New Guy - Looking for Tips

[thom1020]

What's Up Everyone!

I'm new to the boards, but not to having a bald head. I have been shaving my head bald for nearly 10 years now, mostly with clippers. I decided to join because I have seen a lot of interesting information. What I need help with is what to do about razor bumps on my neck. As an African american male, this is obviously a common problem. However, all the guys that I see out in town (I live in Atlanta) most of the bald guys don't have a lot of bumps. I am reluctant to shave with a razor since every time I do it I get bumps on the back of my neck. For this reason I stick with trimmers/clippers. I just purchased a set of Wahl 5 star balding clippers, and while they cut pretty good, they're not giving me the smooth feel I desire. Can anyone give me advice on what I can do, i.e. routines, products, that will help? I've searched the forums and the amount of information is needles to say, a lot to digest. Thanks!

[Mikekoz13]

Welcome to the Forum!!

There is a line of products called"Bump Fighter" that may help. I'm not positive but I think they may have been developed especially for black men.

Additionally, use GOOD quality shaving products. Most of what you can buy off the shelf in the stores is just nasty stuff. Once you've tried the good stuff you will know what I mean.

Also, once you have shaved your problem areas you should immediately rinse with COLD water and perhaps use an astringent to close your pores. If you are using a multiple bladed razor... say four or five blades... try using a razor with FEWER blades. An old school DE razor may even be the ticket for you.

You will probably have to try several things over several weeks to find the right combination for you.

For shaving I can recommend:

RazoRock shave soaps (ItalianBarber.com) - I really like the XXX and Classic but all of their shave soaps are excellent.
Cella Shave Soap (my favorite)
HeadSlick (some folks are a little sensitive to it but it is great for most)

For post shave:

I love the BeeBald line of products. Their exfoliator, after shave cream, and post shave healer are all excellent products. They have little to no scent which may be good for your sensitive areas.

Good luck!

[tomgallagher]

Welcome to the group.

[Lynchy]

Welcome mate!

MikeOz has hit the nail on the head there are some great tips up there!

[OzSly]

G'Day Thom mate 

Welcome to the Bastion Of Baldness.

Plenty of great info around. Relax, take a load off and enjoy!!

[Sir Harry]

Welcome, Thom! Mike gave a lot of information (thanks, Mike). I want to add to what Mike said:  As a guy that used to suffer from razor bumps (at least yours is only on the neck in the nape area I presume), this is what I have used: Witch Hazel (sold at most drugstores), rubbing the head with an  ice cube immediately after a razor head shave, and two of the biggest things: Wash your head after shaving, and not with just soap; Sea Breeze or Noxzema are cheaper alternatives if you don't want to invest in exfoliant scrub and also, wash your pillowcases/bedwear. They are a hotbed for dirt from your everyday sweating and shedding which can lead to bumps. If you have any questions or need a few more suggestions, feel free to PM me. Good luck!

[thom1020]

Thanks for welcoming me. Thanks for the advice - I'm just fed up with not getting the desired look or feel that I want for a bald head. The last straw was getting the Wahl Balding clipper, which cuts ok, but for them to call it a "balding" clipper is a joke.

[thom1020]

Ok....I shaved my head yesterday morning. I took a hot shower, scrubbed the dome with some apricot scrub, put a hot towel on my head for a few minutes, mixed some shave secret with aveeno shave cream and went to work. Finished off with some witch hazel and bump patrol...its been one day and no bumps so far...

[Sir Harry]

Nice! The big key is keeping your scalp clean even on days that you don't shave.....Noxzema and Sea Breeze are cheaper alternatives if the Apricot scrub is a little too pricey....Keep up the good work!

[wpruitt]

Welcome

[xabydaddy]

Thanks for welcoming me. Thanks for the advice - I'm just fed up with not getting the desired look or feel that I want for a bald head. The last straw was getting the Wahl Balding clipper, which cuts ok, but for them to call it a "balding" clipper is a joke.

I have those same clippers. They cut close but are not going to give you a sly look. They actually used to cut my neck if I wasn't very careful. As far as what works for you it may require some trial and error. I've tried several different combos of razors, creams, gels, soaps etc. but have settled on the Gillette Fusion ProGlide razors and the Gillette Clear Shave gel. I prewash my scalp using Noxema to get the excess oils out and shave in the shower. I then use St. Ive's Apricot Scrub to be sure to get rid of any dead skin or shaving cream that lingers.  Afterwards I pat my head dry and apply Bump Patrol. It's a little expensive but you get what you pay for. I usually finish up with a little bit of Vaseline for shine and smoothness. Like I said, experiment a little and heed the advice of these guys on the forum. I have learned ALOT and still come back to get even more knowledge. BTW, welcome and enjoy!!!

[thom1020]

Ok...so I did see a few bumps crop up after 2 days....however, they're very faint, not as bad as usual. I'm gonna wait until this weekend and try again, this time with a better quality razor.

[Lynchy]

Sounds good mate keep us updated!

[thom1020]

So I think I may have found a solution to my razor bump problem. I've followed the advice on these boards and man, has it helped! I use a Schick Hydro 3 razor with the shave secret mixed with shave gel and I do the cold water rinse, followed by bump patrol, witch hazel, and moisturizer. On days I don't shave, I clean the scalp with noxema and apply witch hazel and moisturizer. Going to see if I can keep it going!

[Sir Harry]

Nice job! Keep it up!