Questions, questions and more questions

[Kevin G]

Luddite Ming is back again.

WHY all this angst over "What is the best blade to use"?  It seems to me like asking what's the best toilet paper to use.  HEY! It's just "shaving."  Obsessing over micro-differences between blades, scalp-prepping, post-shave lotioning, etc., etc. gets in the way of what counts.  Does your blade work or not?  If it does (and since I use a primitive one, I'm sure the main difference is what comes out of your wallet, not off your head), suck it up and take it off.

No one is going to take calipers to your dome and, frowning, say, "Oh, your stubble is a nanometer longer than it should be if only you had used [product X]."  BTW, I've calculated: Ming's hair grows at around 4 nanometers/sec, and yours probably does about the same--whatever SLY guy you are.

Well I would not call it angst over "What is the best blade to use?"  It is more like just wanting to know what would be a good blade to start with would be.  I like hearing other people's opinions because you learn new things.  For instance it was recommended in this thread that I not use the Headblade at first until I get used to shaving my head because I may get more nicks.  Somewhere else on this forum I also read that the scalp skin toughens up after you shave it for a while.  Ok these are things that I did not know.

And yes it is just shaving but there are big differences in the feel of blades and how much they will irritate your skin.  Being that I have no experience shaving my head,  I would like to get something that most people feel gives them the best irritation free shaving experience.  I sure the hell would not use a Bic single blade to shave my head !  Again this is why I am asking all the good people here their opinions.

Everyone that gave advice and opinions, thank you very much.  I really appreciate it.

[mrzed]

I started with the such hydro 5. Never had an issue with it.

Then switched to headblade. Still use them both.

Just take it easy the first few days.

We're looking forward to seeing your reactions you shaving bald.

You may not want to wait until spring.do it now.

[clarinetguy]

I am sure it seems like a lot to think about but take it one step at a time and you will succeed.

[Andrei]

I think it's important to be comfortable with the razor you'll be using to shave your head, so that's why I suggest you try first the razor you're using for the face; well maybe a new one so the blades will cut just fine.
Same goes for the gel/foam and everything else.
Basically, if you have a shaving routine that works great for your face start from there and apply it for shaving your head too.
Later you ca adjust it and invest more in the products, but for the first shave you already have all you need.
Enjoy the experience!

[Andrei]

By the way, if you already sport a #1 buzz, why postpone the shaving?
If you go sly I don't think you will feel the cold differently than now.

[mrzed]

By the way, if you already sport a #1 buzz, why postpone the shaving?
If you go sly I don't think you will feel the cold differently than now.

Agree.

[theman]

Good points Andrei !  Totally agree !  Badda Bing and there it is .

[clarinetguy]

Don't worry about the cold. I am heading into my first winter too.

[theman]

Don't worry about the cold. I am heading into my first winter too.

There ya go and we all live through it.  Looks good, feels good , is good.

[Frontier Guy]

Welcome Kevin.

For every sly guy here you will probably get a different opinion. You just need to consider them and trust your instinct as what is right for you.

Regarding a razor, I've been using the HeadBlade sport since Day #1 and doubt I will switch to anything else. I'm totally satisfied with it and had no issues with nicks, gashes, open wounds, etc. And, as stated above and elsewhere, use no pressure.

I did find that the biggest difference is blades - they seem to have the most significant impact (for me) on a smooth shave. I like the Wilkinson Sword Plus II - which, fortunately, are cheap (10 cartridges for $4). But you'll need to try different things to find the best match for you.

I can't offer any reliable advice regarding waiting until the Spring Thaw ... but when I lived in colder climates it didn't make much difference. Hair or no hair, cold is cold. Put on a hat.

I think you've got the itch to shave ... and you probably will not be able to postpone scratching until next year.

[Kevin G]

Welcome Kevin.

For every sly guy here you will probably get a different opinion. You just need to consider them and trust your instinct as what is right for you.

Regarding a razor, I've been using the HeadBlade sport since Day #1 and doubt I will switch to anything else. I'm totally satisfied with it and had no issues with nicks, gashes, open wounds, etc. And, as stated above and elsewhere, use no pressure.

I did find that the biggest difference is blades - they seem to have the most significant impact (for me) on a smooth shave. I like the Wilkinson Sword Plus II - which, fortunately, are cheap (10 cartridges for $4). But you'll need to try different things to find the best match for you.

I can't offer any reliable advice regarding waiting until the Spring Thaw ... but when I lived in colder climates it didn't make much difference. Hair or no hair, cold is cold. Put on a hat.

I think you've got the itch to shave ... and you probably will not be able to postpone scratching until next year.

Yeah you are right I am definitely getting the itch to shave.  I do not think that I will last the winter  .  I have been using the time with my buzz cut to make sure my scalp looks good when I shave it off.  I saw it recommended to use a good anti bacterial soap like Cuticura(thanks saintc for that tip  ).  I could not find any near where I live so I bought something similar called Cetaphil.  I had a few small pimples on my scalp and they are going away.  I have been also changing my pillow case every week.  I do not really want to go shave my head and wind up shaving pimples.  Been there done that before on my face when I was younger.

[Kevin G]

One more question and this time is about head shapes.  Yeah I know everyone is probably groaning at the mention of this topic but here goes.  I am pretty happy with the shape of my head.   But I noticed that I have ridges on both sides of the top back of my head.(the right side seems slightly more noticable then the left) They are not bad, but they are noticeable to me.  Is that kind of thing normal?  

I could not really get any good pictures of me to show what I am talking about with my #1 guard buzz cut.  I tried but my camera would not pick it up with my hair.  The best example that I can use would be the actor Tom Hardy.   A more extreme version of what I am talking about would be the famous shaolin monk in New York Shi Yan Ming.  Just google him and you will see all sorts of pics of him.

[Frontier Guy]

Kevin, congratulations on moving forward. Do it at your speed ... but once you finally shave your head you'll be wondering why you waited so long. Happens all the time around here.

Head shape ... ridges and dents and peaks and whatnots are all totally normal. And, truth be told, they will be so much less obvious on a shaved head. Hair, depending on color, increases the color contrasts and makes them more obvious.

You've got nothing to worry about except how to contain your delight once you cross the finish line.

[Anil_Sharma]

I am a new to the fraternity myself and I don't have much to say apart from this. When you start out, don't be afraid to experiment. I tried three different razors in as many days and different kinds of pre-shave methods. I find that the more number of blades you have, the higher the finish would be. IF you get any irritation, just apply an ice cube to your dome until it melts. Also, use two aspirins in as many tea spoons of water as a scrub to your dome and cleanse after 4 minutes, the rashes pimples etc will soon diminish giving you a cleaner look.

[Kevin G]

FrontierGuy,  I did not think about the hair making it more obvious.  I am sure that you are right that once I shave it all off, it will be even less noticable.  Plus I know that we are our own worst critic  .  Anil_Sharma I will keep your advice about the asprin and ice cubes in mind and give it a try once I go sly.  I have never heard of that tip before and it sounds interesting.  Thanks again everyone for all the advice and encouragement.