Help !! trying to decide if I should remove the hair piece and go bald Wednesday

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

First time shave could be rough.

Take it slow, and if you're going to use the Headblade no pressure and extra slow.  You are going to be the guy with the surprise, it's not going to be your friends, not your wife, it's going to be you because once you've cleaned it up, once your scalp is clean and smooth the feeling of freedom is going to overwhelm you and will continue to do so for some days.  Your co-workers, students, friends, they're not going to react at anywhere near the level you're anticipating--this is a big deal for you, a really important and big deal, but for them--it's just a hair cut.  Don't be disappointed, there will be lots of compliments and a criticism or two and possibly a laugh presumably aimed at you but if it comes from a balding friend, be understanding and support him.  Most importantly, you're free--now get on with living. 

[Razor X]

Be careful with the HeadBlade. It has no conscience.

Exactly what I was about to say.  It's not the easiest tool to get the hang of.  You might want to start with a more conventional razor and work your way up to the HB.

[taxman193]

Thanks, great advice. I will hold off on the Head Blade I purchased and go with a regular 3 blade razor ?? Right ?

Saintc, great words of encouragment. I am ready and can't wait for the freedom. I will handle the comments fine. The 7 day vacation to get adjusted will be the key. Hopefully, I can get some color on the top because it is to big of a contrast with the rest of my face right now. I am excited about the prospect and to be honest, not sure I would have done it without finding this site and reading the stories. I am tempted to just do it myself tonight since I am done with work but I think I will wait until tomorrow, let her clip me down and take my time at home finishing the task. Should be interesting to say the least.

Again, can't thank everyone enough for their comments. I am ready !

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

The 7 day vacation to get adjusted will be the key. I am ready !

Well, good news, within a few minutes of being clean and free- you will be adjusted, we promise.  There will be a few, "Who's the new dude in the mirror?" moments but those will morph into, "Damn, that looks good!"  Promise.  Yes, it won't take 7 days, only a few minutes of day  #1--you're going to really be surprised.  And don't forget--sunscreen!  Get non-greasy without alcohol if possible. 

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

I am tempted to just do it myself tonight. I am ready !

It's always an option, and there is a definate plus in having taken the entire process under your own control and command--it's one of my most pleasant memories--absolutely.

[Laser Man]

As far as shaving, you can use a regular razor like a Gillette Mach 3.  My advice is to go only with the grain until you get the hang of shaving and your scalp adjusts to being shaved.  Then go against the grain as well to get the smoothest shave. 

I started with the HeadBlade and got a few nicks and cuts.  I switched to a Gillette Fusion (5 blades) about a month ago and am sold on the smoothness it gives. 

After you shave, rinse off all the remaining cream and then do a cold (yes cold) rinse to close up the pores.  Then use an astringent to heal the shaved head.  It'll sting a little but that's okay.

Saintc is right - once you've done it, you'll be amazed at how good you look!  Good luck!!!

[mrzed]

I'm looking forward to the 'after' picture!

[Acme]

and there is a definate plus in having taken the entire process under your own control and command--it's one of my most pleasant memories--absolutely.

I agree.  I wouldn't want anyone to have the anticipation, control, power, excitement and exhilaration of changing myself into the new me.

[paragon]

and there is a definate plus in having taken the entire process under your own control and command--it's one of my most pleasant memories--absolutely.

I agree.  I wouldn't want anyone to have the anticipation, control, power, excitement and exhilaration of changing myself into the new me.

It sure is a great memory! Went to the bathroom, locked up for an hour, buzzed it off (even tried the chessboard pattern for fun, lol). The first shave was really allllll about the control, it was quite strange to handle the razor in the back with mirrors, trying to not get razor burns or nicks.

I agree with first going only with the grain. After a few shaves you can easily handle first across the grain and then against the grain passes too.

As for the vacation and after: shave, shave, shave, you won't get the colors to blend in with a shadow  
And do take us seriously when we say use sunscreen, especially on a vacation when you'll be exposing that sun-virgin skin a lot. Remember, getting a serious sunburn on the new sensitive skin means no shaving for a few days and that means... a horseshoe... and the skin coming off in pieces the next week won't be pretty.
So take our word, use that sunscreen multiple times a day on the vacation.

There's nothing like enjoying that new freedom on a vacation   Have a great time!
We're waiting for the after picture  

[schro]

Hey Taxman, watch the "How To" video.
http://www.headblade.com/

Two golden rules for the Headblade:
1) Don't apply additional pressure. The blade is set at the optimum angle to give you the best shave.
2) Always make certain that the back of the headblade (the wheels if you're using the "Sport" edition) is in contact with your scalp. If you "do a wheelie", the blade will dig in and you'll get a cut.

Although the headblade is great, you may find that you'll need to use a "regular" razor to do some touch up on the sides of your head.

Good Luck and Enjoy!

[valldo]

Totally agree with Shro. And make long slow strokes. I would recommend to first shave only with the grain, if you and your scalp become used to it try going against the grain.
Don't forget the sunscreen as some are suggesting, it is absolutely vital.
Don't be afraid of shaving your head, even if it is the first time. I don't even remember my first time, did it with a conventional razor and than immediately switched to the Headblade. I guess not remembering is a sign that it was harmless and smooth

[taxman193]

Keep the advice coming. Very helpful. I have plenty of sunscreen and plan on using it. The last thing I want is a scared head.

Woke up this morning and thought ..today is the day. Almost chickened out when I pulled up the rug to apply new tape this morning. Keep wondering if I have the right head for this. Seems like one long forehead to me. Just hoping that once I get some color it will blend in and once the sides are completely shaved down, it will look better then what I imagine.

I am going to do it. In fact, if I had a clipper I think I would do it now. No one is home and it would give me plenty of time but I think I will stick to the plan. Dentist appointment at 1:30 and hair appointment at 4:30. Will see. That little voice in my head keeps saying go to the store now and buy a clipper..just do it.

I think I will keep a log like Acme and let you know my thoughts and reaction to the initial sly shave and each day after for the first 7 days.

Sounds like I will stay away from the Headblade for now. I am going to the store to get a regular Mach 3 blade. I think I have everything else I need although I think I will also try the Jergens Natural Glow as sime suggested.

Should be in interesting day. Excited ... I think.

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

That little voice in my head keeps saying go to the store now and buy a clipper..just do it.
Should be in interesting day. Excited ... I think.

Wal-Mart has them, less than$15--quick trip to Wal-Mart, buzz it off, hot shower & shampoo, lather blade= FREE.  Just a thought!

[schro]

Throughout this thread, I'm reminded of the Jackass scene where a guy with some clippers pulls a sneak attack hair cut on his buddies.
 

[R o b 6]

I am going to do it. In fact, if I had a clipper I think I would do it now. No one is home and it would give me plenty of time but I think I will stick to the plan. Dentist appointment at 1:30 and hair appointment at 4:30. Will see. That little voice in my head keeps saying go to the store now and buy a clipper..just do it.

That little voice is telling you that you are in control and are empowered to make it happen immediately! Just think, if you take care of it yourself (very big move that boosts your confidence), early today instead of waiting until 4:30, you'll have a whole other day of being sly under your belt, making it 8 days before you go back to work/school.

Listen to the little voice! It's your head, your timeline and you're in control!

It'd be interesting to see what the "system" looks like when it's not attached. Do you get to keep it?