7 travel essentials for the bald man

I first shaved my head about four years ago, and I’ve been enjoying the sleek and clean look.

The style is full of practical advantages. A few that come to mind are: I never have to pay for haircuts, I can take extremely quick showers, and I no longer rely on the plethora of hair related products, such as shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, combs, and toxic hair dyes.

The flip side is a shaved head means more vulnerability. Without hair, you lose a layer of protection that most of the world is accustomed to.

A bald head requires special care and attention. This is particularly true for travel where you are exposing yourself to new and often inhospitable environments.

Over the past few years I have come up with a list, often by trial and error, of some things I must have when I travel. Here is my own list of 7 travel esssentials.

1. Hat / baseball caps

image by TooFarNorth

The most important rule is to protect your head at all times. Sun exposure can be very damaging to the scalp and lead to horrible sunburn.

I learned this lesson the hard way last year when I forgot a hat when we went rafting for 3 hours in 100 degree sunny weather. I was horribly sunburned and it was not a pretty sight the next few weeks when I was healing from sunburn.

For travel, I would suggest bringing at least 2 hats so you have a spare one if you sweat a lot.

2. Hoodie

image by JollyUK

The main reason I bring a hooded sweatshirt is for protection: like a baseball cap, the hood covers my head from the sun.

I enjoy them so much I even bring them even if I am going to a warm climate. Why?

It’s because a hooodie is useful on the flight. Airplane headrests are often uncomfortable and sticky–it just grosses me out to place my bald head on something that hundreds of travelers have used.

Hoodies are so useful I am even willing to put up with how bad they look fashion-wise.

(If you really don’t like wearing hoodies, I would suggest at least bringing a pillow for the flight)

3. Sunscreen

image by Tom Newby Photography

I know there is controversy about sunscreen, and some people I know will not wear it.

Being ever cautious, my first line of defense is to limit my sun exposure by not going out unnecessarily. I then try to wear caps and clothing to protect my skin. But for hard to cover areas–like the back of my neck–I do apply a basic sunscreen for protection.

Whether the cancer preventing health claims of sunscreen are completely justified or not, I am happy to wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, which is a big annoyance.

4. Mosquito repellent

image by Derek

A shaved head also leaves one more vulnerable to mosquito bites.

When I go to India, I am vigilant about applying mosquito repellent every morning after I shower, especially making sure to protect my head. Mosquito bites on a bald head are something I do not want to deal with.

5. Razor and travel shaving cream

image by Benjamin Rossen

This one is more relevant for people who shave their head: it is important to groom and maintain the clean look. I shave about every week, so on extended trips I make sure to travel with proper shaving supplies.

6. Moisturizer

image by WindyWinters

Dry skin is very apparent an awkward looking on a bald head. Bring some basic moisturizer to promote healthy skin.

7. Hand towel / handkerchief

image by Erich Ferdinand

I sometimes run into an awkward situation when I travel. If I eat spicy food, I have a tendency to sweat on my head and forehead–a condition known as gustatory sweating.

This is not a big deal at home as everyone knows this. But it can be really weird when I’m at a friend’s house or at a restaurant. People often offer paper napkins or towels which is a nice gesture, but it often just makes things worse. Paper napkins tend to fall apart and create an even bigger mess.

A few years ago I resolved to carry a hand towel or handkerchief to keep myself presentable.

Anyway, these are a few of my thoughts on travel accessories. I’d love to hear suggestions and empathize with my bald brothers.

What are your suggestions for traveling as a bald person?