reapply. A tightly woven, wide brimmed hat labeled UPF 50+ protects the scalp and covers areas that a baseball cap leaves exposed.6

A sunscreen that works for your face can also be used on your scalp. Scalp care does not require every bottle to announce which floor of your head it serves. Oil free, water resistant sunscreen helps limit running into the eyes. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are suitable options for sensitive skin. Cover the hairline as well as the top of the head.7

Include your scalp in monthly skin checks. Get a dermatologist to assess anything new, changing or unusual, including persistent rough patches or growths that bleed easily. Do not assume every scalp change is caused by shaving.67