A bit overdue but hey

[Morthen]

well i finally took the plunge. buzzed my head with no guard, and shaving with a razor right after this.. so far i think i look pretty good, i got a good shaped head, just some red bumps and the skin is a bit more pale, but nothing the sun and a little time cant fix

plus taking a shower feels amazing now

Pics headed your way soon

[D.A.L.U.I.]

We told you you'd like it, didn't we? Good move, now thirty days

[Morthen]

finished up with the razor. doesnt look bad but i had an extremely difficult time, i got some nicks and cuts on the back and theres red spots where my skin got irritated. not to keen on the shaving thing, the strip on my mach3 already faded to white indiciating i have to change the blade. So i dont know if i'll continue shaving it to the skin, if i decide to continue staying bald i will do the no guard buzz or something unless i can get my hands on a headblade and stop hacking the skin up

[xnewyawka]

Good for you, feels great doesn't it?
It will only get better, now keep it smooth.      

Try a fresh blade, and take your time.

[ozzie]

Well done, Morthen! Since everyone is a little bit different in the dome department, you might need to experiment with different razor/blade combos to get your routine down perfectly, without any nicks and/or irritation. But a fresh blade is really important the first few times you shave to the bone, 'cos there is a lot going on that you have to learn to control. A nice new blade makes it easier to guide the razor across the surface without having to repeat the process, which contributes to the potential for irritation.

As saintc says, give it 30 days. Congrats again! 
 

[The Noggin]

Congrats Morthen! 
From my experience don't try to get the ultimate smoothness right now because that makes you go over and over again the same spots resulting in irritation or nicks. Be patient, skill comes with practice.

[Razor X]

Your skin will toughen up as it gets used to being shaved.  Likewise, the entire process will go faster and easier once you gain some experience. 

[Sgt. Pate]

Right on!  Post a pic when you can bro. 

[Mikekoz13]

Way to go Morthen! Your head will become "seasoned" in a very short time.

[pdxtodd]

I can relate Morthen.   I had the same  problems - that all went away after my first week.    I followed the advice and guidelines that others have posted (e.g., moisturize) and the red/bumps/nicks ended within the first week.   Don't give up - its definitely an adjustment for your scalp. 

[Morthen]

and also.

holy crap my head is freezing without my beanie if i leave the house!

I used a fresh mach3 blade for my first shave. I had to go over the back alot to get it smoothe, and after like the first day it seemed to get rough already, i dont think thats necessarily hair growing but my scalp getting extremely irritated.

anyhow how often do you shave this early on? once a week?

i'll get a pic up asap but w/o a digital cam thats difficult

[D.A.L.U.I.]

You're "learning your head" the way or grain of the hair.  As you shave during the first 30 days, you'll become familiar wiith the unique features of your scalp and the hair.  Also, the hair on the back is the thickest in density, it's the absolute last place you'll have hair as a total VII guy, but even the most bald by mpb keep hair in the back and low on the sides. 
Keep trying, don't rush, make sure you've gotten a good hot soaking in the shower before lathering up and shaving. 
You needed to practice when you learned to ride a bike, play ball, etc.  You need practice to be able to shave your head--but you will have it down in thirty days.  And yes, unless you get a bad nick, shave every day.

[Rob]

I have always shaved every day, even at the begining.  You'll get stubble after a day of not shaving, and if you like the smooth dome then you'll have to shave again (like I do) to get rid of the annoying 'velcro' head.  Stick at it and you'll soon know if SLY is the thing for you.

[Sgt. Pate]

Your scalp will toughen up and also not be as easily chilled.  You might try shaving every other day for a couple days if your pate is irritated or maybe not go over it so many times. 

[mangosink12572]

Good for you  - -Hope you enjoy being SLY as much as I do - - - Take your time  - -the light parts will all blend in  - -I had the same thing   -