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Headblade first impressions and noob head shaver questions
by
tyrspawn
on 11 Jul, 2009 00:28
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Soooo I have been sporadically shaving my head for the past 2 years but decided to go perma-shaved recently. I have found that up until this point, this shaving method is the best:
Fill a basin with super hot water
Wet head with towel dipped in basin, OR just come out of shower
Use Edge shaving gel
Quattro razors, against the grain
Once everything is shaven, I use Herbal Aloe (herbalife brand) to put on a generous layer - should I do this, or do you recommend something else?
I found with this combo, it was usually good - although I would get razor burn on my neckline and sometimes behind the ears (although this might be just because that skin isn't used to punishment)
Recently, I picked up a headblade because after some videos of it, it looked pretty amazing how fast people could shave, and how smooth it could be.
After some awkward first strokes I mastered the front and sides of my head, and was very impressed by the smoothness, a tighter shave than my quattro. Upon trying to do the back of my head.... it become very awkward, and I cut myself up pretty bad. I have ridges in the back of my head - which complicated things. I attempted to go against the grain, because if I go with the grain I tend to still have rough skin/some hair, but I cut myself up. I switched to ol' reliable, the quattro, and finished the back of my head, but the damage was done. I have never cut myself with the quattro.
I'm considering using the headblade tommorow on the front and sides of my head, and using the quattro on the back.... but that almost seems like a waste of money for me. I was hoping to use the headblade to do everything. The problem is, the headblade device doesn't offer as much dexterity as the quattro, so it is harder to do skin ridges - but I wonder if it was just a bad first timer experience.
I wonder if anyone else on here has used the headblade succesfully on the back of your head, what grain direction did you go, and if you have ridges. Any input or general pointers will be helpful. Also, I am not terribly excited about Head Slick, although it might be better than the Edge gel if I use it more.
Also, on an unrelated note, how important is it to moisturize the head? Do bumps arise from a poorly moisturized head or are they immediate after an improper shaving?
No one mentions the quattro razors on any head shaving sites or forums, are they that inferior to the mach 3, fusion or other often cited brands? If there are better blades, I am willing to get them.
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#1
by
Paul
on 11 Jul, 2009 06:06
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Great, thorough routine posting tyrspawn and welcome aboard
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#2
by
xnewyawka
on 11 Jul, 2009 09:31
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Don't give up on the HeadBlade just yet. Check out some of the posts in the headshaving section for plenty of tips and opinions.
I wouldn't recommend going against the grain when you first start using the HB, it's best to get comfortable with using it and how it behaves on the scalp.
Remember the key rule; no pressure on the blade end.
Welcome to SBG's tyr, hope it works out for you.
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#3
by
ldrider51
on 11 Jul, 2009 11:30
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When you do the back of your head and neck, tilt your head as far forward/down as possible to tighten up the skin back there.
The one time when I took a chunk outa' the back of my neck, I failed to do so and HB harvested the flesh at a crease.
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#4
by
foodfor4
on 11 Jul, 2009 12:17
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I'm glad to know it's not just me! When I used to use the headblade, I always cut the back of my head as well!
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#5
by
Chromeskull
on 12 Jul, 2009 06:45
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I know when I first started using the HeadBlade it nicked up my head. Give it two weeks and your noggin should get used to it. Also very important. When using the Headblade do not use any pressure at all, let the razor do the work. People have the tendency to naturaly want to push down as they use it. Just let the wheels guide you and you should be in business. HeadBlade.com has an excellent tutuorial that covers everything you ever need to know about the product.
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#6
by
parksie
on 12 Jul, 2009 12:40
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Like the others have said dont put any pressure on the blade. Its okay to put a slight amount of pressure on the back part to keep in contact with your head. Also there is a wide variety of blades/adapters that fit the headblade. The black adapter will fit the gillette sensor excel catridges or the sensor 3's. I would try picking up a pack of those. Once you start using and master the headblade it is difficult to go back to a regular razor.
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#7
by
The Noggin
on 12 Jul, 2009 15:52
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When I changed from the triple to to double blades I nicked myself pretty bad on the edge surrounding the flat area on the back of my head. Got used to them now but the next time I'll be buying triple blades again.
So I would also suggest to try out some other blades if you're not comfortable with the ones you're using after 1-2 weeks.
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#8
by
sellitman
on 12 Jul, 2009 17:27
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I found the headblade didn't get close enough for me so I use it as the "first run through" then I switch back to my Rolling Razor to get it smoother than a babies a**
I may wind up using the Rolling Razor all alone.
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#9
by
slyck85
on 12 Jul, 2009 20:57
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I'm a headblade sport (w/triple blades) user myself. Like most everyone else has said don't apply pressure on the blade, look down when shaving the back of your head, and make sure you don't lift the headblade wheels off your skin. I haven't had any problems with cuts/nicks on the back of my head (I have to look up to get lumps) but do get the occasional nick around the top of my ears and when I have to use the double blade razors. I always shave against the grain and give my head a good rub post-shave to find any leftover sandpaper.
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#10
by
tyrspawn
on 12 Jul, 2009 21:05
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I read the headblade tutorials and made good note of the warning not to apply pressure before I bought the thing. I don't know, I just used it again, and got some serious razor burn (so bad that I don't think i'll be able to shave tomorrow or risk cutting myself), I don't know what i'm doing wrong. I think I might have a general issue with dry skin, that might be causing cuts. I might NEED to go in the shower before shaving, I don't think splashing water on the head works. At this point im honestly afraid to put the headblade to my head again. I look like a jackass right now with all this razor burn. One thing is for sure, head shaving is a damn art.
Finally, I am considering getting the Panasonic Linear Wet/Dry as a substitute for a razor. Thoughts?
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#11
by
parksie
on 12 Jul, 2009 21:25
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Yes shower first before shaving or shave while in the shower. The softer your hair/skin gets the easier it will be for the blade to glide. Also pick up an exfoliating wash such as st ives or its generic equivalent, it will help soften the skin.
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#12
by
slyck85
on 12 Jul, 2009 22:17
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x2 parksie, you might try shaving while in the shower, afterward use a non-comedogenic moisterizing lotion (personal preference is g/f's plain Cetaphil Moisterizing Lotion). Running an ice cube over my dome after showering usually takes care of minor irritation, it gives a pretty good shine too.
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#13
by
DaDi
on 13 Jul, 2009 01:53
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Headblade works fine for me (but im using my fusion for the ear part)
(Ok its a sweet gadget, but i can live without it too)
Tomorrow i will try for first time the sensor blade on the HB (and if i live i will post comments)
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#14
by
dawgfan
on 13 Jul, 2009 04:45
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Tyr,
Try using a different blade on the headblade. For me, the tripple blades that came with they HB Sport just wouldn't work. It seemed like I would take several passes and only take about 1/2 of the hair off at that spot. More passes = irritation. I've also tried the CVS brand Mack 3 with the same result.
For me, the only blade that works is the Sensor Excell. This blade works GREAT on my noggin. Some of the guys also use the Gillette Atra blade as well (both fit the black adaptor). You might want to check out the thread on "Your Shave Routine" under Head Shaving for some additional tips.
Good luck!