Another newbie!

[phigg]

Hey all.  Boy I'm happy to see some support for this.

I have one week to go.  One week, and all my crappy hair is going bye-byes.
I had transplants done 20 years ago, in my late 20s.  They bought me some time, but now, it's just not working, as my hair naturally continued to thin.  (Hopefully the scarring is pretty much healed by now)
I'm spending way too much money and time using Toppik (though it's great stuff if you're not too thin), so I've decided it's time to just get rid of it all.   
It took a while to get the wife onboard, but I think she'll adjust.  The hardest one to convince will be my 9 year old son, but I think even he'll come around to think it's cool.

I've already bought my headblade and head glide lotion for future shaves.. but.. should I have the initial shave  done professionally? I'm afraid of chopping my scalp up!

[texanron]

Welcome Phigg! No need to go to a pro for the first shave. The HeadBlade is easy. Go to the shave routine board to pick up a few pointers if need be. Good Luck!

Ron

[skinhead002]

Treat shaving your head like your face and you wont cut yourself. I started shaving my head in 1983 and have cut my head three times in all those years. All really caused by being in a hurry. Short strokes against the grain and use your free hand to stretch your scalp tight and you'll get a close shave.

[ynmaker]

Welcome!
If you go get the first shave done "professionally", you'll have the benefit of having a partner in crime for the deed.  
I had my barber buzz me to a #1 that I wore for a couple of weeks before the first shave.  I was very worried about bumps, cuts, and irritation.  On the Friday night that I shaved for the first time, I buzzed w/o a guard, and took a long hot shower, and got out the Headslick and HB.  ( I tried the Headslick on my face for a week or so to see if I had any reaction to it).
Don't try to get too close or too slick on the first shave.  As with any new thing it will take some practice.  To avoid irritation, don't get too OCD on getting a perfect shave.  Cold water rinse, and witch hazel are cheap and effective.
As for your son, he'll come around.  My son was 10 when I shaved and he didn't like the "Hairless Dad" look at first.  You'll probably find that to most people, it is a non-event.  
Go slow with the shave and be careful to avoid any lateral movement with the HB.  If you are shaving in front of a mirror, resist the impulse to move your head while you are moving your razor.  If you do get a cut, use a styptic pencil.  I never used one before head shaving, but they work great.
Welcome, Best of Luck, and keep us posted.

[reb123161]

It is going to be a great feeling when you do it!!  I shaved my for the 4th of July and have never been happier...Today was my first day back to work after going SLY---it has been a really fun experience with everyone saying how much younger I look and such.  Of course, a few of the friends "joked" a bit, but it has been really cool.

Read the forums on here.  There is a TON of help to be found and a world of knowledge.  Good luck and go SLY...you will not regret it.  Welcome!

[The Noggin]

Welcome phigg!

Take your time, be careful and don't put pressure on the blade. Shave with the grain only. And be prepared for the "numb" sensation, it is normal for the first few shaves.

Go for it, it's fun! Good luck.

[warhawk]

hey phigg:  welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  glad that ya joined us.  good luck with your 1st head shave.  U R gonna love the new feeling.  keep us posted on your road 2 slyness & let us know how U like the new "U".

WARHAWK

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

It's the goal, but it can really be nice to do it yourself.  Clippers--cheap at Wal-Mart--then long hot shower, and get it nicely lathered.  For me, there was nothing so empowering as that first swipe from front to back down the middle--no turning back.  Then, when it was finished removing the towel to the new me--just a total rush.  But, however you get there, it will be better than where you are now.

[ozzie]

Welcome to the forum, phigg. Good to have you here. I look forward to seeing your results. (Yeah ... just take your time and do it yourself.)   

[Rob]

Yeah: I think DIY is better!

[Papa Don]

Welcome Phigg!  So good to have you join our group of men.  The guys have given you great pointers.  After the shave, don't forget to use sunscreen.  Believe me when I say that you will only forget once!

[johnnyo]

Welcome Phigg, it's good to have another SLY guy in the camp. If you have the time, read through the threads posted in the different categories, everytime I read them, I get new ideas. Don't worry about your family, they will get used to it, I remember the first night I went into the bathroom to shave completely, when I came out, my dog, yes, man's best friend, barked at me cause he didn't recognize me, he finally got used to it. 

[phigg]

Thanks guys.

I already have a nice clipper, so I just decided to do this myself.
I guess I'll take  before and after pics, heh.
I've thought about doing this for years, actually.
it'll be great to be able to go swimming again, or not have to worry about rain, just be myself, etc.

Oh and believe me, I won't forget the sunscreen.
I was, however, going to go to a tanning booth after the initial shave, to get a little color in there.
How long ya think?  I don't burn that easy, I was thinking 5 minutes for the scalp - no more.
And then using Jergens Afterglow.

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

Thanks guys.

I won't forget the sunscreen.
I was, however, going to go to a tanning booth after the initial shave, to get a little color in there.
How long ya think?  I don't burn that easy, I was thinking 5 minutes for the scalp - no more.
And then using Jergens Afterglow.

NO, NO, and NO again--tanning booths are really bad for the skin, and I'm a multiple skin cancer and precancerous lesion survivor.  Don't do that.
But shave, enjoy, be free.  You're really going to like the feeling.  This weekend, huh?

[Rob-Raz]

Welcome aboard!  Used the headblade for my first time also....piece of cake.  And think of all the money you will save on products...well...unless you get the shaving products itch that has been bugging me lately!