A Guide to Shaving Your Head with Acne

Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional

You've got your razor in hand, but your scalp is dotted with acne - now what? Shaving over pimples is like navigating a minefield - one false move, and kaboom!

So, do you quit shaving because of bald head pimples?

Nope! There are practical tips and tricks for head shaving with acne. Learning these techniques helps you feel confident in your shaving routine.

What Causes Scalp Acne?

Acne happens when excess oil blocks hair follicles, causing pimples or irritated bumps. Acne can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filled spots, and cysts on your scalp.

Should I Shave My Head If I Have Acne?

You can still shave if you have a few pimples. Just follow some steps (we'll show later) to minimize irritation. If you have inflamed cystic acne, put your shaver down and let your scalp calm down a bit before shaving. Remember, your comfort and skin health come first!

Step-by-Step Guide to Shaving Your Head with Acne

Preparation

Before you pick up that razor, remember that preparation is the key to a safe shave with acne-prone skin. 

Start by cleansing your scalp with a gentle cleanser and warm water to remove excess dirt and oil. Next, apply a warm compress or take a warm shower to soften hair and open your pores. This step helps for a smoother shave with less irritation.

Apply anti-acne shaving cream formulated for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free is a good option with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.

The Shaving Process

Now you're ready to shave. Always use a clean and sharp razor, whether manual or electric.

Be gentle on your scalp when shaving, don't apply too much pressure, use light strokes, and shave with the grain to avoid making your acne worse. If you have particularly inflamed acne, skip over them rather than risk cutting them open.

Post Shave Care

Once you're done, rinse your scalp with cool water to close pores and soothe any irritation. Pat gently to dry; no vigorous scrubbing!

After drying, apply an alcohol-free aftershave or lightweight moisturizer that won't clog your pores.

How to Prevent Scalp Acne When Shaving

Before we share tips on preventing or avoiding pimples when shaving, be sure you're dealing with acne and not razor bumps or scalp folliculitis. They can look the same but need different care.

• Razor bumps occur when hair follicles become inflamed after shaving because of ingrown hairs. They appear as red, irritated spots, which are not acne but look a lot like it. Preventing razor bumps or ingrown hair requires a different strategy. Read our guide on how to get rid of razor bumps for more information.
• You may also be dealing with scalp folliculitis, which is not acne but looks a lot like it. It has a distinct red ring around the bumps, which may lead to pus-filled blisters that can break open and crust over.

Keep Your Scalp Clean

A clean scalp means fewer pimples and healthier skin.

Add a cleanser to your grooming kit as part of your scalp care for acne. Freebird has a detoxifying scalp cleanser designed for baldies.

CeraVe's Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser with 4% benzoyl peroxide is also popular among users with acne-prone skin, along with Nivea's Sensitive Post Shave Balm.

Use an Electric Shaver

Looking for the best razor for scalp acne?

Consider switching to an electric shaver like Freebird's FlexSeries Pro. 

For scalp pimple shaving, electrics are generally gentler on the skin and reduce the risk of nicks and cuts. 

If you prefer a manual razor, use sharp blades and be gentle when you shave. Dull blades can tug on the skin and irritate it. Don't press too hard. You don't want to cut those sensitive acne spots.

Replace blades regularly based on your manufacturer's recommendations or when you start feeling a drop in performance from your electric shaver.

If you're using a disposable razor, don't be tempted to use it again to save on costs. 

Here are the best electric shavers for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Shave with the Grain

If you have acne-prone skin, shaving with the grain or along your hair growth is the shaving technique you should use. It helps minimize irritating your acne even further. Remember to apply less pressure and shave slowly as part of acne-prone scalp care.

Exfoliate Regularly

Regular exfoliation is your scalp's best friend. If you have acne-prone skin, exfoliating a few times a week helps remove dead skin cells and clear pores. Don't overdo it - too much exfoliation can irritate sensitive skin.

Clean Your Shaver

A clean blade means fewer breakouts.

Shaving acne requires using a fresh, clean blade every time. Remember, combined dirt, oil, and bacteria are a perfect recipe for acne breakouts. Read our guide on how to clean an electric shaver.

Wet Shave

Wet shaving is the gold standard for those with sensitive scalps or acne-prone skin. Why? It's gentler, like giving your scalp a spa treatment before the shave. Warm water opens up pores and softens hair, making it easier for your shaver to glide smoothly without irritation. Shaving cream also adds a layer of protection that helps reduce friction. Pick the right shaving cream for a smooth shave.

Shave Less Frequently

Frequent shaving can irritate skin, especially if you have acne-prone areas on your scalp. It can also lead to clogged pores when dead skin cells and oils are not cleared away.

Skipping shaving altogether gives your skin a chance to heal. Shaving less frequently can also reduce the risk of irritation and inflammation, which makes acne worse.

How often should you shave? For some baldies, three to five days is a good frequency, but if you notice acne breakouts, you may have sensitive skin. Take a longer break and skip shaving for a week.

Check What You Apply to Your Scalp

Applying the wrong shaving cream, gel, oil, or aftershave products can worsen acne. Avoid products that irritate sensitive or acne-prone scalps.  Stay away from essential oils that are too thick and may clog pores. Stick to soothing ingredients like aloe vera or allantoin. Foams may worsen acne; if you can find an oil-free, non-foaming cream with glycerin, that's a good option.

Moisturize

A dry scalp may lead to irritation and worsen acne breakouts on your scalp. Dry skin produces excess sebum, which causes clogged pores. Moisturizing helps maintain a healthy oil and moisture balance, lowering the chances of acne breakouts.

Look for non-comedogenic moisturizers that won't clog pores, like aloe vera or Freebird's refreshing scalp moisturizer, designed for baldies like you and me.

See a Dermatologist

If your scalp acne doesn't clear up with over-the-counter treatments or if you notice severe or painful scalp acne, you should see your dermatologist for recommendations. Stubborn acne may require prescription medication.

How to Manage Post-Shave Pimples

Get Short Controlled Sun Exposure

A little sun exposure can sometimes help with acne. Sunlight gives you a Vitamin D boost and helps dry up excess oil, which reduces acne.

If you have dry skin, stay clear of the sun because "drier skin" can increase oil production, which we don't want if you're shaving with acne.

Use an Exfoliant with Salicylic Acid

Using an exfoliant with salicylic acid can be an effective strategy for managing scalp acne. Salicylic acid is known for penetrating oil and exfoliating skin. It helps break down dead skin cells and unclog pores. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce redness and swelling from scalp acne.

Regular use of salicylic acid can treat existing scalp pimples and help prevent them.

Wear a Hat

If pimples after shaving your head cause embarrassment, you can wear hats to cover them up while treating them. Choose hats made from lightweight and breathable materials to allow circulation. Avoid tight-fitting hats that can irritate sensitive skin. Lastly, wash hats regularly, as they can trap dirt and oils, which may cause acne breakouts.

Myth vs. Fact: Shaving and Scalp Acne

Myth: Shaving causes acne.

Fact: Shaving does not cause acne, but it can make existing breakouts worse. Shaving over inflamed bumps can spread bacteria and lead to more irritation and new pimples. Shaving-related bumps are usually razor bumps and not acne.

Myth: You should scrub your scalp to get rid of acne.

Fact: Over-scrubbing can be very bad for your scalp. Aggressive scrubbing can irritate your skin and actually increase oil production, which can make your acne even worse. Gentle exfoliation is a better way to go.

Myth: Popping pimples gives you a cleaner shave.

Fact: You should never pop a pimple on your scalp. It can spread bacteria and cause a bigger infection. It also makes you much more likely to get a cut or nick from the razor, which can make things a lot worse.

The Bottom Line

Shaving your head while dealing with acne is easier when you apply the proper steps like the ones we shared here. Always listen to your body. Some acne-prone scalp care hacks may work for you, while some may not, especially if you have sensitive skin. Don't think twice about seeking professional advice from a dermatologist if things worsen.

FAQs

Does Shaving Help with Acne?

Shaving does not directly help clear up acne, but it does help clear dead skin cells that contribute to breakouts.

Does Shaving with an Electric Shaver Cause Acne?

Generally, shaving with an electric razor causes less skin irritation and acne, especially if you have blades designed for sensitive skin. Make sure you don't use dull or dirty blades, which can cause breakouts.

Should I Pop Pimples on My Scalp Before Shaving?

No, you should not pop pimples on your scalp. Popping pimples can spread bacteria and cause a bigger infection. It also makes you more likely to get a cut or nick from the razor, which can make the problem worse.

Can My Diet Affect Scalp Acne?

Yes, your diet can impact the health of your scalp and skin. A study links foods with a high glycemic index, like white bread and sugary snacks, to inflammation. Research also shows that dairy consumption may cause acne breakouts in some people.

How to Prevent Acne After Shaving with an Electric Razor?

You can prevent post-shave acne when using an electric razor by following a few simple steps. Cleanse your scalp before shaving and use sharp blades. Always apply a moisturizer after you're done, and avoid tight-fitting hats immediately after shaving.

Can You Get Acne from Shaving?

No, shaving does not cause acne. But if you use a dirty or dull blade, it can spread bacteria on your scalp and make existing acne breakouts worse. To avoid this, always shave with a clean shaver and wash your scalp with a gentle cleanser.