The Best Shampoos for Bald Heads, According to Derms and Trichologists

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If men without beards don’t have to use beard wash, then do men without head hair not need to use shampoo? It’s a great question. Shampoo is as much about cleansing the scalp as it is about washing the hair, and bald men are all scalp. For this reason, it’s important to have the best shampoo for bald heads at the ready.

But why shampoo, instead of a regular cleanser or bar soap? The truth is, it’s more about the ingredients used in any scalp cleansing product. And most shampoos are formulated for this part of the body, whereas not all facial and body cleansers can say the same. “Bar soap is typically formulated with a specific pH level for a more intense cleanse than shampoos,” explains Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in New York. “Using bar soap can be excessively drying, which can then lead the scalp to produce more oils that [impart] a greasy feel.” (That said, there are bar soaps that target the scalp and/or hair specifically, so don’t go ruling those ones out.)

Plus, the best solution for each guy will be different, explains Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, a trichologist and founder of Alodia Haircare. “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to bald head care,” she says. “It truly depends on individual factors, such as skin type, activity level, and personal preference. It can be as frequent as every other day or one time a week.” In general, though, the more sweat, oil, and product buildup, the more necessary it is to shampoo frequently.

Read on for expertise from both Green and Chambers-Harris, as well as professional picks and some SPY-favorite shampoos for bald heads.

What the Experts Say

On the Best Active Ingredients

Since a bald man’s head is one of the first things people will notice, it’s important to keep it presentable. And while regular washing and hydration will help here, it’s also smart to consider the active ingredients in one’s regimen that can prevent things like sebum accumulation (shine) and dandruff.

For Shine: “Shine on a bald head is typically a result of overactive sebaceous glands along the scalp,” explains Green. “To combat this, look for shampoos that contain clarifying ingredients such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs, respectively). AHAs like lactic acid and BHAs like salicylic acid both exfoliate and cleanse the scalp of excess oil, product buildup, dirt, and dead skin cells. Over time, they also work to decrease oil production along the scalp [especially salicylic acid].” 

For Dandruff: It can be smart to have a dandruff shampoo at the ready, even if it’s not a problem that regularly occurs. After all, a bald scalp can still experience excessive dryness, excessive oiliness, or fungal proliferation. Both experts offered their favorite active ingredient for this.

Indicator Words

Sometimes, the best way to shop for shampoo is by “indicators”, which are those key words that brands use to define the performance of their product. After all, two formulas may look nearly identical in terms of their ingredients, but the concentration of ingredients and their overall performance could be entirely different.

The dermatologist’s preferred indicators: “Look for shampoos that promote cleansing or clarifying,” says Dr. Green. “The scalp is exposed to pollution and sun during the day, so it is essential to focus on shampoos that clean the scalp of impurities to maintain a healthy skin barrier.”

The trichologist’s preferred indicators: “You should look for a gentle formula, pH-balanced, and free of harsh chemicals, as well as a fragrance-free option,” says Dr. Chambers-Harris.

The Best Shampoos for Bald Heads