5 Best Exfoliators For Bald Heads

Ever run your hand over your scalp and felt those rough patches or annoying flakes? Not exactly the smooth, polished look you want, right? Just because you're rocking the bald lifestyle doesn't mean your grooming routine stops at shaving. If you want that clean, healthy shine, scalp exfoliation is your secret weapon.

A good scalp exfoliating scrub clears away dead skin, unclogs pores, and helps your moisturizer actually do its job. But not all scrubs hit the mark. Some are too harsh, some don't do enough, and some are just plain messy.

That's why we’ve rounded up the best exfoliators to keep your scalp fresh, smooth, and feeling its best. Let's dive in.

The Top Exfoliators for Bald Heads at a Glance:

• Best Overall: Freebird Purifying Scalp Exfoliator, $11.65
• Runner Up: Bald Brothers Smooth AF Face and Scalp Scrub, $14
• Best Budget: Bee Bald Head and Face Scrub, $9.99
• Best for Detox: Comme Homme Scalp Exfoliator, $22
• Best for Daily Use: Mountaineer Deep Cleaning Exfoliator, $14.99

*Prices are accurate as of publishing but may be subject to change

What to Look for in a Scalp Exfoliator?

Not all exfoliators are effective in keeping our scalps healthy and smooth. Keep an eye on these features when shopping for the best scalp exfoliator.

Gentle on the scalp: Our bald scalps are more sensitive, so we need gentle exfoliators. Skip rough scrubs with big, scratchy bits that may harm our scalps and cause irritation. Finely milled coffee and walnut grounds work without being too harsh.

Moisturization: Today's exfoliators don't just scrub our scalps, they hydrate them too! Look for moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, and shea butter in your scrub. 

Scalp-safe ingredients: Pick dermatologist-tested scalp scrubbers with scalp-friendly ingredients that play nice on your head. 

Scent: For baldies with sensitive scalps, a scent-free scrub is a smart move. Unless you don't mind smelling like a fruit basket all day.

Best Exfoliating Scrubs for Bald Heads

Freebird Purifying Scalp Exfoliator - Best Overall

Say hello to our top pick for the best bald exfoliating scrub: Freebird's Purifying Scalp Exfoliator. It's designed for bald heads and uses salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and help remove dead skin cells.

Worried about dryness? Don't be. The Purifying Scalp Exfoliator won't strip away your natural oils, keeping your scalp healthy and hydrated.

For best results, use it twice a week. All it takes is massaging a nickel-sized amount on your scalp and rinsing it after. That's it - a simple routine using one of the best products for scalp exfoliation.

Who it's for: Baldies looking for a dedicated, fuss-free solution to maintain a healthy scalp and prevent issues like dryness, flakiness, or irritation. It's a good option for those with normal to oily scalps, or those prone to minor breakouts, thanks to the salicylic acid. 

Buy from their website.

You can also get a complete scalp care kit with a cleanser and moisturizer. That's value for money and complete scalp care:

Bald Brothers Smooth AF Face & Scalp Scrub - Runner Up

Here's another great product formulated by bald guys for bald guys. Our chrome domes are more sensitive than other body parts we exfoliate, so we need a gentle scrub that won't mess up our scalps.

Bald Brothers' Smooth AF may be gentle, but it is still effective in removing dead skin cells and gunk. You'll enjoy a smoother shave as your razor glides smoothly on your bald head.

Who it's for: Baldies who want a product from a brand that specializes in bald head care. It's a good choice for those with sensitive scalps who need a good scrub, and who appreciate products that work for both the head and face.

Buy from their website.

Bee Bald Exfoliating Pre-Shave - Best Budget Exfoliator

Like Freebird and Bald Brothers, the guys at Bee Bald make quality products for bald guys like you and me. The Bee Bald Head and Face Scrub cleans the scalp, removing impurities and dead skin.

It's made of all-natural ingredients with walnut shell powder, which is known to help lower the risk of ingrown hair as it exfoliates.

Pros:

• Made for bald guys
• Affordable
• Can be used for the head and face
• A small amount is all you need

Cons:

• Narrow tube hole, clogs easily

Who it's for: Cost-conscious shavers who want a reliable and effective pre-shave exfoliant without breaking the bank. This is a solid choice for those looking for a mild, all-natural physical scrub that works for both the scalp and face.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

Comme Homme Scalp Exfoliator - Best Detox Scalp Exfoliator

If you love a super smooth and close shave, the Comme Homme Exfoliator is an excellent addition to your pre-shave routine. Its jojoba beads gently exfoliate your scalp by removing dead skin and grime.

Your skin will feel refreshed and energized, leaving a light scent you'll probably love.

Who it's for: Those seeking a luxurious, gentle detox experience for their scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin or prefer a non-abrasive physical exfoliant. 

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

Mountaineer Deep Cleaning Exfoliator - Best for Daily Grooming

If you prefer a scalp exfoliator with all-natural ingredients, Mountaineer's Deep Cleaning Exfoliator is one of the best products out there.

Enjoy the gentle cleansing power of olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and bentonite clay. This natural scrub unclogs pores and removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.

Who it's for: For those who love natural, "clean" products and want a gentle exfoliant you can use for keeping your scalp healthy. 

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

Why Exfoliate a Bald Head?

Baldies can enjoy some serious perks when exfoliating their scalps:

Get rid of dead skin: We shed dead skin cells regularly. The problem is that they can build up on our scalps, making it dry and flaky. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and flaky skin, it's like sweeping those dust bunnies of your dome.

Unclog pores: Exfoliation unclogs pores and helps our scalps breathe. Think of it as a scalp detox, clearing away dirt, oil, and product buildup that can make your head feel greasy or irritated.

Smoothens scalp: Removing dead skin cells reveals fresher and smoother skin. It just feels better.

Better product absorption: Open pores mean our scalps can better absorb scalp products like moisturizers. No more money wasted on products that do nothing.

Prevent ingrown hair and razor bumps: Exfoliation helps razors cut hair cleanly at the surface, preventing those nasty ingrown hairs. If you're prone to razor bumps, exfoliation also helps minimize or prevent them from happening.

Closer shave: You'll experience the difference when you shave after exfoliation. Your razor will glide smoothly and effortlessly, giving you a smoother and closer shave.

The Bottom Line

If scalp exfoliation isn't part of your grooming routine yet, now is the time to add it to your bald maintenance tasks.

The first step is choosing an excellent scalp exfoliator from our list to upgrade your shaving game.

Don't forget to apply a good moisturizer to finish your scalp exfoliation routine.

FAQs

My Scalp Feels Dry or Irritated After Exfoliating. What Gives?

This means you're either over-exfoliating (doing it too often or scrubbing too hard) or you're not moisturizing enough afterward. Always follow up with a good bald head moisturizer. If irritation continues, try a gentler exfoliant (like one with salicylic acid or jojoba beads) or reduce how often you use it. Everyone's scalp is a little different, so listen to yours!

Should I Exfoliate My Bald Head?

Yes! Now that you've chosen the bald look, scalp exfoliation should be a part of your grooming routine. Constantly removing dead skin and unclogging pores improves scalp health and hygiene.

If you're experiencing dandruff, acne, and ingrown hair, scalp exfoliation could be the answer to solve these issues.

How Should I Exfoliate My Bald Head?

You need a scalp exfoliator applied to a wet scalp for effective exfoliation. Apply a nickel-sized amount to all areas of your scalp, massaging it gently. Rinse off and use a moisturizer to hydrate your scalp.

How Often Should I Exfoliate My Bald Head?

Over-exfoliation is terrible for your scalp. Most skin care professionals recommend exfoliation once or twice a week. If you have oily or extremely dry scalps, five times a week is the maximum number you can do per week. This gives your scalp enough time to recover after removing all the dirt and grime. Make sure to moisturize after exfoliation to maintain a balanced scalp care regimen.

What's the Difference Between a Scalp Exfoliator and a Face Scrub?

While some products work for both (like a few on our list!), scalp exfoliators are often made with different ingredients or particle sizes to suit the unique skin on your head. Your scalp can be more sensitive, and a good scalp product focuses on things like scalp health, razor glide, and preventing ingrown hairs where hair used to be. A face scrub might be too harsh or not have the right benefits for your bald dome.

Can Exfoliation Help with a Shiny Head?

Absolutely! Sometimes that "too shiny" look comes from oil buildup and dead skin. Exfoliating helps balance your scalp's oil production and removes dead skin that can make your head look greasy or overly reflective.