Sly Bald Guys Forum

Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => How To Protect Your Bald Head => Topic started by: billyapd21 on May 28, 2008, 09:14:20 AM

Title: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: billyapd21 on May 28, 2008, 09:14:20 AM
hello all, I am new to the forum and have been shaving my head for about a month now.  I really like the way it looks and feels.  So far I have been using the power fusion with head slick and Gillete shaving gel.  I Shave against the grain and get a really close shave without any razor burn.  However, recently I have been getting random pimples on my head.  I am not sure what is causing them.  I don't know if it is because the weather is gettin nice and I have been sweating more or what.  I was wondering if anyone new of any products that I can use to clear up my head.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Mikekoz13 on May 28, 2008, 10:53:46 AM
Welcome to the Forum BILLY!!! I've heard HeadShed will help with this. many of us use St. Ives Apricot scrub..... that may or may not help.

Can i get a helping hand from one of the Brothers!!!! :)
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: billyapd21 on May 28, 2008, 11:35:40 AM
Thanks for the reply.  I was thinking about picking up that st. Ives and some aloe vera.  Currently I use a loreal after shave moisturizer with spf 15 for after the shave.  I think that works well. 
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Tyler on May 28, 2008, 12:23:02 PM
I noticed that with the summer coming, I'm sweating more at night which has caused me to break out.  I started to make sure I ALWAYS wash my dome before going to bed.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: BlackJamesRackham on May 28, 2008, 12:39:59 PM
Just like with the face...I have found the key to staying pimple free is to keep your head clean (washing twice a day) but moisturized at the same time. So in the hotter months, take two showers a day, and don't hesitate to wipe down your noggin if it gets sweaty. And anytime you wash your head, make sure you moisturize it, because overly dry skin is also prone to breakouts. Good luck!

P.S. I'm just recently started going sly, so I have yet to experience the summer heat and a sly head. But I would assume the head and face would work the same way...
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Nick912 on May 28, 2008, 01:27:38 PM
Ok here are some things to do.

Like my bro Jdog said use stridex or clean and clear wipes periodically through the day. They will help remove oil and pore clogging debris.

And StogieStang said he was getting acne and all he did to clear it up was rub his head down with alcohol in the shower and it helped clear him up.

Use acne treatments like Benzoil Peroxide for spot treatments.

As much as it sucks dont constantly rub your head. You can be spreading bacteria and oils on it that could cause more breakouts.

Hope this help!
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: warhawk on May 28, 2008, 02:53:27 PM
billy:  welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  my sly brahs have given U some good advice.  keep us posted on your road 2 slyness.  glad that ya found us & hope U become an active member of the best site on the internet.

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: madturk on June 18, 2008, 09:53:34 AM
Hey Billy,
I have been shaving my dome for the last 14 years and the only time I seem to get pimples is if I use my razor for too long.  Try changing your razor often and see if that helps.

Mad Turk
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: J Digory on July 06, 2008, 10:31:01 AM
I have been getting some pimples...and it's on the one side of my head where I sleep. Gonna wash my pillowcase and make sure it's nice and clean. And use some acne pads on my dome periodically.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: BlackJamesRackham on July 06, 2008, 10:32:19 AM
Yeah I agree with J Digory...I find its usually on the side where i sleep. So I keep my pillowcases washed and clean.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: BaldBen on July 06, 2008, 11:16:07 AM
And anytime you wash your head, make sure you moisturize it, because overly dry skin is also prone to breakouts. Good luck!



It has been my experience that the more you moisturize, the more the breakouts.

I suggest you use an oil-free moisturizer. Before applying the moisturizer to your head put a witch hazel wash over it. That will take care of the bacteria that will cause pimles and breakouts.

Clean & Clear Daily Cleansing Pads are also a good way to combat the breakouts too.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: billyapd21 on March 04, 2011, 11:49:53 AM
Hey guys I'm back.  So after dealing with the break outs for a while and trying everything I can think of to get rid of them I grew my hair back.  I recently I decided to shave my head again.  Everything went well no razor burn no irritation at all.  However, the next day I began to break out with pimples again.  Mostly on the back of my head.  I don't know what to do.  My current shave routine includes.

1. Hot shower
2. Shave secret oil and Head Slick
3. Guilette Power Glide
4. Cold water rinse
5. aloe vera

Any suggestions to get rid of the pimples?  It's def not razor burn because they don't show up till a day later.  I've been shaving every other day but right now my break out is so bad that I'm letting everything heal before I shave again.  I'm on my third day sinse shaving and the pimples are getting worse.  Thanks for the help guys.  I'm trying to be sly but maybe sly isn't for me.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: sailor61 on March 04, 2011, 12:47:39 PM
I'm guessing the aloe vera might be part of the problem.  I use it on occasion to get a good shine and have noticed that it leaves a sort of finish on the skin - this might be clogging your pores.  There are some moisturizing creams that are made specifically for faces that are formulated not to plug up pores.  I think the term they use is that they are non-cosmo something or other.  Unless someone else on here can jump in wiht a specific brand I think your best beet is to go into a  pharmacy that has a cosmetics sales person and ask her for help.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on March 04, 2011, 01:50:31 PM
Remember, keeping the dome clean will keep it clear.  Get a mild anti-bacterial soap, Cuticura is my choice, wash your dome 2 even three times a day--and it feels good too.  Get some 10% Benzoyl Peroxide lotion--the cream is too hard to rub in, and some hydrocortizone lotion, mix about a pea size portion of each in your palm and rub it into your freshly shaved dome--right after a wipe down with an astringent like hydrogen peroxide or witch hazel.  Don't forget to exfoliate too--although there's no hair the folllicles are still making oil and can clog up!
Finally, make sure you're changing the pillowcases regularly, at least once a week, and if you do wear a hat, make sure it's clean.
That's about it.  Should clear up in a week.
If it doesn't check with the doctor, it could be a skin condition that needs some heavier hitting.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: billyapd21 on March 04, 2011, 01:58:27 PM
Remember, keeping the dome clean will keep it clear.  Get a mild anti-bacterial soap, Cuticura is my choice, wash your dome 2 even three times a day--and it feels good too.  Get some 10% Benzoyl Peroxide lotion--the cream is too hard to rub in, and some hydrocortizone lotion, mix about a pea size portion of each in your palm and rub it into your freshly shaved dome--right after a wipe down with an astringent like hydrogen peroxide or witch hazel.  Don't forget to exfoliate too--although there's no hair the folllicles are still making oil and can clog up!
Finally, make sure you're changing the pillowcases regularly, at least once a week, and if you do wear a hat, make sure it's clean.
That's about it.  Should clear up in a week.
If it doesn't check with the doctor, it could be a skin condition that needs some heavier hitting.


Thanks for the suggestions.  So I would put the combination of lotions on first then the witch hazel? Wouldn't the witch hazel remove the lotions from your head?
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on March 04, 2011, 02:11:28 PM
Thanks for the suggestions.  So I would put the combination of lotions on first then the witch hazel? Wouldn't the witch hazel remove the lotions from your head?
Sorry, I wasn't too clear.  No, after finishing the scrape, rinse and dry, then wipe down with the astringent--I use the hydrogen peroxide, it doesn't have any odor and is a good astingent and anti-bacterial treatment.  Then, put on the mixed lotions--it doesn't take a lot.  I apply the HP w/ a cotton pad, they're cheap--and if you missed anything the pad will "tell" you.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: BillOnBass on March 04, 2011, 02:50:05 PM
Get some 10% Benzoyl Peroxide lotion--the cream is too hard to rub in, and some hydrocortizone lotion, mix about a pea size portion of each in your palm and rub it into your freshly shaved dome--right after a wipe down with an astringent like hydrogen peroxide or witch hazel. 

 :)
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: sailor61 on March 04, 2011, 03:32:09 PM
below is copied from

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/moisturizing/products/skin-moisturizers2.htm


Noncomedogenic MoisturizersMany people with oily skin avoid using moisturizers because they think it'll just make their skin oilier. However, the oil on your skin seals in moisture -- it doesn't replace the moisture you lose, especially as you age [source: Bouchez]. In addition, many people with oily skin also have acne -- which occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog pores -- and acne treatments can often dry out skin [source: WebMD]. If you want to maintain a clear complexion and keep your skin moisturized, use an oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer [source: WebMD].

Whiteheads vs. Blackheads
Whiteheads are hair follicles that have become clogged with oil and dead skin cells -- they're covered by a thin layer of skin, which gives them their white appearance. Blackheads, on the other hand, are impacted pores in which material pushes out through the follicles -- the bacteria's reaction to oxygen causes the black color [source: WebMD].

Noncomedogenic moisturizers won't clog your pores and are less likely to cause acne breakouts than regular moisturizers. Their name comes from the word "comedones." Comedones are hair follicles that enlarge when they fill with dirt and oil -- they appear as blackheads or whiteheads on the skin. When comedones become inflamed, they can turn pink or red and fill with pus -- these are the pimples normally associated with acne. Noncomedogenic moisturizers may also be called nonacnegenic moisturizers, especially if they're specifically designed to treat acne [source: SkinCareGuide.com]

Noncomedogenic moisturizers have a lighter feel than regular moisturizers, and many are oil-free, so they won't leave additional oil on your skin. Most labels will advertise if a moisturizer is noncomedogenic or oil-free. If you have acne, doctors recommend using all noncomedogenic products, including moisturizers, cleansers, shampoo, makeup and sunscreen.

Moisturizers help keep skin smooth and healthy, but they also provide protection from harmful irritants in the environment. Read on to learn how moisturizers protect your skin.

Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Razor X on March 05, 2011, 08:43:38 AM
I think you may be using too many products.  Generally less is better.  Keep it to a minimum and see if your skin heals up.  I'd continue with the witch hazel.  If things clear up, and you feel you must go back to using the other products, re-introduce them gradually, one by one.  That way if you develop another bad reaction, it will be easier to identify the culprit.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Tyler on March 06, 2011, 02:47:29 PM
How often do you wash your pillow case?  I'd also make sure you're sleeping on a clean pillow case.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: billyapd21 on March 08, 2011, 06:12:15 AM
Thanks for all the suggestions guys.  I actually went to the doctor yesterday and she took a culture and I am awaiting the results.  I have a follow up appointment on Saturday.  I told her my routine and she suggested using a new razor everytime I shave because she thinks my breakout was caused by bacteria.  Currently I've been using the fusion proglide razors and their's no way I'm only using them once, way too expensive.  Does anybody have any suggestions of a good, cheap, disposable razor that won't break the bank?  The other thing I was thinking about trying was the conair cleanhead.  Ive read some reviews and they are mixed.  I know I'll never get a close and smooth using it as a razor but the trade off of not breaking out will be well worth it.  I'll let everyone know how I make out.  Thanks again for all the suggestions.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Goldy on March 08, 2011, 10:51:02 AM
Before I started growing my beard out, I would experience quite a bit of red bumps and irritation. I ended up trying different shaving creams and all of that, even switched up razors. Tried the disposables, thinking that I could just use them 3-4 times and pitch 'em rather than wasting good cartridges.

I read on here somewhere that someone tried hydrogen peroxide on their blade before and after shaving. I put just enough h.p. in a glass jar to submerge the entire head & blades while I took a shower. Rinsed the blade off and shaved my face with, then against the grain. The difference was night and day. I would suggest you trying this since the Dr. said your breakouts could be due to bacteria...bacteria that will be killed by the h.p.! I used a few drops of Shave Secret & enough Aveeeno Ultra Calming shave gel to lather up twice, with and against the grain. Closest shave I've had in a loooong time. No irritation, no red marks, no bumps, nothing. Give it a shot.

I shave my head with the Cleanhead every day. I have yet to take the blade to my dome, but the CH does a great job, especially if you use it daily. It's like shaving your entire head with the grain. It's a bit tedious if you let your hair grow out 2-3 days, any longer than that you need to take the clippers to it before you can run the CH over your dome. It does give a good shave though. I've not had any irritation except for the back of my neck because I was using a bit too much pressure on my first trial run. I wouldn't recommend using it more than once a day, because it will rub you a bit raw.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: jimbo48 on March 08, 2011, 07:26:02 PM
I shave my head with the Cleanhead every day. I have yet to take the blade to my dome, but the CH does a great job, especially if you use it daily. It's like shaving your entire head with the grain. It's a bit tedious if you let your hair grow out 2-3 days, any longer than that you need to take the clippers to it before you can run the CH over your dome. It does give a good shave though. I've not had any irritation except for the back of my neck because I was using a bit too much pressure on my first trial run. I wouldn't recommend using it more than once a day, because it will rub you a bit raw.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: jimbo48 on March 08, 2011, 07:40:04 PM
In my previous post, I was trying to quote Goldy, but accidently posted before adding my comments.

I agree with everything Goldy said.  When I first got my CleanHead in January, I was using William's Lectric Preshave.  The Lectric Shave tended to gum up my shaver, so I then tried using rubbing alcohol as a preshave.  I rub a palm full of alcohol over my head, let it dry and then shave with the CH.  This gives me the closet shave I have ever gotten (I have never tried a blade shave).  After shaving, I rinse my head with cold water and rub Vaseline Aloe gel over my head.  This gives a great shine.

Like I mentioned in another post, I began using the CH twice a day which gave me razor burn.   I had stop using the CH for a few days, then went back to once a day. 
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: billyapd21 on March 09, 2011, 05:04:49 AM
So I bought the CleanHead and have it all charged up.  It' s been about a week since I razor shaved my head and I'm still waiting for the back of my head to clear up.  I really hope the CleanHead doesn't give me irritation.  I guess I just have hyper sensitive skin. 
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: sailor61 on March 09, 2011, 07:23:02 AM
With at least a week's growth you'll want to use clippers or the very short trimmer attachment on the Cleanhead first. 

My skin is pretty sensitive and I have used both the Afta preshave and plain rubbing alcohol.  I've found the Afta to be slightly more effective than the alcohol but not by much.

Given your breakout history I would give the Cleanhead a good cleaning after each use and rinse out the foil with alcohol to keep from spreading bacteria.  Unfortuntely the one thing I dislike about the Cleanhead is that it is rather poorly designed when it comes to disassembly for cleaning - but it has a decent warranty so...
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: billyapd21 on March 15, 2011, 11:02:00 AM
My head is still a mess and I'm going to be making an appointment with a dermatologist.  I used the Clean Head on the lowest clipper setting.  I don't want to try the foil razor until my head is completely healed.  My head looks a lot better than it did but I still have a lot of irritation there.  Hopefully I'll clear up soon.  I'll let you guys know how I make out.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: billyapd21 on April 04, 2011, 10:40:51 AM
Ok well my head really looking a lot better.  I still have some red spots where my breakouts were but they aren't raised.  Hopefully with time they will fade away.  I bought a Neutrogena acne kit that comes with an ance soap/scrub, Benzoyle creame, and a 15spf sunblock mositerizer.  So for the combination of using this and shaving daily with the CleanHead has made a big difference.  I'm also thinking about buying won of the panasonic linear wet/dry shavers.  I read some good reviews on here about them but they are a little pricey.  I'll most likely continue to use the CleanHead until it wears out and then spend the extra money on the Panny! 

Has anyone had any good or bad experiences with the Panasonic Linear Electric Shavers?
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Z CRUZN on June 26, 2011, 10:19:17 AM
Every so often in the heat of summer, my head breaks out with red bumps as well.....mostly on the side of my head above the ears. I work outside in 90+ degree weather during the summer, sweat like an animal & have a hat on to protect the dome most of the time. I follow a strict regime during my shaving, do it the same each time. When the heat causes the bumps to appear, I use extra Witch Hazel after shaving & use alcohol pads throughout the day followed by a good alcohol rubdown before bed. As mentioned in the thread, the key is cleanliness, a good exfoliating wash, and keeping the pores clear throughout the day of sweating. Just my .02 cents.....  :)
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: mooz1 on September 15, 2011, 09:18:51 PM
Hi guys

First time here.

I have the same problem and got to this site while googling for solution. I have pimples on my head. In my case my hand is the culprit. If I touch my face or my head there will be pimples there soon. Can't keep my hands clean all day because I work and I have this bad habit of holding my face or head . My right hand never stays idle.

Now the shaving part. The problem is when I shave I cut myself every where there are pimples and bleed. Some times the pimples act as a start point and cut a good chunk of skin which is painfull. Some one suggested  I use a shampoo with tea-tree oil. It helps with the pimples but I find it harsh on the scalp.

Is there a chemical shaver ? Some thing like a lotion you put on the hair or wash with and then after a few minutes the hair falls off ?
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: DEwartD on July 05, 2012, 10:46:56 AM
I'm a 26 yr old male, always working out. I juice fruits and veggies, I eat well.. I'm doing decent things to stay fit as I can be. I find that when I run in the park (wearing a dri fit cap) and I sweat I have this nasty rash on my forehead and sometimes on the side of my temples.

Also I went out last night to an evening gathering it was hot,, but no sun directly on my forehead.. I also am breaking out a bit.. my head is itchy and I have small tiny bumps. I think this might be something not only with the sun but just as if my body cannot cool off. it seems whenever I sweat or start ot sweat it happens.

I know it's heat related.. has anyone found a remedy to stoping this annoying situation. I like showing of my DOME! btu if this keeps happening I'll have to cover it up.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: antoniom on July 05, 2012, 04:05:12 PM
I do not use but try http://www.headblade.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HB&Product_Code=10400-3&Category_Code=
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: MNoutdoor on October 05, 2012, 06:34:38 AM
Does anyone have advice for bumps/pimples when wearing collared shirts?  I typically shave twice/day and always exfoliate/wash twice per day.  But I always seem to get bumps right where my shirt collar rubs the back of my head and neck.  I'm sure part of it is that I have a short neck but just curious if anyone has any tips?
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Goatee on November 07, 2016, 11:50:47 AM
Bringing back this old thread.

Been suffering with this acne / pimples so stopped razor shaving head and only trimmed down to a grade 1 with hair trimmer.

Well, 8 weeks later and still get the spots!

So, today i shave the dome.

I have read all the post above.

Anything anyone can add now that we are 4 years ahead? lol Ta
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: reddog on November 07, 2016, 01:04:09 PM
Goatee, sorry to hear you're still having acne issues. Are you happy to be bald again?

I think there are lots of different skin problems, and hard to figure out. I have tried every suggestion I read about without any luck. My acne/dermatitis comes back within a week or growing my hair back. I finally asked my doctor about it and he suspected folliculitis of the sweat glands. He said I could try doses of antibiotics, but I didn't want to do that. So he said I should keep shaving my head daily if I didn't mind being bald.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Goatee on November 07, 2016, 01:52:05 PM
Nice to be bald again! Maybe i should try shaving every day then. Can be difficult with several spots around the dome.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: DanielLee5 on February 16, 2017, 05:11:58 AM
Exfoliating+using quality oil for shaving. I also take shower twice a day and the problem almost disappeared. Here is a helpful and detailed article about problems like this https://healthyskinadviser.com/pimples-after-shaving/ , may be will be useful for someone.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Goatee on February 20, 2017, 05:25:53 AM
I wonder if a pre shave oil would help?
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Sir Harry on February 20, 2017, 06:41:51 AM
A little off topic, but you actually look better without the glasses, Goatee!
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: Goatee on February 20, 2017, 07:07:39 AM
A little off topic, but you actually look better without the glasses, Goatee!

Ta my friend!

Aiming to grow the Goatee more now. I keep trimming it so will see how much i can stand the growth before i trim a little.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: slybeard on February 20, 2017, 07:42:35 AM
I had the pimples when I fist stared shaving, but once my scalp became accustomed to the shaving they cleared up.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: ML on November 30, 2018, 02:29:36 PM
Has anyone tried switching to an Electric Razor to resolve getting pimples after shaving?
My doctor advised it's most likely due to nic's on my head from shaving with a razor. Basically told me not to shave my head if I want to fix the problem. Don't have much hair up there but enough that it will look odd if I don't shave.
Title: Re: pimples on head but not razor burn
Post by: reddog on November 30, 2018, 05:13:31 PM
If your getting razor burn, yes you can use an electric shaver. The foil type works good, you will be bald, just not quite as smooth as a razor. As your head gets toughened up from shaving, you can gradually switch back to a razor. Something that helped me when I started shaving was Bump Patrol. Walmart has it.