Dandruff is a common problem faced by men and women alike. The condition causes hair flakes to fall off the scalp, leaving behind a white residue. This unsightly appearance can cause embarrassment and discomfort.
Dandruff is caused by dry skin and overactive sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil that clogs pores and makes them appear red or irritated. As a result, dead cells accumulate on the scalp’s surface, causing flaking.
If you have a shaved head, you might assume this will also remove dandruff from your life. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Our lifestyle, skin types, and sometimes our genes can mean we may still suffer from dandruff even without our hair.
This can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing.
There are several ways to get rid of dandruff. Some involve using shampoos and other treatments. Others rely on natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and honey.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best home remedies for dandruff on shaved heads. So let’s get started.
What Causes Dandruff
The exact cause of dandruff is unknown. However, there are two main factors: dryness and excess oils.
Dryness may be due to genetics, stress, diet, or an imbalance in your hormones. It’s also possible that you have sensitive skin. If you’re prone to acne, it could be a factor.
Oil production increases when your body produces more than enough testosterone. When you sweat, your body releases extra oil through the follicles. Overproduction of oil can lead to dandruff.
Your head is likely to get drier than ever once your head is shaved. This dry skin can start to flake and this could be your typical dandruff or even worse, eczema.
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes redness and itching and can not only be painful but cause a flaking scalp.
Dry skin happens when you shave your head because you take away layers of skin. Your head is exposed which makes your skin dry out.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is an inflammation of the scalp due to dryness. Which in turn, can lead to dandruff.
Too much oil production can cause acne problems. Hair loss can also be caused by excess oil production.
It’s important to remember that dandruff is totally normal, and it’s not something to be ashamed of.
You shouldn’t feel embarrassed if you get dandruff because it’s a completely natural occurrence. It’s hard to tell what causes dandruff, but many things can cause it, whether you have hair or not.
Other Factors That May Cause Dandruff
Some people experience dandruff even though they don’t have oily skin. Other conditions that can cause excessive oil include psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Certain medications can increase oil production. Antihistamines like Benadryl and anti-anxiety drugs like Valium can cause dandruff.
Certain foods can trigger dandruff. Dairy products, especially milk, cheese, and butter, can make your scalp itch and become greasy. Foods high in fat, including fried food, pizza, and ice cream, can leave your head feeling sticky and oily, and ultimately lead to a dandruff-prone scalp.
Dandruff Causes And How To Prevent It
There are several ways to prevent dandruff. First of all, try to avoid scratching your head. Scratching causes your skin to break down and becomes more vulnerable to infection.
Also, don’t rub your head vigorously after shaving. This can lead to ingrown hairs.
Try to avoid washing your scalp every day with products. Washing your scalp every day can actually remove some of the oil from your scalp and cause it to become even drier.
Try to avoid hot showers. Hot showers can dry out your skin and leave it feeling rough and flaky.
Try to avoid wearing hats. Hats tend to trap moisture around your head, causing your scalp to become drier than normal.
Try to avoid using deodorants. Deodorants can irritate your skin and cause it to feel dry and flaky.
Can Shaving Your Head Cause Dandruff?
Shaving your head isn’t likely to cause dandruff, but that’s not to say that it can’t. Shaving can cause your scalp to become extremely dry, and sometimes you will end up with dandruff as a result.
This will not be the case for everyone. If your scalp is naturally oily, it is unlikely to dry out from shaving and cause dandruff. Similarly, your scalp could be tight and dry and show no signs of dandruff!
The products you use to shave will have a large impact on this. Using higher quality shaving products and a good razor, will mean you are less likely to suffer from dryness and possible dandruff.
Taking the time to use the right products for you, and taking your time in general to shave your head, will ultimately impact how likely you are to suffer from dandruff and skin dryness.
How To Shave Your Head So You Don’t Get Dandruff
If you want to avoid getting dandruff, then you need to take care when shaving your head. Use a good quality razor and a good product to shave with.
Avoid cheap razors and cheap shaving products. They won’t give you the same results as a better quality product.
You should also shave in the shower. The water helps keep your head moisturized and prevents it from drying out.
Also, make sure you use a proper shaving gel. A lot of men think that shaving without any sort of lubricant is fine. But using a gel makes sure that you get all the hair off easily.
Without the gel, you’ll find yourself having to go over the same area again and again. And if you do that too many times, you’ll eventually start to cut yourself, and dry out your skin.
Using a brush to apply shaving gel before shaving is also a good idea. This will help prevent any bumps and nicks from forming. Avoid shaving too close to your hairline. This can result in ingrown hairs which can irritate.
Be careful about what you put on your head afterward. Some shavers contain alcohol which dries out your skin. Try to avoid these products.
Alcohol doesn’t work well at keeping your skin moisturized. Instead, apply a light moisturizer to your scalp afterward to keep your head hydrated.
Use The Right Razor
You may need to try out different razors until you find the one that works best for you. Electric shavers may work fine for many people but if you’re prone to dandruff, then you might want to avoid them.
A double-edged safety razor is an excellent tool for shaving. However, if you’re new at it, be careful when using them. It would be best to learn how to use a cartridge razor before shaving your head.
The best shaving blade is one with a pivoted ball-head. Having a pivoted ball-headed blade allows you to shave your head without having to go over the same spots repeatedly.
When you shave with a pivoted ball head, you’ll avoid getting razor burn because you’re maintaining contact with the skin. Men who have sensitive skin are more likely than others to develop dry scalp after shaving.
Use A Pre-Shave Oil
Pre-shave oils are great for keeping your skin moisturized before shaving and reducing the risk of dandruff. There are many different types of oils you could use, but here are some of the most popular ones.
Argan Oil – This is one of the most effective oils out there to keep your skin hydrated and healthy! It repairs your skin down into the cells and adds loads of moisture which keeps your skin elastic and plump.
Jojoba Oil – This oil is almost an identical copy of your skin’s natural oils as it mimics sebaceous glands very closely. It regulates sebum production so it doesn’t produce too much or too little.
Coconut Oil – A very good hydrating agent that also acts as an antiseptic that cleanses the skin. If you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis then this is a great product to use.
Castor Oil – This oil is an effective treatment for dry scalps and is the perfect pre-shave oil. It will moisturize your scalp and help to prevent dandruff.
After you shave your head, apply a moisturizing lotion or balm to look in moisture and keep your scalp hydrated.
Also do not forget to use a high factor SPF when outside to protect your scalp from harmful UV rays which will not dry out your skin, but is a cancer risk!
How To Treat Dandruff At Home
There are many natural ways in which you can treat dandruff at home. It is not necessary to use expensive chemical products, here we will take a look at the natural ways you can treat dandruff for shaved heads.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used in many different cultures throughout history. It’s believed to have medicinal properties, but it also works wonders when applied topically.
The first step is to mix one part ACV with two parts water. Apply the mixture directly to your scalp. Leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Repeat every day until you see improvement.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural remedy for balding hair and other skin problems. It is also a very good product for treating scalps and aiding with dandruff.
Coconut oil is a great alternative to commercial products because it contains lauric acid, which helps prevent bacteria from growing. You can apply it to your scalp once a week to aid with flaky skin and dandruff build-up.
Massage it into your scalp and leave it there for 10-15 minutes. Rinse well and repeat twice per week.
3. Honey
Honey is an excellent remedy for dandruff. It moisturizes the scalp and prevents further damage. Mix one teaspoon of honey with one cup of warm water. Use this solution as often as needed.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is another effective treatment for dandruff. Simply cut open the leaf and scoop out the gel. Spread it onto your scalp and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse well afterward. Use as often as needed until you see improvement.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural remedy for dandruff that works very well. Just squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water. Gently massage your scalp with lemon juice for five minutes. Rinse well after this procedure.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another excellent natural remediation for dandruff. It’s also a great moisturizer for your scalp if you suffer from dry skin.
Olive oil is loaded with vitamin E, which keeps your scalp healthy. Combine olive oil with rosemary extract and lavender essential oils. This combination will help eliminate dandruff.
7. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is a powerful herb that will help combat dandruff.
Rosemary oil is full of antioxidants and vitamins that promote scalp health. The best way to use rosemary oil is by massaging it into the scalp and leaving it for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off.
Other Ways To Prevent Dandruff
There are many simple ways you can minimize the likelihood of getting dandruff following a head shave at home. Without realizing it, the lifestyle choices we make will have an impact on our health, and skin health is no different!
The choices we make to our lifestyle could have an impact on our scalp health and therefore the risk of us getting dandruff.
Making some small changes daily could positively alter this. These simple steps may sound simple, but that’s because they are!
Give Yourself A Scalp Massage
Massaging your scalp regularly can increase blood circulation to your scalp and help prevent dandruff from occurring.
This boost in circulation will increase blood flow to the skin to keep your scalp healthy and hydrated.
What you may not realize is that a scalp massage without the hair is oh so much better! You will not only be reducing dandruff but it’s a little daily treat that will boost your mood and destress your cluttered minds.
You are perfectly able to massage your scalp yourself using your fingers, or even better ask a partner for a fully relaxing experience. However, we would highly recommend investing in a scalp massager that you can use either in the shower or dry.
If you decide to use it in the shower, the water and soft silicone bristle combo will not only feel heavenly but will increase blood circulation and encourage hydration.
Bye-bye dandruff, hello relaxation mode!
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated is probably one of the best things we can do for our bodies and our health on a daily basis. Yet for something so obvious and simple, we often do not get enough.
Our bodies are primarily made up of water, and we lose a lot of water each day just to survive. As such, it is necessary to take in more than we lose. But, unfortunately, many of us don’t!
This can lead to a number of health issues, but the first to experience a negative effect is our skin. And our scalps will be no different.
As our shaved heads are mostly exposed, the moisture we lose through our heads is particularly high. This moisture loss can result in a flaky scalp and dandruff.
Simply drinking more water each day to keep our skin fully hydrated could have a positive effect on developing dandruff.
It might not be a miracle cure, in fact, it might not work at all. But hydrating your body, skin, and scalp is a simple way to see if it does ease your dandruff issues. And if nothing else, you will definitely feel better about it. Your body certainly will too!
Eat Well
As we have mentioned previously, our lifestyle and food choices have a big impact on our health and subsequent annoyances like dandruff develop as a result.
Whilst it is easy to think that you need to treat dandruff externally, have you ever considered how you can prevent your dandruff from the inside out?
Now you might think this sounds strange, but hear us out!
The foods that we eat all have a big impact on our bodies. Our skin health is no different.
In the same way that drinking more water will keep our scalps more hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods will keep our skin healthy and elasticized, and reduce dryness and flaking.
Omega 3 rich foods such as oily fish – we’re talking salmon, herring, sardines, etc. will aid your body’s production of skin elasticity and prevent taught, dry, skin.
Adding food rich in Vitamin A to our diets will also have a positive impact on our scalps as Vitamin A is one of the most important nutrients for protecting our skin against UV damage. So grab those yams and get chomping!
The better our skin health, the less likely dandruff will be.
Exercise More
Exercise and diet go hand in hand with aiding our body’s to be the best they can be. Not just in terms of weight management or shape, but how our bodies function for optimum health. This also applies to our skin.
Endorphins are released during exercise, which increases circulation, making blood flow throughout the body much easier.
This means that our scalps will receive increased oxygen levels, helping them to stay moisturized and hydrated.
It will also aid the circulation of those nutrient-rich foods we’ve discussed to reach your exposed scalp skin.
So next time you head off to the gym, make sure you drink plenty of water before you hit the treadmill. You’ll thank yourself later!
Sleep Better
Good sleep hygiene is an essential part of maintaining good overall health. It is especially important for our scalps.
Our scalps are constantly shedding dead cells, so when we don’t give our scalps enough time to rest, then these dead cells build up and become visible.
We know that many people suffer from insomnia; however, even if you aren’t suffering from any serious sleeping disorders, there are some things you can do to ensure you get quality sleep.
Firstly, try to avoid caffeine after midday. Caffeine stimulates adrenaline which makes it harder for us to fall asleep.
Secondly, avoid alcohol within 12 hours of bedtime. Alcohol dehydrates us, making it harder to fall asleep.
Finally, avoid watching TV or using social media before bedtime. These activities stimulate the brain, keeping us awake longer than necessary.
Incorporating a good sleep routine into our lives will have positive effects and can help with that dandruff issue.
Stop Drinking
Drinking alcohol excessively will not only have an impact on your waistline, your wallet, and your health but also on your skin.
Alcohol consumption dehydrates our bodies and causes our skin to become less moisturized and flaky. Cut down on the booze to keep dandruff at bay.
It also goes without saying that drinking too much alcohol is not great for anyone. Cut down on how much you drink and your body and mind will be super grateful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Have Dandruff?
Dandruff is nothing to be ashamed of, nor should you feel embarrassed by it. However, dandruff can be very annoying and uncomfortable.
If you find that your scalp has developed flakes, it is probably because your scalp isn’t getting enough moisture. Moisture is key for proper scalp health.
If you haven’t been taking care of your scalp properly, then it could be causing problems such as dryness, itching, inflammation, and more.
You may want to consider trying out some natural remedies to try and elevate your problem.
Oils such as rosemary, olive, and lemon oil all work well to hydrate your scalp and keep dandruff away.
What Razor Should I Use For Shaving My Head?
It is important to choose the correct razor when shaving your head due to the sensitivity of the skin area and the frequency in which you will be doing so.
By using an inadequate razor, you run the risk of extreme dryness and sensitivity, along with the risk of nicks and cuts. For this reason, it is best to use a cartridge razor with a pivoted ball head.
What Causes Razor Burn?
Razor burn is caused by the friction of repeatedly going over the same point on your scalp with your razor blade.
Investing in a good razor and adequately preparing your scalp with a pre-shave oil will help to eliminate this.
Getting good contact with the skin makes it easy to shave without going over the same spot multiple times.
Also, ensure moisturizing the area afterward for added smoothness and optimum results.
As you can see from this article, dandruff is something that can affect us all regardless of whether we have a mane full of hair or not.
Although experiencing dandruff with a shaved head is annoying, it is not harmful to health and is a part of normal life. Let’s face it, most of us will experience dandruff at some point.
While dandruff itself is not harmful to our health, identifying the root cause of dandruff could highlight a lifestyle choice that would benefit from a change.
Poor diet, low hydration levels, and lack of exercise and sleep can all contribute to dandruff.
It is worth looking at your lifestyle to identify if positive changes can be made to help not only with your dandruff but also your overall well-being.
These positive changes, along with our hints and tips on good shaving practices and the best pre-shave oils and post-shave moisturizers, will hopefully help you to nip your dandruff in the bud. For good!
My name is Doug, and I've been growing a beard on and off for many years now.
I've not had a perfect journey on the road to growing a beard. I've spent more time than I want to admit learning about growing a beard. I'm not one of those blessed with perfect beard-growing genes. So, I've encountered many frustrating and challenging obstacles along the way.
I hope some of my mistakes and victories along the way will help you on your journey to your perfect beard. Of course, reach out if I can help and share this content with your friends that are beginning or struggling on their journey as well.
Beards are becoming increasingly popular and fashionable. This is because they help men feel more confident and look better than ever before. Contents show 1…
