RUNESILK shaving guide · Head shaving
Aftershave Balm After a Head Shave: Avoiding Razor Burn on Your Scalp
A lot of our bearded customers keep their head shaved. A full beard and a smooth scalp is a classic look, and plenty of them tell us they use the same aftershave balm on both the neckline and the head.
The scalp is a different job from the face, though. You can't see half of it, the hair grows in more than one direction, and it spends the day under hats and in the sun. This guide covers how to shave it without the red patches and bumps, and how to look after it afterwards.
To shave your head without razor burn, clipper it short first, shave after a warm shower with a sharp blade and a slick gel, go with the grain in short strokes, and keep to one pass. Rinse with cool water, pat dry and press in a light, alcohol-free aftershave balm that absorbs without leaving a shine.
Why Your Scalp Reacts
Most head shavers find the top of the head is easy and the back and sides are where the trouble starts. There are a few reasons for that.
- The hair changes direction. Most people have a whorl at the crown, and the hair at the back of the head often grows downwards and sideways. It is easy to shave against the grain without knowing.
- You are shaving blind. The back of the head is shaved by feel, which tends to mean more pressure and more passes.
- Bumps and curves. The base of the skull and the area behind the ears are uneven, so the blade does not sit flat.
- Hats, helmets and pillows. Anything that rubs on freshly shaved skin keeps it irritated for longer.
- Sun. A shaved scalp has no cover at all, and skin that is already sore from shaving feels the sun more.
Before You Shave
- Clipper it down first. If you have more than a few days of growth, take it down with clippers before you pick up a razor. Shaving through long hair clogs the blade and drags.
- Shave after a warm shower. Warm water softens the hair, so the blade needs less force to cut it.
- Use a slick gel or cream. A clear gel helps on the head, because you can see which areas you have already done.
- Start with a sharp blade. A blunt blade is one of the most common causes of razor burn. Head shavers go through blades faster than face shavers, because there is more ground to cover.
How to Shave Your Head
- Map your grain. Run your hand over the stubble in different directions. The smoothest direction is the way it grows. Check the crown and the back separately, because they are often different.
- Start on top. Shave the top first, where the skin is flattest, then move to the sides and finish at the back.
- Short strokes, light pressure. Let the blade do the work. Pressing harder to make up for not seeing the back of your head is how most scalp razor burn happens.
- Stretch the skin behind the ears. Use your free hand to flatten the skin around the ears and the base of the skull.
- Rinse the blade often. A clogged blade drags.
- One pass where you can. If you want it smoother, re-apply gel and go again with the grain, rather than going against it.
- Use a hand mirror. A second mirror, or the camera on your phone, saves a lot of guesswork at the back.
Razor burn from clippers
You can get razor burn without a blade. Clippers used on the shortest setting, pressed hard against the skin, or run hot for a long time can all leave the scalp red and sore. Keep the blades clean and oiled, let them cool if they heat up, and don't press down. If your scalp reacts to a full shave every time, a very short clipper setting gives you almost the same look with much less irritation.
Aftercare for a Shaved Head
- Rinse your whole head with cool water to remove all the gel.
- Pat dry. Don't rub with the towel.
- Press a small amount of alcohol-free aftershave balm over the scalp, paying attention to the back and behind the ears.
- Give it a minute to absorb before you put on a hat.
- If you are going outside for long, use a sunscreen on your scalp once the balm has sunk in.
If you have already got razor burn, our guide to how to soothe razor burn covers what to do next, and our full routine for preventing razor burn goes deeper on blades and technique.
Small raised spots at the base of the skull a day or two after shaving are often hairs that have curled back into the skin as they grow. Coarse and curly hair is more prone to this. Shaving with the grain, using a sharp blade and leaving longer between shaves all help. If spots become painful, swollen or keep coming back, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
Choosing a Balm for Your Head
On a scalp, how a balm finishes matters as much as how it feels. A heavy or waxy balm leaves your head shiny and can feel greasy under a hat. Look for something alcohol-free that absorbs quickly and leaves no shine. Our guide to the best aftershave balm for sensitive skin walks through what to look for.
If you shave your head and keep a beard, the same balm can do both jobs. Our guide to shaving around a beard covers the neckline.
Commended for Excellence 2025 & 2026
RUNESILK Elements Aftershave Balm, Citrus & Wood
Many of our customers use our balm on a freshly shaved head as well as the face. It is a light, alcohol-free lotion that sinks in quickly and leaves no shine on the scalp. Paraben-free, and suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
120ml for £19.99, or try the 5ml sample for £1.95 first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use aftershave balm on my head?
Yes. An alcohol-free balm made for the face works well on a freshly shaved scalp. Choose a light one that absorbs quickly, so your head isn't left shiny.
Why do I get razor burn on the back of my head?
The hair at the back often grows in a different direction from the top, the skin is uneven, and you are shaving by feel. That usually means more pressure and more passes, which is what causes the irritation.
How often should I shave my head?
Every two to three days suits most people. Daily shaving keeps it smoothest but gives skin little time to settle, so leave longer between shaves if your scalp reacts.
Should I shave my head with or against the grain?
With the grain, especially if your skin is sensitive. Check the crown and the back by feel before you start, because the direction changes.
Can I get razor burn from clippers?
Yes. Clippers on the shortest setting, pressed hard or running hot, can irritate the scalp. Keep them clean, let them cool and use a light touch.
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RUNESILK is an independent UK beard-care brand based in Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire. This article provides general cosmetic grooming information and is not medical advice.