Great Forum - Had to Join

[novaguy]

Greeting all...

I am married with two kids and now bald by choice (although my hair line is slowly receding).  I have been gradually cutting my hair shorter and shorter over the past year until a couple of months ago.     My wife and sister convinced me to shave it off so we did suddenly with no preparation.  OUCH!   I loved my smooth scalp but the back of my neck was really mad.    My wife did it with my sensor excel and we didn't even use a new blade.  

After that I searched around the internet for some guidance and pulled out my old Mach 3.   I found this board about 2 weeks ago and have been lurking ever since.   I have been struggling with many common things all of which have been discussed here.  This board has been an invaluable resource and it really helps to know other deal with the same things I am trying to work through.

After reading this board I have a routine.   I take a shower and use an exfoliating shampoo.  I take a quick shower, but have now extended my shower time to let the hot water run over my hair/scalp for about 5 minutes to soften it up.    I then use about 7-8 drops of shave slick and rub it into my scalp before I get out of the shower.

Then I get out and shave my head using headslick with my headblade.  I find it so much faster and easier to use then my Mach3.   I go from front to back all the way down to my neckline.   I re-wet my scalp and add a little more headslick and break out my Mach3 to clean up the sides and missed patches.  I also shave the upper back of my head against the grain.   This routine works great for the top, sides and upper back of the head.    I still sometimes get some redness and minor bumps but I use my own Tend Skin solution (formula found here) and it takes care of them really well.  My problem is the neck and lower back of my head.   I guess I am really sensitive there.    I cannot go against the grain in that area or all sorts of nasty bumps appear.   Tend skin calms it but the bumps last for 3-5 days.    So for now I just deal with a little stubble in that area on my head.    Hopefully my scalp will toughen up.

I also tried the sensor excel in my headblade and it tore me up.  My scalp does not like it.  I tried it again just to give it a fair shake and my scalp just hates it.  Not sure why, but my scalp really prefers the triple blade.  I have not tried the atra but I am kind of hesitant given the many posts I have seen about the excel being more forgiving.

Long post but I guess I had a lot to share.   I will continue to try going against the grain in a second pass on the back of my neck every couple of weeks to see if I can take it.   I really want to be fully SLY and I hate stubble!  

Thanks to all contributors. This forum is great.  

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

Welcome, you've done the thirty day's rule on your own, excellent.  Your technique will improve w/ time and I think the scalp does adapt to shaving over time, at least mine has.

[Arnie]

Welcome to SBGs!!!

Look forward to your future posts!!!

[ozzie]

Welcome to the forum, novaguy! That's a great intro. I use the same combo of Headblade and Mach 3. I also prep my scalp with Extra Virgin Olive Oil before applying any shaving cream. I still occasionally use Headslick but I find that I am less prone to bumps and irritation when I use Nivea Extreme Sensitive Shaving Gel. Just a sensitive guy I guess. 

[pdxtodd]

Welcome novaguy.  Great post and great info for other guys who are thinking about taking the step.   

[Tyler]

Welcome to Sly Bald Guys!  Thanks for the detailed introduction!  Let us know if we can help you perfect your routine at all.

[tomgallagher]

Welcome to the group Nova.

[Mikekoz13]

Welcome Nova! Excellent forst post!

[-Doug-]

Welcome. This is a great group of guys and some gals. Tons of support and tips!

[Ming the Merciless]

Every head's a different story, and you have to find what works for you.  I must be a real insensitive SOB, since my headwork prepping is negligible: the head gets wet in the shower, and whatever soap is there for the rest of the bod is what the dome gets.  Then cheap shaving cream (Barbasol) and an antique single-blade razor.  It seems to work OK, with no bumps or rashes after.  My only concession to "modern days" is a bit of Headlube (glossy) if I want some shine.  This "ease" of shaving may reflect that my hair is rather fine (in the texture sense; the aesthetics are a matter of opinion), and doesn't put up much of a fight against the blade.

[Magoo]

Welcome novaguy, plenty friendly people on this form. As far as the problem with the back of head and neck....Go with the grain  don't try to get too close at first , after awhile you can try again.

[wpruitt]

Welcome Nova.  Great first post

[Papa Don]

Glad you found us Novaguy!  I hope you come often and join in on the conversations.  BYW, great post!

[OzPete]

Welcome to SBG!

[warhawk]

hey novaguy:  welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  glad that ya joined us.  we hope that U become an active member of the best forum on th internet.

WARHAWK