Shaving every day... without irritation?

• Shaving every day... without irritation? by Drake Aldan on 02 Jun, 2009 15:28
• A couple months ago, I had been using the HeadBlade regularly. I had my routine set up, learned the "braille method", shaved in the shower, against the grain. (Flipping the razor over to get to the ears.) Everything was clean and super-smooth. I liked it a lot.
  
  However, I had to stop because of the irritation and razor bumps it caused me, particularly on the back of my neck.
  It seemed so far that I just wasn't destined to be sly.
  
  I researched and tried a cream depilatory for black males ("Magic Smooth", not necessarily the powdered "Magic Shave"). I do have sensitive skin, and I'm half-black, so I figured I might give it a shot. I didn't get chemical burns from it (some residual irritation that faded away), but the cream (which may have been less potent than the powder, or so I've heard) took 3 tries to remove all the hair from a buzz cut, and then as I feel it now it is more like I have shaved with the grain instead of against.
  The stubble is disturbing, really...
  
  I'm assuming that on the third try, my hair was very short and I put the cream on thickly- it still didn't give me a close shave, so I'm willing to bet that if I switched over to the powdered stuff I would probably just burn myself.
  
  Anyway, I am at a loss. I can't get back that super-smooth feeling without using a razor- but if I use a razor bad things happen to my head! I can't use a temporary fix either- what's the point in shaving your head if you're not staying smooth the whole month?
  
  Anyone solved this problem before?
• #1 by Alexander215 on 02 Jun, 2009 16:51
• I would talk to a dermatologist bro, good luck You might be able to drop by a drug store and ask one of the pharmacists there too.
• #2 by GaryT on 02 Jun, 2009 17:00
• I'm guessing that if you did it once you can do it again! I'd give the dome 2 or 3 days and try again to see what happens. Sometimes it can be the most simple of things. Do you shave in all directions? Do you press to hard on the Headblade?
  
  It's all part of the fun! Just keep at it and don't give up now!
• #3 by honestjohnny on 04 Jun, 2009 06:06
• Drake, I had the same problem as you.  My solution was to find a trimmer that gets very close, like two to three days of growth and go with that instead.  Personally, I find that I only need to trim stuff every 3-4 days to maintain the look.  Also, stocking hats go on better in the winter.
  
  Sure I miss the smoothness, but that only lasts for a few hours and then you've got velcro head.  Ladies. Do. Not. Like. Velcro-head.  However, they  two to three days of growth which I've heard described as feeling like a My Little Pony or a puppy.  Whatever, they still recognize the confidence that comes with buzzing your hair down to almost nothing and are still willing to rub your head.  Helps to be a good guy and good looking though   Also, you won't have irritation, which means you're more comfortable, etc. 
  
  What I'm saying is that if it hurts, don't do it. Just find an alternative, like a balding trimmer or Norelco electric, that makes you comfortable and go with that. 
• #4 by bem75 on 04 Jun, 2009 08:52
• There are some electrics that can get you pretty darn close and pretty smooth too.  I have a Braun Series 7 that I use for my face.  I have used it on my head and it gets pretty smooth.  Maybe you can try that.
  
  I also had irritation for a while.  So, I would give it a quick shave with the electric and then use the blade.  That seemed to solve the problem for me.
  
  Also, I switched to Bald Guyz Shave Gel.  That also helped a lot for me.  I rarely get any irritation now.  When I do, I know that it is time to change the blade on my razor.
  
  Good luck and don't give up.
• #5 by parksie on 04 Jun, 2009 20:36
• Preparation is key pick up an exfoliating scrub such as st ives apricot scrub.  Start using a shaving brush.  Also try getting a good shave cream or gel.  Headslick or Baldguys gel are 2 great ones, though headslick really shines with a brush.
• #6 by Drake Aldan on 11 Jun, 2009 15:06
• Just stepped out of the shower, second shave from yesterday.
  
  I still use my HeadBlade, but I've been trying out the Bald Guyz Shave and Moisture Gels.
  
  I've been noticing that I've been flipping the razor more often- it feels like I sort of have more control (sort of). It leads me to wonder- should I just get a conventional razor instead?
  
  As for shaving against the grain... how hard do you press when checking for stubble? I rub in a circular motion and... well, press pretty hard to find where it is. I can get kinda obsessed with making sure things are as smooth as possible- and well, it occurs to me that not only am I just shredding my head, this is probably not a totally realistic thought.
  
  to be honest, feeling my head now, it's pretty smooth- but in the shower it felt like I was still missing patches. I'd run the blade over it and it would still be "rough"- but that was probably because I was feeling too closely. Is it wise to be a little more conservative when looking for a close shave? Perhaps use a lighter touch when checking?
  
  Anyway, it seems that the Moisture Gel is working pretty well- it's calmed my poor head down, which is... somewhat surprising.
  
  I may or may not shave again tomorrow- I suppose it depends on how my head feels. Nothing's burning as of yet, so that's good... I can say that my head's getting plenty of exfoliation. 
  
  Johnny, I do have a little clipper that I can put the guards on for what you said- it is a good idea, but I'm keeping it just as backup for now. I can't stop pursuing a super-smooth head just yet. 
• #7 by mouse404 on 11 Jun, 2009 18:23
• i was having vary similar problems.
  
  the method i use now has by far given me the smoothest and irritation free results yet. maybe u should try it.
  
  1. scrub my head with st ives apricot for at least 30 secs in shower the day BEFORE i shave. (i shave every other day)
  
  2. (day of shave) wet head with hot water in shower
  
  3. wet shaving brush(good shaving brush, not a cheap 10 dollar one) with hot water, drain loose water out of it by brushing it again palm of my hand, then apply "the art of shaving" cream to the brush.
  
  4. lather cream with brush on head.
  
  5. shave with then against the grain every stroke with the gillette fusion, frequently rinse razor.
  
  6. after done shaving, rinse head with COLD water.
  
  7. let head air dry
  
  8. apply witch hazel
  
  9. wait 15 mins, apply lubriderm lotion
  
  DONE!