New - trying the switch from clippers to shaved

[skram]

My hair started thinning years ago. I compensated by swithching from a full 'hairstyle' to a barber that did a basic short cut. Later on as it thinned more, switched to getting it clippered with a long guard. When it got to the point where it looked best with clippers and one guard length all over, bought my own clippers for do it yourself (well, actually the wife did the clipping).

As the thinning on top increased, I would shorten the guard. For the last year, there is little on top and I've been using the clippers with no guard at all, cutting it every 1.5 to 2 weeks. So pretty much bald anyways, just mostly stublle in the 'fryer Tuck ring'. Decided to take the plunge and shave it smooth instead. Picked up the HeadBlade, HeadSlick and HeadLube Matte. I had been hinting for months about this to the wife, but she seemed to be not entirely for it, but she now seemed warmed up to the it.

Decided to wait for the weekend and did the deed this morning. I've been reading this forum for the past week to get hints and how tos.  Was a little nervous with a lot of people talking about nicks, slices and gushers - I don't do blood well.  Had to say, the HB was easy to use and no nicks at all.

I shaved fist with the grain, but found that it was smooth in one direction and prickly in the other, so had to shave against the grain after.  Did take some wrangling to get all the spots on the back and I still have a few missed against the grain spots near the ears and the hollow in the back.

When I started with clippers, I found that for the first few days, the top of the head felt cool (like a cool fan on it) and I'm finding that I'm getting that feeling on the back of the head. I know it will go away, but it's different and I kind of like it.

I'll point out that I don't have the confidence issue to the same extent as others as I went through that when I started using the clippers. Was mostly concerned with what the wife would think - no worried there, she said it doesn't look all that different from just after using the clippers with no guard.

Long post, but wanted to say and I'll be sticking around as I'm sure I'll have more to learn as I start shaving regularly and will hopefully have something to contribute.

[Papa Don]

Skram, welcome to the forum.  You'll find a group of guys here that are always there for you.  Very good to have you join the brotherhood.  You are very fortunate to have a wife that supports you in you indeaver to be free of the tyranny of thinning hair.  Good luck!

[Slynito]

Welcome Skram...I know what you are saying. I cut off a long pony tail and it took awhile for me to quite feeling for it and also there was the chill from no hair. I grew to really enjoy the clean and liberating feeling. Hope you do too.

 

[Paul the Headblader]

Welcome and enjoy all SBG Advices

[Arnie]

Welcome to SBGs!!!

[bennett11]

After you get the swing of it, shaving head goes fast leaving a smooth feeling

[DCdome]

Hey, Skram, welcome to the Board and the Sly identity.  

In the next few weeks you will learn many things about shaving the dome from you own experiences and it is a great adventure.  Much is trial and error because each guy has his own preferences, but you can learn much here from those who have been  "bald guys" for a while.  Enjoy.

[Laser Man]

Welcome!  Keep at the shaving and you'll find the routine that works for you to get a smooth shave.  It's fun to experiment with different techniques and razors.  If you're like most of us, you'll look forward to the ritual and the results!

[jimbo48]

Welcome, skram.  You are fortunate that your wife approves of your shaved head.  It took a few months, but my wife has finally accepted the new me.

[tomgallagher]

Welcome to the group Skram.

[wpruitt]

Welcome Skram

[xnewyawka]

Welcome to the forum skram. As you found out, the shaved dome is a great feeling and it only gets better with time. I also kept it at a a tight buzz before shaving (four years now), and once you finally do it you realize it was a non-event, and you worried about nothing. Anyway, keep at it, you will learn more and perfect it as you go. 

[BaldHDbiker]

Welcome and enjoy. 

It took me a few times to figure out how to shave it as I didn't want any stubble. Once you get the hang of it you'll be able to get it done quickly.

[skram]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

On day 2, I tried just against the grain, some spots better than day 1, but others worse.

It's now day 3 and I decided to try to get a shave in before work - got up a little earlier to compensate, but was still 5 minutes later leaving the house.

Today I did with the grain and then against. Think I'm getting the hang of this, smoothest one yet.

Seems I may need to rethink my face shave routine, as I think my head might be smoother.

[Laser Man]

Keep trying different methods and you'll get the hang of it as well as a really smooth shave.  Your scalp will acclimate to being shaved over the next few weeks and shaving will be easier and smoother.  Make sure you re-lather if you make multiple passes - the lather cuts down on irritation.

After experimenting, my routine is to first go against then diagonally across the grain on the top and back, and with the grain, then against it on the sides.  It takes a little more time (I get up about 15 minutes earlier than before I went sly), but I get a super smooth shave that lasts well into the afternoon.