From Michael Jordan to Jeff Bezos, the bald look has become a popular style among many men, whether it’s a natural consequence of aging or a deliberate styling choice. Having a shiny bald head can accentuate this look, adding an element of sophistication and modernity.
Aren’t Heads Naturally Shiny?
While your scalp is loaded with oils such as sebum which nourishes your hair and keeps the skin hydrated, it doesn’t always produce a natural shine when there’s no hair. Factors like weather, skin type, and age can affect this. For instance, cold weather can make your scalp dry and not so shiny, while hot weather can cause excessive oil production leading to a greasy look rather than a healthy shine.
Furthermore, if you have dry skin, your scalp may have a dull appearance, and as we age, oil production decreases, reducing the natural shine.
What Affects the Bald Shine?
The condition of your scalp plays a significant role in the level of shine on a bald head. A healthy scalp reflects light better, giving off that desired shine.
But truth be told, most men who have that shiny dome are adding a little help. In addition to their scalp’s natural oils, they also use various products and techniques to enhance the shine.
How To Make Your Head Shine Like a Star
Before you just start slopping some wax or oil on your head, it’s important to understand the process and what products might work best for you.
1. Shave Your Head
The first step to getting a shiny bald head is to have a clean-shaven head. Thanks, captain obvious, but it actually takes a bit more than turning on a shaver and buzzing away. Ensuring a smooth, close shave is key to creating a reflective surface that will give you that desirable shine.
When shaving your head, use a high-quality razor and shaving gel to prevent bumps and irritation. You should be as gentle as possible, moving in the direction of the hair growth. After shaving, rinse your head thoroughly with cool water to close the pores and soothe the skin. Always use a fresh towel to dry.
However, if you want super smooth results, then a hair removal cream might be the best option for you. These creams work by dissolving the hair at the base, giving a smoother result than a shave. But remember, some of these creams can be harsh on the skin so it’s recommended to do a patch test first.
Lastly, head shavers are also a good choice for efficient results. However, they won’t be nearly as smooth as the two previously mentioned options, resulting in a more matte finish.
2. Soothe Your Skin with Aftershave Lotion
Because shaving can irritate your skin, it’s essential to soothe the scalp with aftershave lotion. An aftershave with nourishing ingredients can also moisturize your skin and reduce inflammation.
Dandruff, or dry flaking skin, is a real thing that affects a lot of men who shave their heads. By applying a good aftershave lotion consistently, you can help maintain an even-toned, smooth, and glossy scalp, free from any dryness or flakiness.
Pro Tip: To reduce this chance of irritation further, consider reducing the amount of shaving you do. This doesn’t mean you should let your hair grow out, but rather, you might want to shave less often or use balding clippers which get a close cut but do not dry out the scalp as much as a razor.
3. Exfoliate Your Scalp
Dead skin cells can accumulate on your scalp and dull the shine. To reveal the smooth, fresh skin underneath, use a gentle scalp exfoliator once or twice a week to slough off the dead skin. This not only promotes new cell growth but also encourages better absorption of other scalp treatments and products, helping to maintain a healthy shine. Plus your head will look much smoother and feel better to the touch.
There are plenty of scalp scrubs on the market, but you can also make a simple one at home using ingredients like sugar and olive oil. Though, you have to ensure the scrub isn’t too abrasive to avoid causing any irritation or damage to your skin.
Also, make sure you rinse it off or you might attract bugs – not a desirable effect when aiming for shine!
4. Apply an Oil, Balm, or Wax
The fourth step involves the use of shining products specifically designed for bald heads. There are many products on the market, from oils and balms to specialty treatments that promise a high-shine finish.
For instance, natural oils like argan, jojoba, and coconut oil, can boost the shine of your bald head. These oils not only give a shiny finish but also nourish the scalp due to their essential fatty acid and antioxidant content. When applying the oil, make sure to use just a dab – as using too much can make your head look greasy instead of shiny.
Alternatively, you can opt for professional shining products like HeadBlade’s HeadLube Glossy, which is an after-shave moisturizer that also helps to create a glossy shine.
Another product depended upon by bald men includes Bee Bald Smooth Plus, which is a daily moisturizer and soothing balm that adds shine while also providing UVA/UVB protection.
Remember to apply these products evenly across your scalp. If the product is unevenly distributed, it could create uneven shine, making your head appear patchy.
Waxes or balms can also be applied with a bit more ease than oils, as they have a thicker consistency. The inclusion of beeswax will add a protective layer over your scalp which helps retain its moisture and adds a soft and healthy shine. Don’t worry about it flaking or turning white–quality products will absorb into your skin without leaving a residue.
5. Using a Buffer Applicator
While some men use the tried and true hands to work in the products, you might want to consider using a buffer applicator. This tool is typically made of soft microfiber loops that won’t irritate your skin, it helps in evenly distributing the product across your scalp and increase the shine.
They come in a few different forms including a simple microfiber cloth to a brush-like applicator.
6. Protect Your Scalp with Sunscreen
In the event that your preferred routine here doesn’t have any sort of sun protection, make sure to remedy that by applying a high-spectrum sunscreen specifically designed for the face and head.
Bald heads can be particularly prone to sun damage due to the lack of hair protection. And unfortunately, sunburns and skin cancer don’t render a shiny head.
Sun damage can also lead to dryness and flakiness, further dulling any potential shine. Skincare experts recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for daily use, but this should increase to SPF 50+ if spending prolonged time outdoors or if you’re in a location with strong UV radiation.
Of course, if you don’t have the time when heading out the door in the morning, consider wearing a hat. Here are a few classic styles that look exceptionally well on bald men.
When selecting your hat, consider the material, the breathability, and how it matches your overall style. The right hat can even enhance your look while providing much-needed sun protection.
