Bald head shadow? Here’s how to get rid of it!

Hiding in plain sight and the Bald Head Shadow effect.

One of the best ways to hide your balding is ironically, shaving your head. But what do you do about that bald head shadow that’s left behind?

Shaving your head when it comes to dealing with your male pattern baldness is like hiding in plain sight simply because there is much less contrast between your thinning hair and your scalp. However, a bald head shadow left behind lessens this “hiding in plain sight” effect. There are a few different ways to get rid of that bald head shadow which include switching from an electric shaver to a razor, getting a closer shave, shaving more frequently, exfoliating your bald head as well as using matte lotions and shine reducers. Let’s look into what that means and what you need to get rid of your bald head shadow too.

What is a bald head shadow?

A bald head shadow is basically a 5:00 shadow on your head. Many men when they shave their heads use an electric shaver or a simple pair of clippers with the lowest clipper size guard to shave their heads and are perfectly happy with the stubble left behind. 

However, there are those of us who prefer a smooth bald head.

In fact, I know I prefer a smooth bald head that’s a shadow free shaved head for the simple reason being that it’s difficult to tell where I am balding to where I’m still growing hair. 

I call this the “hiding in plain sight” effect. You see, the shorter you cut your hair the less of a contrast there is between your thinning areas and your scalp.

Why do I get a bald head shadow on my head after shaving it?

You get a bald head shadow on your head after shaving it because you are not getting a close enough headshave.

Another reason why you’re getting a bald head shadow on your head after shaving is because your hair is darker than your scalp.

This includes the skin surrounding your individual stubble hairs that emerge from it. 

If you have ever shaved your face on a regular basis and preferred the clean-shaven look imagine not shaving for a day. You would probably have a 5:00 shadow as a result. 

Many men sometimes need to shave twice a day to avoid that 5:00 shadow on their faces. The same is true for your head as well. Maybe you need to try shaving twice a day to avoid the bald head shadow look.

How do I get rid of my bald head shadow? 

There are various ways to get rid of your bald head shadow. The first thing I would do if you are shaving your head with an electric shaver would be to switch to a traditional razor. Don’t skimp out on this part. 

Get a premium traditional razor or even a double edged safety razor. Without a doubt the closest shave you can possibly get is with a traditional razor, especially on your head. 

Next, I would begin an exfoliating regimen. There are many benefits to exfoliating a bald head. I have a whole post on it here, “Bald head exfoliation. Why you need it and how to do it.“. 

However, the main benefit of exfoliating a bald head is clearing the way dead skin cells and allowing fresh new skin cells to appear. By shaving your head after exfoliating you will get probably the closest shave you will ever have. 

If you have problems getting a close shave, you probably also need to use a pre-shave oil or lotion. This will give your head that extra bit of lubrication on top of the shave gel or lotion you should use afterwards. 

Even after switching over to a traditional razor, you still may need to shave your head twice a day. If your facial hair grows quite quickly and you notice a 5:00 shadow on your face at well, 5pmm then you’ll probably have that same shadow on your head despite the fact that it’s balding. 

Therefore, giving your head an extra shave in the evening may be a good idea as well. 

Finally, you want to check and make sure you have a nice, even skin tone over your shaved head as well as keeping the shine off of it.

That shine will highlight, even minor details and skin imperfections on top of your head.

So you should combine using a blemish cream or lotion along with a matte lotion or shine reducer.

This will not only help take the shine off your head while keeping it smooth, but will also not highlight any possible bald shadow on top of it.

Bald Head Shadow FAQs.

How do I keep my bald head bald? 

By following a bald head maintenance routine. That post can show all you need to know so you can keep your bald head, well, bald!

What kind of razor should I use to shave my head?

You should use whichever set of hair clippers, razor or shaver that you feel most comfortable with. Many men can get a great, close head shave simply by using an electric head shaver like the Pitbull Skull Shaver for example. 

However, for myself, I know I can only get a real close, skin smooth shaved head with a more traditional premium razor as well as a safety razor.

I find these give me the closest shave possible without nicking and cutting myself in the process.

Can I use Nair to keep my head bald?

There are liquid epilators meant to eliminate hair from your skin and many women use them on a regular basis for their legs.

However,  I would not recommend them to shave or even keep your head bald. 

This is because most hair removal creams have harmful chemicals that can irritate the skin. Also, they may not give your head a close enough shave to eliminate that bald head shadow.

Ask yourself this, “would you use Nair to shave your face with?”. I think we both know the answer to that one.

Is shaving your head good for the scalp?

Shaving your head is great for the scalp. As I’ve said in this post, as well as in many others, exfoliating a bald head is key to having a smooth, great looking shaved head. 

However, did you know that every time you shave your head it’s like giving your head a thorough exfoliation.

Shaving your head, especially with a traditional razor, helps remove dead skin cells that can clog up pores and cause nasty things like razor bumps for example and ingrown hairs. 

So every time you shave your head you’re basically giving your scalp an exfoliation. Now when you combine shaving your head with regular exfoliation, you’ll notice that most shaving problems will disappear before they even happen.

What is a 5 o’clock shadow?

A 5 o’clock shadow refers to the look most men have on their face, especially their facial hair growing areas at the end of a long work day. 

You may have left the house with a clean-shaven face, but by 5pm that evening you can easily see the shadow of stubble that has grown in. That’s called a 5:00 shadow.

Can I shave my head everyday?

You certainly can shave your head every day. In fact, if you have problems with a bald head shadow, you may even need to shave your head twice a day to help keep that bald head shadow at bay.

What’s the best way to shave your head?

The best way to shave your head Is the way you feel most comfortable shaving in general. If you’re used to using an electric shaver because you’ve had issues using a more traditional razor in the past, then use an electric shaver. 

You can even use an electric head shaver like the Pitbull Skull Shaver for example, which is specially made for shaving heads. 

However, I have found personally that using a traditional razor along with pre-shave oil and premium shaving cream or lotion gives me the best and closest shave possible. 

I get such a smooth shave, that I not only pretty much eliminate any bald head shadow from darkening my head, but my head is also smooth. 

If you’re after a smooth and clean shaved head without any signs of a bald head shadow waiting to darken that scalp of yours, then I would suggest learning how to use a traditional razor approach to shaving your head on a daily basis as well. 

It works for me!

What do I put on my head after I shave it?

It’s always best to use an aftershave lotion or gel on your head after shaving. You can even use an aftershave balm, which will not only help prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps, but can even help heal ingrown hairs or razor bumps, if and when they do appear. 

However, before you put on the aftershave you should make sure your head is clean and free of any residues from the shaving creams, pre-shave oils you have used etc.

You should do this by rinsing your freshly shaved off thoroughly with warm water.

Next you should close up the pores naturally by rinsing off with a quick splash of cold water for extra measure. 

Then, I would put on the aftershave lotion to top it off. 

Finally, if you want to reduce the shine on your bald head and give it a softer tone, then you should use a matte lotion, preferably one with sunscreen.

Although there are some excellent matte lotions without sunscreen as well.

How do I stop hair from growing on my head permanently?

The only way to stop hair from growing permanently on your head would be to see a dermatologist or clinician specializing in laser hair removal.

This can be quite a long and tedious process.

Especially if you want to remove the hair on your head permanently since there are so many follicles that need to be targeted. 

This process can take months since laser hair removal usually takes up to 5 treatments for each hair follicle for them to dye off permanently.

However, if you are strongly considering this type of permanent hair removal for your head, I would consult a dermatologist first and ask for their opinion. 

A dermatologist can best help assess your own particular situation and give you their recommendations and this could also include laser hair removal, which as far as I know, the only permanent way to remove hair at this time.