In fact, this question has been asked on many forums and blogs, but no one seems to have given the most comprehensive and accurate answer yet.
Some people believe that bald people don’t need to shampoo as they don’t have hair to wash, while others believe that they should use shampoo like everyone else. A few people even claim that they can use lotion or soap, just like any other part of their body.
So what is the correct answer?
We have conducted in-depth research on this topic and consulted many experts to come up with the most accurate answer.
So keep reading to see more!

Do bald people really need shampoo?
Do Bald People Use Shampoo or Soap?
Bald people can use either shampoo or soap to clean their scalp, depending on their personal preference and specific hair care needs.
While shampoo is formulated to cleanse hair and remove oil, dirt, and product buildup, soap is typically used to clean the skin and remove sweat and bacteria. However, some shampoos may also provide additional benefits such as moisturizing or soothing the scalp.
The shampoo does not only have the effect of treating and caring for hair. It is also essential for the scalp.
Generally, shampoo has two main effects on both hair and scalp. Therefore, shampoo is essential for even bald people, for whom the scalp is the first line of defense.

In addition to cleaning, shampoo also has a nourishing effect on the scalp.
Cleanse Hair and Scalp
The first use of shampoo, and the most widely known, is to clean the hair. Every day, your hair will struggle with odor, sweat, debris, dirt, and sebum that is secreted from the scalp. When exposed to sufficient quantities of the ingredients, your hair will gain an oily and shiny look (in a way we never wanted)
So regular shampooing will help you get rid of all those ingredients, leaving your hair clean and getting a pleasant scent.
Scalp Care and Nourishment
The second effect of shampoo is related to scalp care, which makes it crucial to bald people: It removes sebum and nourishes the scalp.
Sebum is our body’s natural response as it attempts to keep everything hydrated. For people who are bald, their scalp is directly exposed to the same stuff that ends up in people’s hair.
Furthermore, the sebaceous gland is located just below the scalp. Therefore, excessive sebum secretion will be easier to detect for people who lack hair.
Although the sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands is your body’s way of keeping it all moist, overproduction of sebum on the scalp is a major cause of hair follicles and clog pores leading to itchiness and irritation on your head.
So, using shampoo to remove excess sebum to care for the scalp is essential for everyone, including bald people.
Sebum is an oil secreted from the scalp by the sebaceous glands to keep the surrounding skin moist. This oil is naturally produced in our body by hormones and minor influences from the surrounding environment.
Of course, hormones may vary depending on the person. So some people have oily scalps, while others come with dry scalps. People with sebum overproducer will be advised to use shampoo regularly to rebalance the amount of oil on the scalp.
Meanwhile, for those who come with low sebum levels, washing the scalp with water and applying moisturizer is okay.
Many people, especially those new to baldness or shaving their heads for the first time, will mistakenly believe that lotion or soap is good enough to clean the scalp.
Unfortunately, soaps and shower gels are only made to remove all the dirt and oil from your body. So these products can make your scalp extremely dry, which has various sebaceous glands.
Also, applying harsh soap to the scalp can lead to dandruff, which we never want to face. We will discuss this in more detail later.
Related: Can Shampoo Bars Cause Hair Loss?
How Often Should People With Baldness Use Shampoo?
It depends. It is essential to determine how quickly your scalp produces oil. The easiest way to test this is to wash your head and see how many days it takes for your scalp to start to produce oil.
In most cases, it’s one to two days. However, sebum production can be slower in some people, allowing them to go 4 to 5 days without washing their heads.
The primary purpose of shampooing for bald heads is to remove dirt from the scalp. So, regardless of your sebum level, a regular schedule of washing your hair at least 3 times a week is ideal to ensure your scalp is healthy.

You can choose to wash your hair daily to get the perfect look.
How to Wash and Clean a Bald Head Using Shampoo
Step 1: Wet Your Head With Lukewarm Water
Use lukewarm water to wet your head in preparation for shampooing. Lukewarm water will open the skin pores on your scalp, allowing for more effective cleaning. Furthermore, lukewarm water is also comfortable to rinse
However, you need to avoid using hot water as it may cause dryness and itchiness to a bald scalp.
Step 2: Apply a Proper Amount of Shampoo
Get a small amount of shampoo on your hand, and then lather it up with running water. A tiny dollop of shampoo is enough, as people with bald heads do not need that much to cover their whole head (because they have no hair).
Once you make sure your scalp is moist, it is time to apply shampoo to your head and clean every part of your scalp, including the nape of your neck and behind your ears.
Read more: How Much Shampoo To Use?
Step 3: Utilize an Exfoliating Brush
It is unwise to scratch your head with your nails. It can cause scratches or minor injuries, damaging the first-line defense and making you look disheveled.
Instead, you can use an exfoliating brush to improve the effectiveness of shampooing. It will help eliminate dead skin cells, stubborn dirt, and excess oils clogging your pores.
Step 4: Rinse the Shampoo With Lukewarm Water
Again, you should use lukewarm water to rinse off the shampoo. Then you can enjoy the refreshing feeling of a clean, sebum-free scalp. Also, it is okay to use a hot towel to rinse off the shampoo.
Once you have rinsed the shampoo with shampoo, it is essential to gently dry your bald head using a soft, clean towel. If you find your freshly shampooed scalp a bit irritated, it’s normal, and you don’t need to worry.
Again, being gentle is key when it comes to drying the scalp
Step 5: Moisturize Your Scalp
Although using shampoo to clean your bald head is less drying than soap and body wash, it will still dry out your scalp to a certain extent. So after shampooing, it is wise to moisturize your scalp for a shiny and smooth look.
You should pick a scalp moisturizer that is cruelty-free and sulfate-free. Besides being able to condition the scalp, it should be able to retain moisture, enhance shine, and promote elasticity.
Last but not least, it is wise to pick a moisturizer relying on how much shine you want for your bald head. If you want your head to gain shine, it is okay to use skin oils. Otherwise, you should go with a non-greasy, mattifying moisturizer.
Best Shampoos for Bald Head
Choosing the right shampoo for your bald head is essential. You will need to choose something that will keep your scalp okay without the cover of a hair.
Buying Guide
Here are some key aspects that need to be considered when buying shampoo, especially when you are bald.
Ingredient
We recommend avoiding shampoos that are made with chemicals. Instead, it’s always wise to choose an organic product that’s made with natural ingredients.
Anti-dandruff
Dandruff is a scalp problem for anyone, bald or not. Just because you’re hairless doesn’t mean you’ve been free of dandruff for the rest of your life. Therefore, always prioritize products with anti-dandruff effects.
Brand
It’s always a good idea to choose something from well-known brands. While it may ask you to pay a little more, it will be worth the money.
Sulfate-free
If you have sensitive skin, you should switch to sulfate-free products.
Some forms of sulfate, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, can irritate the scalp, especially in people with sensitive skin. If the irritation is large enough, it can cause hair damage in some people and lead to hair loss.
Our Top 3 Picks
See also: Top 10 Best Organic Shampoos For Hair Loss
Bee Bald Clean Head Shampoo – Best Overall
This product is made to give people a pleasant sensation with every wash. Its Jojoba beads can easily and gently exfoliate, while the B Vitamins found in it work to restore moisture. Besides, Allantoin will soothe, calm, and protect your scalp.
That’s not all. The AHA contained in its composition can deep clean pores, contributing to the reduction of pore size on the scalp. Beyond that, Goji Berry and Vitamin E will be responsible for fighting free radicals.
Last but not least, licorice root extracts, bee pollen, and honey are effective in healing, disinfecting, and protecting you from inflammatory factors and pollution.
Pros
- Need a small amount for each usage
- Lightly exfoliates
- Give tingling sensation
Cons
- Its packaging should be better
Nizoral A-D – Best Anti-Dandruff Product for Bald People
Dandruff is always a problem of the scalp. Therefore, treating dandruff is everyone’s business, whether bald or not.
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with 1% Ketoconazole, providing effective anti-dandruff properties with salon-tested gentleness. Moreover, it is also great to use for Dry, Itchy Scalp.
This product is very effective in controlling flaking and itching caused by dandruff. That’s not all. This product’s scent is very clean and fresh, making your bald head more fragrant and attractive.
In addition, this product has very mild properties, making it suitable for use on chemically-treated and gray hair.
Pros
- Fresh-smelling
- Feels silky soft
- Fights dandruff outbreaks
- Treats awful flakes and redness effectively
Cons
- Pricey
- Not for children
Cln Shampoo – Best For Oily Bald Head
This unique product is the perfect blend of natural ingredients to help reduce excess oil.
In fact, this product is suitable for all scalp, from normal to oily. As bald heads always struggle with issues like hair pores and shafts, this product is perfect to use even for bald people.
Likewise, it’ll cleanse all hair shafts and pores. In a flash, you will have a fresh and rejuvenated scalp.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Easy to clean
- High-performance
- Leave scalp refreshed
- Eliminate flakes and unclogs pores
Cons
- A bit pricey for regular use
Related: Are Shampoo Bars Good for Oily Hair? How to Choose a Shampoo Bar for Oily Hair?
Why Should You Not Use Lotion or Soap for the Scalp?

Should I use lotion or soap for my scalp?
First, you should know that the number of sebaceous glands on your scalp far exceeds that of the rest of your body. As a result, the drying properties of lotions or soaps can harm the bald head.
Soaps feature a very particular pH balance, commonly suitable for use from the neck down. In addition, they are designed to provide harsher cleaning than shampoos. Meanwhile, shampoos typically have a lower pH, typically ranging from 5 to 7, making them less harsh on the scalp than soap.
Although you may feel that soap seems to make your scalp drier, that is the primary cause of increased sebum. And unfortunately, more sebum will lead to a greasy, shiny scalp, which is a nightmare for anyone.
On the other hand, the lotion will also dry out the scalp’s surface. So while it may feel smooth on the exterior, the glands and hair follicles won’t get the same benefits.
As sebum increases due to the drying process, the lotion stays on your scalp and produces more oil. In the end, the scalp will become more oily.
Related: Can You Put Lotion In Your Hair?
FAQs
Do Bald People Need a Conditioner?
If you are bald, you can eliminate conditioners from your daily routine. While shampoo is designed to remove dirt and debris from your hair, conditioners add moisture and shine to your hair. So instead, you should use a specialized moisturizer to care for your scalp.
Related:
Do Bald People Get Dandruff?
Believe it or not, bald people may get dandruff. Yet, since you don’t have hair, dandruff on your bald head will be harder to detect. Bald people can still suffer from dry skin flakes, especially if they use soap to clean their scalp.
The good news is that shaving your head can significantly reduce your chances of dandruff. In fact, shaving is a natural way of exfoliating.
It is okay to use a zinc-based soap bar or anti-dandruff shampoo to help reduce symptoms of dandruff. Furthermore, make sure your scalp stays hydrated and moisturized.
Can Bald People Get Lice?
In theory, head lice can make their way onto a bald head. However, they will need hair to attach to and lay their eggs, and they don’t like a cooler environment because of the lack of hair. Therefore, they will not stay long on the bald head and quickly move on to our more hirsute friends.
Check out: The Best Shampoos To Prevent Lice
Does Bald People’s Hair Grow Back?
In some cases, regrowing hair on a bald head is possible. Therefore, you may need to try more than one type of treatment to get the results you want, depending on the cause of your hair loss.
However, if the reason for hair loss leading to baldness is genetics, your hair will not grow back on its own.
Related:
The Bottom Line
By the end of the article, you understand that just because you have no hair does not mean that you do not need to use shampoo.
Al in all, shampoos are essential for bald people. They clean the scalp and remove excess sebum (natural oils).
Wear a helmet or apply sunscreen to protect your scalp from the sun’s harmful rays when outdoors. In addition, protect your scalp from premature aging and damage by using anti-aging products.
Besides that, we recommend using a moisturizer regularly to keep a bald head you can be proud of!
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