Newbie Here, Could Use Some Advice!

[Catch_22]

I'll definitely be making the plunge soon enough haha.

Another question, what is the difference between using the headblade over a more traditional razor?

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

what is the difference between using the headblade over a more traditional razor?

There are a lot of guys who swear by the HB, but there are others, such as myself, that feel they get the best, most nick free, smooth shave with a traditional stick, for me at this time the Hydro 5.  Then there are the guys who have gone to the classic double edge razors.  You'll probably try several "tools" before you settle on the one that fits your dome and technique best. 

[Razor X]

Another question though, are there any problems with using some of the more commonly found razors, for example the schick quatro?

No.

+1. I've been using the tried and true Mach 3 since I started shaving my noggin 5 years ago. Aside from the first 2 times I ever tried it (which is obviously user error), it's given me zero problems.

Btw, welcome to the forums, Catch 22! Sorry to hear you won't be taking a razor to your noggin anytime soon (it's worth at least 1 shot), but zero guard is as close as you're gonna get otherwise. 

I'm a Mach III as well. I've been shaving my head for almost nine years and I've tried a lot of different razors but I keep coming back to the Mach III.

[mahaw90]

I'll definitely be making the plunge soon enough haha.

Another question, what is the difference between using the headblade over a more traditional razor?

The HeadBlade is designed for the head, giving the best possible shave IMO. Only thing that comes close is a DE but that takes more time so I tend to use that at the weekend. It's all about personal preference, some people don't like the HeadBlade (probably because there using it wrong)

[Mr Jules]

Recommend the HeadBlade, too. Designed for long smooth passes over the head. Though can be tricky behind the ears.

[Catch_22]

What shaves closer, the headblade or something like a Mach III?

[warhawk]

What shaves closer, the headblade or something like a Mach III?

Catch:  That answer is very subjective.  It is YMMV (your mileage may vary) which means what is good for one is not good for another.  We have many SBGs fans of the HB,  Fusion,  Mach3,  Hydro5,  Magnum5 or M5,  Hydro3, and safety razors.  One thing about head shaving or shaving period is that it  is fun  experimenting with many razors and find out what works for ya.  I have been head shaving for 5 years and most of the regular SBGs here knew that I was a very big fan of the Fusion.

Since April 2012... I have been a big fan of safety razors.  It gives me the smoothest shaves.  It is also more challenging and fun and more  bad azz to shave the traditional way.

So... U must find out for yourself in what works for you.  You can gather all the info and advice from us but it is up to you to find that go to razor.  Good luck and keep us posted.

WARHAWK

[Laser Man]

Like a lot of things in life, the answer is "it depends".  I've tried the HeadBlade alone, a Panasonic electric followed by a HeadBlade, a fusion, and recently a DE (safety razor).  I now alternate between the last two and both give very close, comfortable shaves.

My advice is to try different razors until you find one you are happy with and then stick with it.

[Catch_22]

Sounds good guys. I think I'll start with a normal razor, either a Mach III or Fusion. Then I'll try the headblade.

Another question, what do you guys wash your heads with in the shower? I'm assuming that normal shampoo/conditioner are a no go? I use head and shoulders and conditioner, but only right after I cut my hair with the 0 guard. Only water on days in-between cuts.

[mahaw90]

What shaves closer, the headblade or something like a Mach III?

HeadBlade.

[silverking]

Note: Not sure if this is the ideal place for this thread, if not a moderator can move it or whatever.

First of all I'd like to say that this is a great community and I'm glad to have finally made an account after lurking for awhile. I've been cutting my hair using a normal clipper with no guard (called a 0 I guess) since I was about 15 since I liked the look and think I look good with my hair that short. I used to cut my hair like that about once every week and a half, but since I've been getting older (now 23) and my hair on top has been getting a bit thinner I've been cutting it more frequently. I now cut every 3 days or so, basically as soon as I can notice a difference between the hair on top and on the sides. I know I'll have to start shaving sly sooner or later, and I'm perfectly fine with that as I don't think it will look that different to my current look which I think suits me pretty well. Basically this thread is for a few different questions I have. Rather than asking in a bunch of other places I thought I'd ask here!

1. What is considered the best razor to use in terms of price vs quality?

2. I'm most worried about razor bumps, even though I'm not sure I'll get them. What can be used to prevent/treat bumps?

3. What are some good things to use for pre shave, during the actual shave, and post shave?

I guess that's it for now, but feel free to give a newbie any other advice you vets feel I need.

Edit: Links to a couple pics of me below:
http://i50.tinypic.com/9b8zlk.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/1zgtixv.jpg

I see nothing wrong with your current photos you look very handsome.

[Emann535]

Dude just do it you already look bald

[Catch_22]

Thanks silverking and I will soon enough Emann lol, no pressure eh?

Tell me about this witch hazel stuff guys. What does it do exactly? When should it be applied and how?

[Sir Harry]

Witch Hazel is sold in most drugstores, It's easier to find, in fact, I found some on the shelf in what has to be the WORST WalMart in Louisiana....It can be applied to the scalp before or after, but most people do it after. It's a nice alternative to traditional aftershaves and rubbing alcohol which both can sting after a shave...Witch hazel does not sting, but the stale vinegar smell is a nice tradeoff for the burning sensation that you may get from aftershave or rubbing alcohol.