I am/was so uneducated

[Morton]

I've been shaving for 8 years. All this time I just winged it and taught myself. I just used a cheap disposable razor, any shaving cream, hit the shower and that was it. I knew nothing about decent razors, shaving cream etc.

Over the last 2 weeks I've tried a few things that I read about on this board and what a difference. I'm getting a closer shave, my scalp is less greasy and my head is looking as good as it has ever done. I'm still trying to decide on a razor though.

What is the one best piece of advice/secret/trick of the trade/product recommendation that you can give this novice?

[Mikekoz13]

Shave in the shower....
With a HeadBlade........
And HeadSlick Shave Cream.....
First shave with the grain.....
Then use Apricot Scrub....
Then shave against the grain....
Rinse with cold water.

Pat your beautiful head dry with a 100% cotton towel....
Look in the mirror and smile as you apply some Nivea Exteme After Shave Balm.

Go show the world how great being bald is............

[Sgt. Pate]

Shave in the shower....
With a HeadBlade........
And HeadSlick Shave Cream.....
First shave with the grain.....
Then use Apricot Scrub....
Then shave against the grain....
Rinse with cold water.

Pat your beautiful head dry with a 100% cotton towel....
Look in the mirror and smile as you apply some Nivea Exteme After Shave Balm.

Go show the world how great being bald is............

  I couldn't offer any better advise!  I would just add that I like to use Clear Head form HeadBlade after the cold water rinse.   

[Morton]

Could you tell me some more about this apricot scrub?

What brand/trype do you recommend?

I have a really greasy scalp (and have just started using matte for men) so anything that helps with this would be great.

One downside to finding this site is that I've spent a fortune pampering my head.

[lordmage]

One downside to finding this site is that I've spent a fortune pampering my head.

we all do but i don't see it has a down side...

as per the rest some swear by st ives apricot scrub other swear by generics all that matters is that it opens and cleans the pores.

[Sly Red]

The apricot scrub referred to is probably St. Ives ( http://www.stives.com/Products/ ) available at most of your big box stores.

An excellent, reasonably priced exfoliant scrub.

Red

[Noodles]

Morton,

There are a number of great "scrubs" on the market, but it seems that the two most commonly mentioned on the SBG Forum are St. Ives Apricot Scrub and HeadShed from HeadBlade.

St. Ives you can find just about anywhere - Wal-Mart, K-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, your local supermarket, etc. HeadShed can be ordered directly from the HeadBlade website, but sometimes, if lucky, you can find it wherever HeadBlade products are sold. Seems as if the HB products are getting harder and harder to find at retail outlets-at least, that seems to be the case here in the NOLA area) - so the web may be your best bet.

But as I said, there are a number of other quality scrubs, all relatively inexpensive, on the market that will get the job done. It's just a matter of what is available to you locally and/or through the web.

Just to name a few - Gillette, Nivea, and King of Shaves are a few names right off the top of my head that have a "scrub product" within their cleansing line. HeadBlade also makes alcohol wipes that you can use during the course of your day to combat an oily/greasy scalp.

Hope this helps.

- Cap'n Noodles -


And yes - I agree with you 100%!! This site has also educated me tremendously on the entire head shaving experience - from beginning to end!!

[Morton]

Thanks for all the replies.

My comment about spending lots of money being a downside to the site possibly should have had a smiley, I'm really over the moon about being able to indulge myself a little.

I'm in Asia and the cost of postage (oops I'm talking about money again. I am Scottish after all) is often more that what I want to buy. However I've managed to order the St Ives apricot scrubs. Can't wait to try them out.

Keep up the educating.

Cheers

[junglephone]

Okay, so for you guys advocating an ATG pass, was there a break in period? Did you get major irritation initially, only to have it it go away over time?

[Mikekoz13]

Okay, so for you guys advocating an ATG pass, was there a break in period? Did you get major irritation initially, only to have it it go away over time?

It was never a problem for me but soem guys have a problem with it. Like many things in life... you'll just have to give it a try.

[Sgt. Pate]

Okay, so for you guys advocating an ATG pass, was there a break in period? Did you get major irritation initially, only to have it it go away over time?

My first shave was ATG and yes, I had some serious red spots.  I switch to WTG for the next several shaves and my scalp toughened up.  Now I always shave ATG and the only time I have issues is if I become too obsessive with too many passes.  I've learned that just because I can feel a little rough spot doesn't mean anyone can see it and after 5-6 hours, there's rough spots all over!    I am after all BBC! 

[Noodles]

                                           


If your have sensitive skin and go ATG, then yes -irritation will most likely occurr.

As Sgt Pate suggested, try shaving ONLY WTG for the next 4-5 days and see if it clears up any.

Whichever way you choose, try NOT to press the blade too hard against your scalp when shaving. If your blade is somewhat on the "dull" side, that can also contribute to the irritation.

If you have an electric razor, you can also give your scalp a break by shaving with that for a few days too.
True, a traditional electric razor wil not give you as smooth of results as a blade razor, but it may help in giving your scalp some "healing time".

There is more than likely something in the product line you are using to help combat irritation as well. You may want to check out their web site.

I'm sure many others will post their suggestions, as well, when they read your post.

Lots of options to choose from. Here's wishing you find a quick one!!

- Cap'n Noodles -