8 Best Shampoos for a Bald Head – Men’s Healthy Scalp 2024

FYI

After continued research, we found that our original shampoo recommendations for bald heads still stand as the best options. C3 Head Wash remains our top overall pick for its versatility, gentle formula, and ability to soothe all skin types, including those with sensitive skin or prone to razor burns. Additionally, we’ve added a table to help you easily compare the forms, skin types, and benefits of each product, making it simpler to find the best fit for your bald head care routine.

September 2024

No, the best shampoos for a bald head is not an oxymoron. Whether you’ve got a full head of hair or nary a one, you still need shampoo. That’s because shampoo is massaged into the scalp to remove the build-up of dirt and oil. When done right, it shouldn’t even go on the length of the hair, just wash through as it’s rinsed out.

But this is about shampoo for bald men after all, so the focus here is on the scalp and maintaining a healthy, hydrated skin barrier. Like the skin on your face, taking care of it is a little different than the rest of the body. And because it’s so exposed, the skin on the head is more vulnerable to things like sun and pollution, thus deserving of special treatment.

Of course, no two heads are alike, which is why finding the best shampoo for bald men can be a personal journey. Some bald guys suffer from dry, flaky, and itchy scalps, while others can’t seem to get rid of shine caused by an overproduction of oil. The lucky ones are balanced, yet still need a shampoo to cleanse the pores daily. Either way, the best shampoo for bald men will keep your skin both clean and nourished.

Key Takeaways

In my search for the top contenders for men, I scoured the internet, interviewed colleagues, and consulted the experts until I narrowed it down to the 8 selections on this list. I needed to find shampoos that thoroughly cleansed without stripping to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Ultimately, I chose C3 Head Wash as my top pick for the best shampoo for bald heads because it’s hypo-allergenic, won’t clog pores, and contains no harsh ingredients, not even fragrances. It soothes all skin types, even if you have razor burns, while properly cleansing the pores on the head. If your bald head is flaky and dry, check out Briogeo Scalp Revival Exfoliator to clarify and detoxify an itchy scalp.

an open container of Briogeo Scalp Revival — briogeo / Instagram

Best Shampoos for a Bald Head: Product Comparison

Why it’s Great: C3 Head Wash is easily the most approachable because it’s designed for all skin types, even highly sensitive skin. It’s intended to cleanse your head, face, and beard each day, but it’s truly unlike any traditional shampoo or soap. It’s non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free, and sulfate-free, without any phthalates or parabens. No unnecessary irritation here. And I love that it’s specifically designed for bald, shaved, and buzzed heads. That means it works hard to prevent razor burns and bumps, helping the skin on the head to heal faster.

How to use it: Gentle enough for both morning and night, apply to the head, face, and even beard after shaving and rinse with lukewarm water for a clean, hydrated feeling.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: As much as I love a good lather, don’t expect one. Dismayed by this, some reviewers use more and end up wasting product. Remember, it’s the harsh, drying additives in soap that create lather. This product is different.

Why it’s Great: From wind and sun to pollution, the bald skin on your head is exposed to a lot. This non-stripping shampoo is perfect for restoring the optimal pH balance for skin health with a name as hydrating and gentle as it sounds. Colloidal oatmeal, almond milk, and vitamin E soften the skin, which is perfect for soothing sensitive skin and those prone to dryness. Many reviewers suffering from eczema say it helped. Alternatively, their apple cider vinegar shampoo is great as a shampoo for oily bald head issues.

How to use it: Gently massage the pearlized gel to a lather on the scalp and rinse. Expect a light, lovely smell.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you want something natural, look elsewhere. But it’s easily the best shampoo for bald head at a low price. And it is free of stripping sulfates, phthalates, and dyes.

Why it’s Great: There’s a reason why reviewers cry over the efficacy of this shampoo. As a brand, Briogeo is relatively new and focuses on high-quality natural ingredients that work—and wins them countless awards. Specifically, the Scalp Revival shampoo is an incredible detox shampoo that’s perfect for bald heads because it gently exfoliates to remove build-up and stimulates the hair follicles for optimal health. It clarifies an itchy scalp and works wonders at treating dandruff. Three key ingredients work together here—charcoal that detoxifies, peppermint oil that soothes, and coconut oil that nourishes.

How to use it: This bad boy exfoliates gently enough to be used daily, leaving behind a light coconut scent.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Because it’s solely meant for cleansing the head, I find the price to be steep, although you do get what you pay for. It’s a very high quality item to add to your grooming kit.

Why it’s Great: Flaky scalps, rejoice! This is the best bald head shampoo that suffers from dry skin. Initially, I thought ginger an odd choice for shampoo, but once I learned it’s used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for stimulating the scalp, it made sense. Ginger does have that zingy quality to it. This, combined with white willow bark extract and vegan silk protein make for a revitalizing, nourishing experience. And it’s worth noting that The Body Shop is a fair trade brand, even if it’s not fully natural.

How to use it: Treat your scalp to this daily to keep it clean. Be sure not to get any of that ginger in your eyes though!

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although they present like a natural brand, there are some chemicals here, like sulfates. If you have some color-treated hair left, look elsewhere.

Why it’s Great: Salicylic acid i most commonly found in facial skin care, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it in Neutrogena Therapeutic Shampoo. This ingredient is clinically proven to cleanse the pores and dissolve build-up, whether your skin is flaking off or you produce too much oil.

How to use it: Use this even if you’ve got a condition that’s more serious, like dandruff, psoriasis, or dermatitis. It should provide relief and clear up your skin.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: A lot of reviewers complain about the small size, which can be troublesome if you wash your bald head daily. There is an option to purchase a pack of six to ease that problem.

Why it’s Great: Created by bald men for bald men, Bee Bald understands the needs of its customers, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the best shampoo for bald head maintenance. Even if you prefer another head cleanser, I think the pre-shave exfoliator belongs in every bald guy’s bathroom cabinet. As for the cleanser, it’s cheap and solid.

How to use it: Even though it’s a scrub, I think it’s gentle enough for everyday use—all thanks to bees, interestingly enough. Honey enzymes exfoliate dead skin cells and bee pollen soothes and treats surface damage for one smooth and sexy bald head.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Though it’s gentle, I’m not crazy about daily exfoliation for those with particularly sensitive skin. You would be better off with the C3 Wash, if that’s the case.

Why it’s Great: If you’re a simple guy, then you need a hair product that can do it all, and Jack Black All-Over Wash serves as both the best shampoo and conditioner for bald head care in one convenient product. Not only does it wash your body and face, but this is the top consideration for bald men thanks to nourishing ingredients like jojoba protein, panthenol, sea kelp, and shea butter that cleanse dirt and sweat without stripping the skin. It’s not specifically designed for sensitive skin, but it’s definitely considered to be gentle.

How to use it: Just as it says in the name, this wash is gentle enough to use everywhere. Go nuts!

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Because it’s an all-over product, it’s not quite hydrating enough for those with some hair left. If you’re only partially bald, I recommend following it up with a good conditioner.

Why it’s Great: Though it’s part of a 5-step program, Mountaineer Bald Head Care works great as a stand-alone cleanser. It uses natural ingredients, plant extracts, and essential oils like sunflower, coconut, and jojoba oil to hydrate as it cleanses the skin on the head and regulates sebum. But what makes it the best shampoo for shaved head is the scent—a gorgeous blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, and cedar for a subtle manly smell.

How to use it: For a totally natural product, there’s a lot of lather here. Apply a dime-sized amount over a wet head and face and rub in circular motions for 30 seconds to one minute.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some customers have noted a slight variation in formulation from one purchase to the next, though this is likely due to testing and improvements.

a bottle of head wash by c3 on the sand — cranium.care / Instagram

Buying Considerations For a Clean, Moisturized Head

Skin type

Is your skin dry, flaky, itchy and prone to dandruff? Or, is your scalp oily and bald head shiny? The best shampoo for a bald head should be tailored to your specific needs, so finding out your skin type is crucial. You don’t want to throw off the skin’s delicate pH balance.

Oil control & moisturization

You don’t want a shiny scalp, but you also don’t want one that’s dry and flaky. Look for ingredients that soften the skin, like vitamin E and panthenol as well as those that regulate oil production, like tea tree oil or salicylic acid.

The top shampoo for you should be balanced and will contain both astringent and moisturizing properties.

Ingredients

The endless skincare debate: natural vs. chemical? Natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter add moisture without harm.

On the other hand, chemicals like sulfates can strip the skin, but some formulations are excellent and provide specifically targeted results. At the end of the day, the cleanser needs to work and you need to feel comfortable with ingredients. I do recommend avoiding parabens, phthalates, and anything too stripping.

Why you should trust us

As a fashion and grooming writer at Fashionbeans, I use my 15 years of expertise in the industry to inform all of my research.

I scour my own bathroom cabinet and closet and consult with the experts in the business to guarantee that the best products are conveyed to you. I analyzed dozens of products before narrowing it down to the 8 best shampoos to help maintain a healthy scalp, taking individual needs and concerns into consideration, so there is a best fit for everyone.

mountaineerbrand / Instagram

Final Verdict

The best shampoo for bald head should cleanse the pores without clogging or overstripping and deliver moisture to retain a healthy skin barrier. C3 Head Wash is my favorite pick because it’s non-comedogenic, appropriate for all skin types, and heals and prevents razor bumps and burns.

FAQ