Scalp-care for Bald Baddies
Whether you're bald by choice or due to medical reasons, looking after your scalp is still important.
The scalp is an extension of the skin on the rest of your body and when not covered in hair, it’s even more visible, fragile and prone to sensitivities like dryness and hyperpigmentation.
Alopecia is a very common type of hair loss especially amongst Black women that causes baldness. Sometimes total baldness, but often you may loose hair in patches, which may force you to remove all hair to achieve some uniformity. Scarring, hyperpigmentation and uneven texture are just some of the concerns that Alopecia can bring.
If you’re bald as a lifestyle or fashion statement, constantly trying to keep your scalp hair and stubble free can bring its own challenges with shaving, bumps and discolouration too.
So how do you build a scalp care regimen that rivals the one you have for your face? We checked in with Aesthetician (and BSD Founder) Dija Ayodele.
Scalps still need cleansing and if you choose to apply make up to your scalp, double cleansing would be a useful practice too. How you select a cleanser is really down to your concern - if you experience dandruff you may want to go for an anti dandruff shampoo or a cleanser containing tea tree oil which is antibacterial and antimicrobial, however if dryness is your concern then a super gentle face wash or soap will be key. For double cleansing, an oil or balm make up removing cleanser would be your first step before using your chosen cleanser.
Exposed scalps tend to be even more sensitive so will need a concentrated effort on your part to keep moisturised.
When it comes to hydration, avoid reaching straight for a oil. These are great, but only at the very end of your routine to lock in moisture. Instead, approach hydration like a layer cake following the H.E.O rule, start with a hydrating mist or hyaluronic acid or even just glycerine (Humectants). Apply a lightweight oil free moisturiser (Emollients) to strengthen the skin barrier followed by a few drops of oil such as jojoba oil to seal everything (Occlusives).
Bare scalps need sunscreen too, so this should be your last step in your scalp care routine. Don’t be a stranger to hats, scarves and bandana’s as forms of extra protection.
If your scalp is particularly oily, you can also use clay masks two to three times a week to deep cleanse and absorb oil.
Scalp Discolouration
Hyperpigmentation and dark marks can be as a result of scarring, ingrown hair or friction caused by repeatedly shaving your scalp. This can make it quite tricky to tackle discolouration in a long term way. Firstly, looking at your shave technique may be helpful to reduce discolouration by first minimising ingrown hair and bumps.
Start preparing your scalp for shaving few days in advance by using an exfoliating scalp scrub, wash or toner. The helps to loosen old and dead skin cells, whilst also smoothing and polishing the skin. In the long run, this helps to prevent ingrown hair.
Always use a non-drying shaving cream to provide a smooth glide. Queen Helene Triple Whipped doubles up as a cleanser and shaving cream.
Use a sharp razor, cleaning it as you go along. Preferably a new razor each time you shave for the cleanest and smoothest finish
Hydrate, moisturise and protect the scalp well after shaving to prevent dryness from setting in.
Pro tip - A tanning lotion is also a super quick way to even the skin tone on the scalp and it can last for days. If you want to go one step further and have the time and patience to apply evenly, buffing foundation into the scalp with a firm kabuki brush will also do a fine job. Don’t forget to set your foundation to minimise slide!