Do Bald People Get Dandruff? Yes, And Here’s How to Fix It

Short answer: do bald people get dandruff?

Yes. Bald people definitely can get dandruff.

That’s because dandruff is a scalp and oil-gland problem, not a hair problem. Even if you’ve shaved your head or have male/female pattern baldness, you still have:

• Active sebaceous (oil) glands
• A living scalp microbiome (including Malassezia yeast)
• A skin barrier that can become inflamed and flaky

So the “no hair = no dandruff” idea is a myth. In fact, on a bald head, flakes can be more obvious because there’s no hair to hide them.

What actually causes dandruff?

Most dandruff is part of a spectrum called dandruff–seborrhoeic dermatitis, driven by three main factors:

1. Sebum (oil) – the scalp produces more oil than most skin.
2. Malassezia yeast – a normal scalp yeast that loves oil.
3. Skin sensitivity – some people’s skin reacts strongly to the by-products of this yeast.

Here's what happens:

• Malassezia breaks down scalp oils into irritating fatty acids.
• In sensitive scalps, this triggers inflammation and faster cell turnover.
• Skin cells clump together with oil and show up as visible white or yellow flakes.

This process still happens even when you’re bald, because the skin and oil glands are still there, with or without hair.

Why dandruff can be worse (or more obvious) on a bald head

A bald or shaved scalp has its own challenges:

1. Sebum keeps coming – and has nowhere to go

In androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), the hair follicles shrink, but sebaceous glands often get bigger and more active, not weaker.

Without hair to absorb and wick away oil:

• Oil and dead skin can build up on the surface.
• This can form a “sebum plaque” – a shiny, waxy film that traps flakes and yeast against the skin.

2. Flakes are more visible

On a hairy scalp, flakes often sit at the roots and get brushed out. On a bald head, they sit right on the skin, showing up as:

• Patches of white, off-white, or yellowish scale
• A slightly greasy, shiny surface with scattered flakes

3. Extra environmental stress

With no hair as protection, a bald scalp is more exposed to:

• UV damage & sunburn → peeling that can look like dandruff
• Wind, cold air, air-con → dryness and tiny white flakes
• Sweat + oil → warm, moist conditions Malassezia loves

All of these can make a bald, flaky scalp feel itchier and more irritated.

Dandruff vs dry scalp vs sun damage on a bald head

Not every flake on a bald scalp is dandruff. Here’s a quick guide:

Dandruff / Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

• Flakes are larger, often yellowish or off-white
• Scalp looks oily or shiny
• Itchiness is common
• May also see redness around brows, sides of nose, behind ears

Dry scalp (xerosis)

• Flakes are tiny, white, and powdery
• Scalp feels tight, dry or rough rather than greasy
• Often worse in winter, after harsh soaps, or very hot showers

Sunburn / sun damage

• After a sunburn, the scalp can peel in sheets or thin flakes
• Skin may feel sore, hot, or tender to touch
• Long-term sun exposure on a bald scalp can cause rough, “stuck-on” patches (actinic keratoses) that don’t go away with shampoo and need a skin check.

If you have persistent, rough, scaly spots that are painful, bleed, or don’t heal, see a GP or dermatologist promptly.

How to get rid of dandruff on a bald head

1. Use a proper anti-dandruff shampoo (yes, even if you’re bald)

For a bald or shaved scalp, it often works best to treat it like oily, sensitive facial skin with extra sebum – not like “nothing is there”.

On Scalp Solution, our go-to for a bald, flaky scalp is BioScalp Dandruff Control Shampoo. It’s formulated to target both the cause and the symptoms of dandruff:

• Piroctone olamine – helps reduce Malassezia yeast and calm inflammation.
• Salicylic acid – gently exfoliates built-up flakes and sebum plaque so the scalp feels cleaner and smoother. 
  
• Black oat extract & vitamin E – help soothe and hydrate the skin barrier, so you’re not left overly dry or tight.

How to use it on a bald scalp

• Wet the scalp thoroughly.
• Apply a small amount of BioScalp Dandruff Control Shampoo and focus on the skin, not just a quick rub-and-rinse.
• Massage gently for 30–60 seconds, then leave it on for another 1–2 minutes so the actives can work.
• Rinse well and pat dry.

For most bald scalps, using it 2–3 times per week is enough. On other days, you can use a very gentle, non-medicated cleanser if needed.

2. Don’t skip shampoo just because you don’t have hair

Face wash alone is usually too mild to clear heavy scalp oil and buildup. A bald scalp still benefits from a shampoo step because:

• Sebum is thicker and more abundant than facial oil.
• The scalp has a higher density of oil glands.

If your scalp is:

• Very oily → you may need to cleanse daily (or most days).
• Normal/combination → every second day may be enough.

3. Break down “sebum plaque” and buildup

If your bald scalp feels waxy, shiny, or slippery, or flakes seem stuck under an oily film, you may have a sebum plaque layer.

To manage it:

• Use a shampoo with salicylic acid (like BioScalp Dandruff Control Shampoo) to help dissolve dead skin and oil. 
  
• Avoid aggressive scrubs or harsh brushes – they can damage the skin barrier and worsen inflammation.

4. Moisturise smartly (especially if your scalp feels tight)

If your bald scalp feels dry, rough, or itchy without much oil, you may be dealing with dry scalp, not pure dandruff.

• Use a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser (lotion or gel-cream texture).
• Avoid heavy plant oils like coconut or olive oil on an oily, dandruff-prone scalp – Malassezia loves lipids and can flare with some oils.

You can combine:

• Medicated shampoo a few times per week
• Gentle moisturiser/SPF daily for comfort and protection

5. Protect your bald scalp from the sun

For bald heads in Australia, UV protection is non-negotiable:

• Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher on the scalp every day you’ll be outdoors.
• Wear a hat (ideally breathable) when in direct sun for extended periods.

This helps to:

• Prevent sunburn and peeling that can be mistaken for dandruff
• Reduce the risk of actinic keratoses and skin cancer on the scalp
• Support a calmer, less inflamed skin barrier overall

Can BioScalp Dandruff Control Shampoo be used if you’re completely bald?

Yes. The formula is designed for the scalp first, hair second.

For a bald or closely shaved head, many people like that it:

• Helps clear visible flakes
• Reduces itch and redness linked with dandruff
• Leaves the scalp feeling fresh, clean, and less greasy, without that stripped, squeaky sensation

As with any scalp treatment, if you have very sensitive skin or an existing skin condition, patch-test first or check with your healthcare professional.

When should a bald person see a doctor about “dandruff”?

See your GP or dermatologist if you notice:

• Rough, sandpaper-like patches that don’t clear with shampoo
• Thick, stuck-on scale that bleeds or hurts when you pick at it
• Red, swollen, or crusted areas
• Pus-filled bumps (possible folliculitis or infection)
• Any rapid change in colour, size, or texture of a spot on your scalp

These can signal conditions like psoriasis, actinic keratosis, eczema, or skin cancer, which need medical assessment – not just a different shampoo.

Key takeaways: dandruff on a bald head

• Yes, bald people get dandruff – hair loss doesn’t switch off the oil glands or scalp microbiome.
• On a bald scalp, dandruff can be more visible and sometimes more stubborn due to sebum plaque and sun exposure.
• A routine built around a targeted anti-dandruff shampoo (like BioScalp Dandruff Control Shampoo), sensible cleansing, and UV protection can make a big difference.
• If flakes don’t improve, or you notice painful, persistent, or bleeding patches, get a professional skin check.