Advice for a flaking scalp

The Cleveland Plain Dealer has an advice column that recently got this question from a bald-by-choice reader:

I'm a guy in my 30s who shaves his head -- first because I thought it looked cool, now because I'm starting to thin out on top. The constant shaving in the cold weather is making me pretty flaky -- and I don't mean goofy. I've noticed this for the first time this winter; what should I be doing to prevent the snowman effect?

It's the first time I've seen a BBC question in an advice column, so I thought it was neat. The columnist offers some suggestions, too.

Using a humidifier at home will help, as will your choice of shaving foam. Some contain agents that dry out your scalp, so stay away from those that contain alcohol, peppermint and laurel sulfate. One foam that comes highly recommended from my shave-down friends is Aveda Shave Cream for Men.

Moisturizers and skin care creams are often a good idea. When my scalp gets itchy and flaky, I generally turn to Vaseline Intensive Care skin lotion. I haven't had that problem for many years, though, and I suspect it's due to the moisturizing powers of shaving oil.