How to Reduce the Shine from a Shaved Head
(Because Your Scalp Shouldn’t Double as a Disco Ball)
Shaving your head can be one of the most liberating grooming choices you’ll ever make. Clean, bold, and timeless. But then you step into the sun and suddenly—bam! You’re blinding pedestrians with that mirror finish on top.
If you’ve ever caught your reflection and thought, “Why does my head look like it’s been buttered?”—you’re not alone.
Let’s break down how to reduce the shine and keep that dome looking confidently matte, not accidentally radiant.
🧼 1. Wash (and Wipe!) Your Scalp Regularly
This might sound obvious, but oil builds up fast on a shaved head. A gentle daily wash keeps things under control. Use a face cleanser or mild shampoo to clean the scalp—but here’s the underrated part:
Wipe your head throughout the day.
Seriously. Keep some tissues, a microfiber cloth, or even blotting papers handy. Think of it like mopping the floor—you don't wait until it floods.
Bonus tip: If you're fancy, oil-absorbing sheets work great. If you're not, a napkin from your glovebox will do in a pinch. No judgment.
🧴 2. Moisturize… But Make It Matte
Your scalp still needs moisture or it’ll overcompensate with more oil (like a hormonal teenager). Look for oil-free or mattifying moisturizers—the kind designed for faces prone to shine.
Aloe vera gel is a natural, shine-reducing option. Just skip anything labeled “glow-enhancing.” That’s the opposite of what we’re going for here.
😱 3. The Best Kept (Cheap) Secret: Milk of Magnesia
Yes. Milk of freakin’ Magnesia.
The stuff your grandma used for “tummy troubles” also happens to be an elite-level mattifier for your scalp.
Dab a little on a cotton pad, apply it to your clean, dry scalp, and boom—instant matte finish. It acts like a primer for your head. Just make sure it’s the plain kind, not the cherry-flavored one (unless you're into that... we don’t judge).
Where to buy it:
Walmart
Shoppers Drug Mart
Amazon
Pretty much any drugstore next to the antacids aisle
It costs like $5 and will last you longer than that bottle of fancy beard oil you never used.
💆♂️ 4. Exfoliate (aka Give Your Head a Facial)
Exfoliate 2–3 times a week to get rid of dead skin cells and prevent oil and dirt buildup. Use a facial scrub or a gentle exfoliating mitt. It’s like detailing your car—but for your skull.
🌞 5. Use a Matte Sunscreen
You still need SPF protection—even if there’s no hair to fry. The problem? Most sunscreens make your head look like a freshly glazed donut.
Get a matte, oil-free sunscreen designed for faces or scalps. You’ll avoid UV damage and reduce the glare. Win-win.
💉 6. Bonus: Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Reduces Shine Too
If you’re dealing with hair loss, SMP does more than recreate the look of hair follicles—it also reduces shine. The microdots break up the reflective surface of your scalp, making it appear textured and less oily even in harsh lighting.
It’s a long-term win if you want the look of a buzz cut without the actual hair (or the shine of a lighthouse).
Check it out here: 👉 www.inkedillusions.ca
Final Thoughts (or Bald Truths)
A shiny head might be funny in certain lighting… but let’s be real: nobody wants to be the human flashbang. With a few tweaks—washing, wiping, moisturizing smartly, and the holy grail known as Milk of Magnesia—you can keep that dome matte, smooth, and photo-ready.
Still curious about SMP? Want a matte finish that lasts for years, not hours? Book your free consultation. No pressure, just real results.
—
Christopher Njiric
Your go-to guy for fresh fades (in tattoo form)
www.inkedillusions.ca
