Best Shaving Creams & Gels for Shaving Your Head

Ever felt the sting of razor burn or the pain of a nick while shaving your head? We've all been there, and let's be honest, it's anything but pleasant.

Our scalps are one of our most sensitive skin layers, and baldies should take extra care, especially when shaving.

If you want to maintain a healthy scalp and avoid razor burns, razor bumps, and skin irritation, applying shaving cream and gel should be a part of your head-shaving routine.

Join me as we list the best shaving creams and gels for head shaving and learn how to apply them before a shave.

Best Shaving Creams and Gels at a Glance:

• Top Pick: Freebird Soothing Shave Gel, $11.65
• Best All Around: HeadBlade HeadSlick Shaving Cream, $12.99
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Proraso Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream, $10.00
• Best Value for Money: Bee Bald Premium Shave Cream, $9.99
• Best Luxury: The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream, $35.00
• Best for Dry Skin: Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel, $12.00
• Best Latherless: Old Spice Bald Care Shave Cream, $11.99
• Best Shaving Soap: The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Soap, $50.00

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

8 Best Shaving Creams and Gels for Head Shaving

#1 Freebird Soothing Shave Gel - My Top Pick

Pros:

• Designed for baldies
• Light consistency (won't clog razors)
• Made from gentle ingredients (safe for sensitive skin)
• Provides a smooth and comfortable shave
• 30-day trial

Cons:

• Need to subscribe for the best price (up to 37% less)

Who it's for: This gel is for anyone who wants a smooth, nourishing shave. If your electric shaver gets clogged easily by thicker creams or if you have sensitive skin, this gel is a perfect fit.

Freebird's Soothing Shave Gel is my top pick and is the best partner for my Freebird FlexSeries Pro shaver. The gel's lighter consistency doesn't clog my rotary blades like thicker shaving creams can.

The soothing shave gel is also perfect for sensitive skin coz it's made with gentle ingredients. Plus, it's vegan and cruelty-free.

Backed by Freebird's 30-day trial and money-back guarantee, you'll surely get your money's worth.

Leave the gel on your scalp for 30 seconds to soften your hair before shaving. When you're done, rinse it off and towel dry.

Buy from the Freebird website or on Amazon.

#2 Headblade HeadSlick Shaving Cream - Best All-Around Shaving Cream

Pros:

• Made for baldies
• Reduces razor burn and irritation
• Water soluble, rinses easily
• Leaves a cooling effect
• Suites all skin types

Cons:

• Too mentholated for some
  
• Unscented (not for everyone)

Who it's for: This cream is for baldies who want a refreshing, easy-to-rinse shave without any added fragrance. It's especially good if you like that cool, tingling feeling on your scalp after shaving.

The HeadSlick mentholated shaving cream is another good option, being our best all-around shaving cream pick for head shavers. The guys at Headblade know their stuff, and their specialty is making products designed for baldies.

They skipped the fragrance, which is good news if scented shaving creams irritate you. It also rinses off easily and leaves your scalp feeling fresh.

Buy from their website or on Amazon

#3 Proraso Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream - Best for Sensitive Skin

Pros:

• Soothes sensitive skin
• Contains skin-calming ingredients like oatmeal and green tea
• Paraben, SLS, mineral oil, artificial coloring, and silicon-free
• Backed by over a century of shaving expertise
• 95% natural ingredients
• Lasts for several months

Cons:

• Works best with a shaving brush (not for everyone who's in a rush)
• Thick lather may clog razors

Who it's for: This cream is a must-have for anyone with highly sensitive skin prone to razor burn or irritation. If you're looking for a reliable, time-tested formula that prioritizes calming and protecting your scalp, give this one a try.

Do you have sensitive skin like me? Then you should look for a shaving cream that won't cause skin irritation. Proraso's Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream will surely impress you.  Proraso added oatmeal and green tea to their shaving cream, ingredients that soothe your skin and help prevent razor burns and skin irritation. They also removed parabens, mineral oils, silicon, artificial colors, and other ingredients that can irritate your skin.

With close to 115 years of experience in the shaving game, you can surely trust Proraso shaving products to live up to its billing.

Buy from their website or on Amazon

#4 Bee Bald Premium Shave Cream - Best Value for Money

Pros:

• Affordable price for a high-quality shaving cream
• Made for the head and face
• For all skin types
• Contains bee pollen extract (softens skin)

Cons:

• Not for those with bee pollen allergies

Who it's for: This cream is perfect for budget-conscious head and face shavers who want a high-quality product. If you appreciate natural ingredients like bee pollen extract and want a smooth shave without spending a lot, this is for you.

Who said you have to spend a fortune on a premium shaving cream? Bee Bald Premium Shave Cream is our top pick for head shavers on a budget. Bee Bald is another of those products designed specifically with our smooth domes in mind, so you're sure to get a quality shaving cream.

Bee Bald's shaving cream has added bee pollen extract (it fits their name, right?), a unique and natural ingredient that contains fatty acids and vitamins that can help soften the skin.

Value for money? You bet.

Buy from their website or on Amazon

#5 The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Cream - Best Luxury Shave Cream

Pros:

• Prevents post-shave dryness
• Made from premium ingredients (glycerin, coconut oil)
• Has a natural sandalwood scent that lasts
• Creates a rich, foamy lather
• Helps prevent skin irritation
  

Cons:

• Pricey

Who it's for: This cream is for shavers who have the budget and are willing to invest in a high-quality shaving product. If you love the natural scent of sandalwood and want a rich, protective lather that leaves your scalp silky smooth, this cream is for you.

The Art of Shaving Sandalwood shave cream is a bit pricey, but for good reason. It's a solid performer who doesn't leave your scalp dry after shaving. If you love the smell of sandalwood, you'll be pleased because it lingers on the skin.

Buy from their website or on Amazon

#6 Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel - Best For Dry Skin

Pros:

• Made for dry skin
• Has soy, aloe, and Vitamin E, which soothes and moisturizes skin
  
• It can make your skin feel smoother over time

Cons:

• Fragrance is not for everyone, based on some reviews

Who it's for: This gel is ideal for shavers with dry skin who need extra hydration and protection. If you want a reliable, soothing shave gel that also works to keep your scalp smooth over time, this is a solid pick.

The Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel is a good option for baldies with dry skin that doesn't disappoint. It provides excellent lubrication and protects skin from razor burns and razor bumps. 

Buy from their website or on Amazon

#7 Old Spice Bald Care Shave Cream - Best Latherless Cream

Pros:

• Easy to apply (no brush or water needed)
• Provides clear visibility for more precise shaving
• Helps avoid multiple passes, lessens irritation
• Nourishes scalp with Vitamin E 

Cons:

• Not for traditional lather shavers

Who it's for: This cream is perfect for shavers who want a quick, no-fuss shave. If you prefer to see your scalp clearly while shaving, this latherless cream is a great option.

Some shavers prefer latherless creams because they're easier to apply. You don't need a brush and warm water to create lather. Another good thing about not having lather is seeing exactly where you're shaving. You don't need to make multiple passes that can irritate your skin.

Buy on Amazon.

#8 The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Soap - Best Shaving Soap

Pros:

• Produces a rich and foamy lather
• Clinically and dermatological tested
• Non-comedogenic
• No synthetic dyes and alcohol
• Lasts longer than most creams and gels

Cons:

• Pricey
• Requires a shaving brush and hot water for prep

Who it's for: If creams and gels are not your thing, this shaving soap is your best bet. It's perfect for wet shaving enthusiasts who enjoy the ritual of a traditional shave. It's also a good choice if you have dry skin, appreciate natural sandalwood scent, and don't mind a bit more prep time. 

The Art of Shaving Sandalwood Shaving Soap gives you a traditional wet shave experience using a soap bar. You'll get a foamy lather boosted with sandalwood essential oil, known to nourish dry skin.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

Types of Shaving Creams for the Head

Choosing a lubricating product for our scalps can be overwhelming. There are many products out there, and picking one boils down to personal preference. Let's look at the different types of shaving creams, gels, and soaps you can buy.

Shaving creams: The Classic Pick. Thick and full of lather, shave creams usually have a thick consistency and work well for head shavers who use safety razors.

Shaving gels: Lightweight and easy to rinse, shaving gels are ideal partners for electric shavers because they have a thinner texture that doesn't clog blades.

Latherless creams: Imagine having an invisible shield as you shave. Latherless creams have a super thick consistency without the foamy fuss. It's good for bald heads who want a streamlined shave.

Shaving foams: Not a good choice for head shavers, shaving foams have a fluffy and airy texture that provides less lubrication, leading to dry skin and skin irritation.

Shaving soaps: Soap bars last longer than shaving creams and gels.

Shaving Cream Ingredients to Look Out For

The search for the best shaving cream for head shavers starts with choosing the best ingredients. Similar to cooking, the art of shaving requires the best ingredients for the best results. Baldies want healthy skin, so avoiding harsh chemicals, artificial colors, and overly scented shaving products is the best way to go.

Hydrators: Shaving can be harsh on our scalps, and we often end up with dry and flaky heads. Ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter in creams or gels are good for keeping our scalps moisturized.

Soothers: Do you have sensitive skin? Aloe vera, oatmeal, and chamomile are your best buddies. They soothe and calm your skin and prevent razor burns and pesky bumps.

Lubricants: A smooth glide is essential to a comfortable head shave. Choose quality shaving cream with glycerin and fatty acids for a smooth shave.

Fragrance: Most bald heads want to smell good after a shave. However, shaving products with too much fragrance can irritate our scalp. For baldies with sensitive skin, choose unscented creams and gels or those with light and natural ingredients.

How to Apply Shaving Cream on the Head

While you can apply shaving cream with your hands, using a shaving brush has its benefits.

• Softens hair,

• Exfoliates skin,

• Lifts hair

Follow these steps to apply shaving cream with your shaving brush:

#1 Soak your shaving brush in warm water for 30 seconds

#2 Take a warm shower to soften hair. Warm water softens hair and opens up pores for a smoother shave.

#3 Apply a generous amount of cream (around three-quarters of an inch) onto your shaving brush

#4 Using a shaving mug, whip the shaving cream into a rich lather

#5 Lastly, apply the cream to your scalp with your shaving brush. Let it sit a minute, allowing it to work its magic.

After shaving, don't forget to use a moisturizer and apply sunscreen if you go out on a sunny day.

The Bottom Line

While some bald guys may have tough skin and can get by with dry shaving, the safest way to avoid irritation is by using creams and gels.

I prefer to wet shave since dry shaving with an electric shaver results in razor burns on my neck. Lesson learned.

I now use a good shaving cream with coconut oil every time I shave my head. It makes a huge difference.

For the best value, why not try Freebird's Shave Care Kit , which includes your shave gel plus a pre-shave oil and post-shave lotion.

FAQ

What is the best razor for shaving your head?

The best razor comes down to your personal preference. Some may prefer traditional safety razors, while some like modern electric shavers. Read our comprehensive guide on razors vs electric shavers to learn more.

Should I use shaving cream with a head shaver?

Yes, whether you're old school and use a safety razor or a techie who prefers wet shaving with electric razors, shaving creams and gels should be part of your shaving routine.

Can you use shaving gel for the head?

Yes, you can use shaving gel for your head. Gels don't foam up like traditional creams, making them easier to apply. Barbers often prefer gels over creams because they're transparent and help them see where they shave. Plus, gels also have a thinner consistency, so they're less likely to clog up electric razor blades.

Can I use regular shaving cream on my head?

Yes. You can use regular shaving cream on your head. Lubricants are generally recommended to prevent razor burn, ingrown hairs, and irritation. 

Is it better to shave your head wet or dry?

It depends on several factors, including your skin sensitivity, convenience, hair type, and the level of smoothness you want. Dry shaving is quicker and more convenient because you don't need any prep. Wet shaving is ideal for shavers with sensitive skin who prefer a closer shave.

Is shaving cream good for your scalp?

Yes, there are numerous benefits when using shaving cream for the scalp. It creates a slick layer between razor blades and the scalp, which helps reduce irritation. Some shaving creams also have ingredients that soften hair, making it easier for electric razors to cut hair.