Shaved for the first time...

[Mtbet86]

Per my wife's requesting over the last year or so, I shaved my head last night. She thinks it looks fantastic, and I think it looks okay (still pale in the spots I had hair left in)

My questioning is this, what routines do you all have for shaving? It's been about 24 hours since I shaved, and I'm starting to get that sandpaper feeling, So I'm guessing that the "shaving once a week" thing is out the window.

I assumed that I would just use my shaving cream, shave in the shower, and be done. My wife says I'm wrong, and started talking about different cleansers etc.... So I'm a bit confused about that.

Help?

[RoWilJr]

Welcome to SBG! Search the forums and you will find the answers to your questions...
Most of us on here are daily shavers with various techniques that give the same results... Slydome! If you don't find the answers to your questions, then post away! The Bro's here (myself included) will be more than happy to help you out.

[kalbo]

I knew you would look great shaved, it made you look years younger. As Rowil have said, this forum is loaded with info. Select what will work best for you. Happy shaving.

[mrzed]

Per my wife's requesting over the last year or so, I shaved my head last night. She thinks it looks fantastic, and I think it looks okay (still pale in the spots I had hair left in)

Ok. expect it to be a bit pale where the hair was. Get out in the sun a bit and shortly you'll have a tan all over. You have slightly darker skin anyways and it will look all blended in before you know it.

My questioning is this, what routines do you all have for shaving? It's been about 24 hours since I shaved, and I'm starting to get that sandpaper feeling, So I'm guessing that the "shaving once a week" thing is out the window.

Correct. Shaving once a week is pretty much out if you want the sly look. You might get by skipping a day here and there, but you won't want to.

Read the section about the 30 day rule. That's important right now.  Just plan to shave your head DAILY for 30 days.  Give you a change to get used to the routines etc.

You are right, by 24 hours, there is a sandpaper feel.  Good motivation to shave your head again. Take it easy here at the beginning and don't scrape the dome too hard. You head needs to get used to the shaving.  It might not be absolutely smooth as desired, but in a week or two you'll have the routine down and it will be smooth every morning.  You'll learn to love that feeling.[qoute]
I assumed that I would just use my shaving cream, shave in the shower, and be done. My wife says I'm wrong, and started talking about different cleansers etc.... So I'm a bit confused about that.
[/quote]

You'll figure out your routine soon enough, but do shave daily for 30 days. Let us know when you complete the 30 days. We like to celebrate with the guys.

[Frontier Guy]

My questioning is this, what routines do you all have for shaving? It's been about 24 hours since I shaved, and I'm starting to get that sandpaper feeling, So I'm guessing that the "shaving once a week" thing is out the window.

I assumed that I would just use my shaving cream, shave in the shower, and be done. My wife says I'm wrong, and started talking about different cleansers etc.... So I'm a bit confused about that.

Help?

I may be partially responsible for that. So I'll elaborate a bit.

First, do read about the 30-day challenge ... in a nutshell it is to shave daily for 30 days. Today is day 35 for me, and I found the 30-day challenge actually accomplishes a lot of things. First, by maintaining the look you and others will become accustomed to it. Also, shaving daily for 30 days integrates it into your daily routine. But I think most important, the shaving daily helps you develop the unique shaving skills for doing your head ... AND ... your scalp will toughen a bit and be a bit more resilient from any nicks. So try to make that 30-day commitment.

As for routine ... there are several topics about that and you'll get about as many opinions as there are bald guys here. My routine is quite "middle of the road" I think. I do it all in the shower. I shampoo my scalp (I have lots of shampoo to use up) to remove any oil and dirt. Then I use St Ives Apricot Exfoliant scrub (about $4 at Wal-Mart) to loosen any dead skin and "wake-up" the hair follicles. Smells good and it's a bit of pampering. Then I put a drop of Shave Secret oil (about $3 at Wal-Mart) on my razor (helps shave gel to rinse off) and massage five drops into my scalp (really helps create a smooth glide for shaving). Then it's the usual - shave gel plus razor. And if I'm going to be outside much I'll put on sunscreen as the finishing touch.

You can use your normal razor ... there are lots of topics on preferred razors. I personally use the HeadBlade which is a fun gizmo (see www.headblade.com). Available at many national drug stores for about $12. I've used it since day #1 and won't use anything else. Their HeadSlick shave cream is awesome. An amount about the size of two peas is sufficient for shaving my head.

So ... commit to the 30 days. Supplement your grooming supplies in whatever way you wish. Read the forums and ask questions, tell us how you're doing, seek encouragement, or shoot the breeze. Get ready for an incredible sense of freedom from no longer being concerned with hair ... and prepare for people wanting to touch your head! It's the darnedest thing, but it's true.

And ... of course ... welcome.

[waine]

MtBet86, hi there, and welcome to this amazing forum.

Yes, you have a lot of reading to do.  There are many posts and comments here.  I like the way you have set out your before and after pics.  You look waaay, waaaay better bald!  Try hold out on the 30 day rule.  I am on day 53 and, like a Mac Buger, "I'm loving it"...

[Sir Harry]

Nothing more I can add to the previous posts....but as a new shaver, the first thirty days are huge...even if you don't shave everyday (I don't) I would not go anymore than three days between shaves....but with practice and time, you'll want to shave early and often...Good Luck!

[DaveM61]

Welcome.  I agree with the posts above, I think you look great sly.  Keep it up.

[Mikekoz13]

Here's a couple of suggestions:

1) If you're using a commercial shaving cream from a can.... ditch it. The quality of a GOOD cream or shaving soap can not be stated enough. A lot of guys here like two products in particular:

HeadSlick & BaldGuyz Shave Gel (I'm a HeadSlick guy)

2) Get thee a shave brush. Wally World sells a cheap one for about $7. The brush is a natural exfoliator, feels good on the scalp, AND when you make your second pass the brush will still be loaded with lather so you don't have to use more of your product.

3) Use a GOOD razor on your head. I'm a HeadBlade guy but there are plenty of good razor choices.

4) Purchase and USE some GOOD sunscreen.

5) Hats and/or Do-Rags will be your Friends on sunny days.

6) Excellent suggestion by FrontierGuy on using the ST. Ives Apricot Scrub. Don't cheap out and buy the generic brand(s).... I've done that and the quality difference is dramatic.

7) Learn that your shaving time is actually "Man Time". Use the time to take your time and ENJOY the shave!!!

Feel free to ask ANY questions on the forum!!!!

[waine]

@Mikekoz13, a nice little informative post!  Thanks for that.