FAQs
About our products
What is The Bare Skull Co.?
An Australian grooming and skincare brand made for men who shave their head or are bald. We're based in Brisbane and our products are made in Sydney.
What is The Matte Control System?
It's a complete five-product routine built for bald and shaved heads, in three steps:
- Prime: Skull Charcoal Scrub and Skull Gel Cleanser clear oil and buildup.
- Shave: Modern Skull Shave Cream, then Skull Aftershave Lotion.
- Lock In: Skull Matte Moisturiser for a matte finish.
Everything your scalp needs, nothing it doesn't.
Why does a bald head need its own routine?
A shaved scalp has no hair to hide oil, flakes or shine, and it gets shaved often. The Matte Control System covers each part: clean, shave and a matte finish.
Who are your products for?
Anyone who shaves their head or is bald. Whether you chose it or it chose you, the range works for all skin types.
Can women use them?
Yes. The range is made for bald scalps, not a gender.
Do I need to shave to use them?
No. Skull Gel Cleanser and Skull Matte Moisturiser work on any bald or thinning scalp, whether you shave, clip or are naturally bald. They also work on skin with short stubble. For the full matte finish, they work best on a shaved or bald scalp.
Are your products made in Australia?
Yes. All our products are designed, formulated and made in Sydney, Australia with premium quality ingredients.
Are your products vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes. There are no animal products in our range, and none of our products have been or will be tested on animals.
Do your products contain sulphates or parabens?
No. Our products are free from sulphates and parabens, and made with naturally derived ingredients paired with high quality scientific formulations.
Are they suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. The range is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and uses naturally derived ingredients chosen to reduce irritation. If you have a history of reactions to skincare, we recommend a patch test first.
If you get razor burn, use Modern Skull Shave Cream and Skull Aftershave Lotion together.
Can I use them on my face?
Yes. Although the range is formulated for the scalp, it's gentle enough for your face, neck and beard line. If you use the Skull Scrubber on your face, use light pressure.
Can I use your products with SMP?
Yes, but only once your SMP (Scalp Micropigmentation) has fully healed.
Don't use them during or immediately after SMP. Some formulas contain mild acids, fragrance and oils that can irritate healing skin or affect pigment retention, and the scrub contains exfoliating particles.
Always follow your SMP practitioner's aftercare first. Once healed, you can safely add our products to your routine.
Will the products help my hair grow?
No. The products aren't designed to do that. We focus on giving you a healthy, great looking scalp.
Will the Matte Moisturiser make my head shiny?
No. Skull Matte Moisturiser is formulated to help balance oil and dry down to a matte finish, not a glossy one, with no midday shine.
Why don't your products contain SPF?
Because we'd rather each product do one job well. Every product in the Skull Matte Control System has its own role, and sunscreen works best as the final layer of your routine. So finish with Skull Matte Moisturiser, then apply your sunscreen over the top.
Sunscreen also has to be reapplied throughout the day to keep working. Cancer Council Australia recommends reapplying every two hours, and straight after swimming, sweating or towel drying. That's something you'd do with a dedicated sunscreen, not with a moisturiser you put on once in the morning.
Keeping the two separate also means you choose the protection that suits your day. An office worker, a tradie and a weekend surfer all need different things, so you can pick the SPF level and water resistance you need instead of having one option chosen for you.
How long does each product last?
With regular use, Modern Skull Shave Cream lasts 4 to 5 months. Skull Charcoal Scrub, Skull Gel Cleanser, Skull Aftershave Lotion and Skull Matte Moisturiser last 2 to 3 months. The Skull Scrubber is reusable.
Using the products
What order do I use them in?
- Prime: Skull Charcoal Scrub and Skull Gel Cleanser to clear oil and buildup.
- Shave: Modern Skull Shave Cream, then Skull Aftershave Lotion.
- Lock In: finish with Skull Matte Moisturiser.
How often should I use each product?
Use Skull Gel Cleanser and Skull Matte Moisturiser every day.
Use Skull Charcoal Scrub, Modern Skull Shave Cream and Skull Aftershave Lotion on shave days, usually 2 to 3 times a week. The scrub goes on before you shave, to prep the skin so the blade runs cleaner.
Do I need all five products?
No. On most days you only use two: Skull Gel Cleanser and Skull Matte Moisturiser. Add Skull Charcoal Scrub, Modern Skull Shave Cream and Skull Aftershave Lotion for shave days.
The products work best together as a full system, but each one also works on its own. Start with what your scalp needs most and build from there.
Can I use them with an electric shaver?
Yes. If you use a wet electric shaver, the full range works for you.
If you dry shave, the Electric Shave Kit - Dry is built for it. It has everything except the shave cream, which dry shavers don't need. Pat your scalp completely dry after cleansing for the smoothest dry shave, and finish with Skull Aftershave Lotion, which works after dry shaving too.
How do I avoid razor bumps and ingrown hairs when shaving my head?
Prep matters. Use Skull Charcoal Scrub before you shave to lift buildup. Then use a fresh blade with Modern Skull Shave Cream, shave with the grain and finish with Skull Aftershave Lotion.
How much should I use?
Modern Skull Shave Cream: a medium amount worked into a clean, damp scalp is enough for most heads. You don't need a brush, just work it in with your hands.
Skull Matte Moisturiser: a small amount covers most heads. Start small and add more if your scalp feels dry.
Is the Skull Charcoal Scrub too harsh for my scalp?
No. It's firm enough to clear dead skin but gentle enough for regular use, 2 to 3 times a week.
Will the Skull Gel Cleanser dry my scalp out?
No. It's formulated to cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture, and it's designed for daily use.
Will the Skull Aftershave Lotion sting?
No. It's a soothing lotion, not an alcohol splash.
How do I use and clean the Skull Scrubber?
The Skull Scrubber is made from 100% silicone with soft bristles. Use it daily with Skull Gel Cleanser, or with Skull Charcoal Scrub 2 to 3 times a week, to work them in evenly.
Rinse it under warm water after each use and leave it to dry.
How quickly will I see a difference?
Most customers notice an improvement in how their scalp looks and feels within the first 2 to 3 uses. The full benefit, including balanced oil, less irritation and a consistently sharp look, builds over the first few weeks of regular use.
Kits
Which product or kit should I start with?
Most men start with the Starter Kit: Skull Gel Cleanser and Skull Matte Moisturiser, which cover the daily essentials. If you're buying one product, start with Skull Matte Moisturiser for a matte finish every day, then add Skull Gel Cleanser.
- New to shaving your head? The 101 Kit - Modern has the three products you need for a comfortable shave.
- Shave with an electric? Go for the Electric Shave Kit - Dry.
- Want the complete routine? The Essentials Kit has all five products.
Do kits save money?
Yes. Every kit costs less than buying the same products separately, with savings of up to $18.96 on the Essentials Kit.
Can I buy individual products, or add more later?
Yes. Every product is also sold individually, so you can buy just what you need, mix kits with single products, or build out the full routine over time.
Do the kits include instructions?
Yes. We've kept it simple: each kit includes a small HOW TO card showing how to shave and which order to use the products in.
Do the kits include a razor or shaver?
No. Our kits are the scalp care routine built around your own razor or electric shaver.
Do your kits make a good gift?
Yes. A kit is a complete routine in one box, so there's no guessing what they need. If you're not sure, a gift card lets them pick their own routine.
Shipping, payment and guarantee
Do you ship Australia-wide?
Yes. We ship to your door anywhere in Australia, and shipping is free on orders over $100. Expedited delivery is also available, with charges shown in your cart.
How long does shipping take?
Orders dispatch in 1 to 2 business days and arrive in 2 to 8 business days Australia-wide with Australia Post, depending on your location.
Do you ship internationally?
No. We currently only ship within Australia.
Can I pay with Afterpay?
Yes. Choose Afterpay at checkout to pay in 4 instalments.
What's your guarantee?
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Skincare takes time to work, so use the products consistently every day for the full 30 days. If you're not happy after that, contact us and we'll refund you.
See our refund policy for full details.