First of all, welcome...Secondly, you're not the only one with issues from shaving bumps and bruises...Could it be that your clippers were not properly cleaned/oiled? More often than not, especially on African-American males, that can lead to severe bumps, or worse keloids..The few times I went to a barber, they almost always sprayed sterilizer on clippers between customers and made sure to oil the clippers during slow periods. As for shaving with a razor, it is better to use blades with at least three, though I personally use twin blades when I shave with disposables (Some suggestions would be Mach-3, Schick Quattro, etc, maybe some of the other guys can help me here). I would give myself a few days to heal first by using Bump Stopper, Witch hazel, or even rubbing alcohol (you have to figure out which works best for you) and then try the 30-day rule, though it seems like you are a regular shaver anyway. Another key to shaving your head is to wash it (not with regular soap or regular shampoo) perhaps Noxzema, Nivea or even Body wash...Also change/wash your pillowcases constantly or at the very least, wear a skull cap to bed as there is no protection between a bare scalp and the elements on your pillow....Sorry for the long-winded post, but I hope this helps....Good Luck!