Whether you’re new to shaving your head or a veteran to the bald look, peeling skin on your head can be unsightly and very uncomfortable. This article will go over some of the leading causes of this common issue and, of course, offer you practical solutions. Dandruff and its trademark flakes don’t have to be permanent, and with these bald head skin care tips, you’ll be able to maintain healthy-looking skin on your head.
Why is my Head Peeling?
Without hair on your head, the skin on your scalp is much more exposed to various factors than it has ever been before. Hair is nature’s way of protecting the head from most things, and regardless if you’ve lost your hair or you just like the shaved-look, this does come with some risks. Presumably, if you are reading this, you are experiencing some skin issues on your chrome-dome, and the following are some of the most frequent causes of peeling and flaking on the scalp:
Cause #1: Dry Skin
Dryness is a very general term, and it can have several different causes, but many of them you can control. A lack of moisture in the air can potentially cause skin problems all over the body, and if you’re bald, this leaves more surface area to be exposed by the elements, like extremely cold air. Many people dread the winter season solely for this reason.
Long, hot baths and showers will also quickly take the moisture out of the skin, especially if you like to stand under the shower-head. This might be relaxing, but it may very well be the cause of your head dryness and peeling.
A Bald dry scalp can also be caused by medical conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis which can have several different underlying causes. Seborrheic dermatitis is notorious for being very irritating, and its name refers to the sebaceous glands, which are closely affiliated with acne. This kind of dermatitis has also been described as being similar to dandruff, but much more severe.
Cause #2: Oily Skin
This section might seem to contradict the previous one, and while having head dryness can definitely contribute to your skin woes, oily skin can be just as problematic.
Typically, having excessive oily skin is due to not showering enough or using shampoo. When this happens, dead skin cells can accumulate and flake and peel, which is known as dandruff. These specks of skin particles can also be caused by dryness, and it’s also appeared in those with combination skin - dandruff does not discriminate, and it can affect just about anyone!
Dandruff on your bald head can be burdensome because of its increased visibility, compared to those with hair. The obvious solution to dealing with oily skin and dandruff is to pay attention to how you use shampoo as well as be aware of what type you are using. More specific details about shampoo will be discussed throughout this guide.
Cause #3: Excessive Sun Exposure
Nearly everyone has experienced a sunburn at least once in their lifetime, and if you’re an individual with fairer skin, there’s a chance you’ve noticed the redness and subsequent peeling of the skin.
Sunburns can be ugly and painful, which is why people inherently try to avoid them, but bald people have to be extra careful under the harsh ultraviolet rays.
Having no hair gives the sun more places to beat down on, and since it will more or less be directly above you, your scalp is at risk for getting burnt to a crisp. If you like the outdoors, it is crucial to take steps to protect yourself from sunburns, which cause not only peeling but also skin cancer.
Regardless of whether you need to pay more attention to how you shower or perhaps you haven’t been using lotion, these bald head skin care tips should help immensely!
Cause #4: Microbial Infections
We can’t see certain creatures, but we can definitely notice the effects that microbes have on our bodies, including the skin.
Ever heard of athlete’s foot? This common condition, which is characterized by peeling skin, is caused by a specific kind of fungi known as tinea pedis, which is ringworm of the foot. However, your head can also be affected by ringworm of the scalp, also known as tinea capitis. This variant of ringworm can cause quite the itch and can actually cause bald patches in people with hair. Fortunately, all types of tinea infections aren’t that significant aside from being annoying and uncomfortable.
A more severe cause of peeling is a staph infection, which is caused by Staphylococcal bacteria. This kind of infection can be life-threatening and doesn’t necessarily have to take place on your scalp, but there are more apparent symptoms such as blistering and fevers. In other words, you’ll probably know if something is seriously wrong.
Cause #5: Chemicals & Allergic Reactions
Just because you don’t have any hair doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use any shampoo! Shampoo can keep your head clean; however, the kind you use can make a significant difference in the appearance of your skin and eliminate dandruff on your bald head.
Shampoos and soap can contain irritating chemicals in them, like perfumes, to provide a nice scent. Foaming agents, like sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), don’t have a great reputation either and can completely strip out natural oils and/or result in an allergic reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Take a look at what products you are using, and if you see some questionable ingredients, it’s probably time to dispose of them because it may very well be the cause of the skin peeling on your scalp.
How Do I Stop my Head from Peeling?
Luckily for you, there are different methods you can try that will provide relief for a peeling scalp. While there are multiple products out there that are designed specifically for this reason, you can also modify your lifestyle and hygiene. This section will lay out various solutions to the possible causes of the skin issues that were mentioned throughout this article.
Lower the Water Temperature & Reduce your Time in the Shower
A long, hot shower is, without a doubt, rejuvenating, but being in there for a prolonged period of time isn’t good if you are dealing with a bald dry scalp. Sure, it can be great for opening up pores, but for this problem, it’s best to make some adjustments to your bathing habits.
If your showers are steaming, try lukewarm water instead. It will feel cooler than what you are used to, and may take a little bit of time to adjust to, but your body will adapt to it. You can also feel free to try even colder water if you aren’t seeing results after a while.
The amount of time you spend in there also matters, and the longer you are in there for, the more likely you will dry your skin out. Try to take brisk showers that get the job done, and you’ll likely see an improvement not only in your head dryness but on the rest of your body as well. It’s also good for the environment - shorter showers equal less wasted water.
Are You Using the Right Shampoo?
Not all shampoo is created equal, and some contain chemicals that aren’t too kind on the skin. For that reason, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the chemicals that tend to bother those with sensitive skin.
Choosing a great shampoo that is formulated to fight dandruff on your bald head is also a step in the right direction and contain an ingredient called zinc pyrithione, which is the primary source of combating it. If you have oily skin, and you know that it is the source of your dandruff, shampoo should bring it to a more manageable state. Zinc pyrithione is also an effective anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent if you suspect you might have an infection.
Additionally, shampoos containing ketoconazole, such as Nizoral, are amazing for fighting fungal infections and is also known to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Some products might contain a combination of zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole too, but either one of them can provide relief for peeling and flaking skin.
Wear a Hat When Going Outdoors
Sunburns are the worst, and without any hair, your scalp loses some protection against the sun. Even if you don’t get burnt, it still can cause premature aging and other blemishes, which can keep your head from looking as good as possible.
A hat should become your new best friend if it isn’t already, and it will prevent the sun from beating down on your shiny scalp, which increases the odds of you getting a sunburn, which of course leads to peeling.
It should also be one of your top priorities for bald head care, not only for maintaining the appearance of your skin but also for health reasons. Being unprotected puts you at risk for skin cancer, and although sunblock with a high SPF rating can do a great job, wearing a hat is a surefire way to ensure safety.
Use Lotions and Moisturizers
A good lotion isn’t just for your face and limbs, and if you’ve been experiencing dry skin on your head, moisturizing it can do wonders for you. If anything, shaved head care should become a priority, especially if you prefer to keep the clean look every single day.
There are excellent lotions and moisturizers that are made for the scalp specifically that can keep your head hydrated all day long. Using some sort of bald head moisturizer is not only useful for providing relief for but essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Keep in mind that products do contain oils, so if you have oily skin and dandruff, you might want to opt for an oil-free bald head lotion. However, by being mindful of your hygiene (i.e., using an appropriate shampoo), you can diminish this issue.
Conclusion
Having peeling, flaky, and irritated skin on your head is the last thing you want if your goal is to appear as clean, cool, and confident as you can. However, it is quite common, and thankfully, most causes of this issue are highly treatable.
This article listed out five of the most common reasons as for why your bald head is peeling, but importantly, practical solutions to them were also provided so that you can start treating yourself immediately.
