BLDN guide
Bald scalp care
Your scalp is skin, and it has just lost its shade. Treat it roughly the way you'd treat your face and it will look better within a fortnight. Three products cover almost everything.
The short routine
- Wash with a gentle cleanser or body wash — daily shampoo is no longer needed and can dry the skin.
- Moisturise every day, ideally right after a shower or shave. Fragrance-free if your skin is reactive.
- Sunscreen every morning you'll be outdoors, SPF 30 or higher, reapplied if you're out for hours.
Shine control
A healthy scalp catches light — that's normal, and most of what people call 'too shiny' is a heavy oily balm. Switch to a light lotion, or use a matte scalp moisturiser. A quick blot with a tissue before a meeting works better than any product.
Flaking and dry patches
Flaking is usually dryness or seborrhoeic dermatitis. Reduce hot water and harsh cleansers first. If flaking, redness or itching persists, or you see scaly patches that don't clear, get it looked at — it's common and very treatable.
Sun is the one to take seriously
The scalp is a high-risk site for skin cancer precisely because it used to be covered. Sunscreen and a hat aren't vanity; they're the reason your scalp still looks good in ten years. Ask a dermatologist to check any new or changing spot.
Sources
Health information on BLDN is general and educational. It is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment, see a board-certified dermatologist.