My first shave...

[lschmidt]

I shaved my head for the first time today, and here's what I did. My hair was buzzed down to a #1 first of all.

1) Hot shower and washed my hair with some paul mitchell shampoo/conditioner combo

2) Put some old colgate shaving cream on my head

3) Dried off everything but my head (allowing the shaving cream to sit), and shaved it at the sink

I went against the grain, and had to do my entire head like 5 times to finally get it all shaved. I was even able to keep shaving without any shaving cream or anything, just wetting the razor before putting it to my scalp. I was really worried about irritation but it feels fine. Some parts are as smooth as a baby's bottom and some parts are like 600 grit sandpaper.

If I just soap up my head with generic bar soap and run a razor over my head every couple of days in the shower - should that keep my head smooth? I read about everybody's shaving routines, but my skin seems to be pretty resilient.

Thoughts?

[Gambrinus]

If your mom ever called you hard headed, she wasn't joking    I don't know that I would use plain soap, but then again I don't like plain old canned cream. Experiment and see what happens.  All I know is that if I used regular soap my head would break out and look like a red speckled egg    What ever you decide, welcome aboard 

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

I shaved my head for the first time today, a. Some parts are as smooth as a baby's bottom and some parts are like 600 grit sandpaper.

If I just soap up my head with generic bar soap and run a razor over my head every couple of days in the shower - should that keep my head smooth? I read about everybody's shaving routines, but my skin seems to be pretty resilient.

Thoughts?

For your first run w/ a blade, it's not bad.  You'll quickly learn about your scalp and what it takes to make it absolutely smooth for the longest time.  You'll also learn whether your scalp needs more specialized products such as Headslick, etc. and after shave balm.  One thing you didn't mention was sunscreen--an essential now, really.  Daily or every other day, whatever, that's a matter for you to determine during the first 30 days or so.  This is all about feeling good about yourself, confident and, assuming this was because of mpb, putting mpb worries away for good.  Post up a picture and tell about your journey to slyness.

[kenny57028]

Way to go at shaving your head. 

[Papa Don]

Welcome to the site Isch!  Good to have you with us.  Bar soap--NO!  It really dries out the skin. 

[The Noggin]

Welcome Schmidti!

Just use what works for you. 

[darkknight1]

I definitely agree with Papa Don....soap is a BAD idea.  You for sure want to go with a shave gel or cream that not only offers nice lubrication, but will leave your head smooth.  I love Headslick by headblade. But it is becoming increasingly hard to find in my area (NYC area). Luckily I cleaned up at a Bed Bath and Beyond sale last year and have 3 bottles still on reserve.  But I also use Aveeno Positively Smooth shave gel, and this stuff is great.  But use whatever works for you.  It's all trial and error, but eventually you'll find a combination of products that will do your noggin justice. Also, I recommend Aloe Vera gel as an aftershave....it's mostly all natural, works great and is relatively cheap.  Good luck, and welcome aboard!

[Xanwolf1337]

Welcome to the way of the sly !

Probably best not using soap, as it will dry the skin out like the others said. But to keep your head feeling nice and smooth, shave every morning and believe me you'll feel better for it. As shaving from a feels much different from shaving from stubble, as from stubble i tend to get alot of irritation around the ear area, so defiantly keep using the foam/gel.

[warhawk]

hey schmidt:  1st of all welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  congrats on your 1st head shave.  check out the HEAD SHAVING section of the forum:  "shaving cream or gel".  U can check out each & every sly members choices.  the fun part of being a head shaver is experimenting with products 4 that ultimate head shave.  my current favorite shave cream/gel are the BALD GUYZ shaving gel, HEADBLADE's headslick, and C.O. BIGELOW's shaving cream.

WARHAWK

[balddaniel]

Bald Guyz shave gel works great, but Nivea for men has body, shampoo, shave combo with works great too.  I sometimes scrub my head first with face brush to exfoliate the dome and then shave with the Nivea soap, works great 

[usmcpelon]

It must have been painful with the soap, look for tips on shaving your head here at SBG.  Congratulation and welcome.