New to Bald, poor first shave, when do I shave again

• New to Bald, poor first shave, when do I shave again by braveally on 30 Apr, 2013 09:05
• Hey all,
  I recently made the transition to bald about a week and a half ago with the barber taking me down and me shaving about three days later. That didn't go so well. Not only did I nick myself something nice, my scalp is very irritated with razor bums on the back of my neck and along my hair line. I am not enjoying this to say the least. Looking for relief has led me here. My question is, when should I return to shaving? I have been waiting for the bumps to go down and my scar to heal and my head seems to get more irritated by the day. During that shave I used a kiehls shave cream and a gilette sensor 3.
  After viewing this site I got an exfoliator and ordered some headlube and headwash and some kitikiti to better take care of my scalp.
  Being black with really curly hair is not helping the irritation too. Any additional advice or methods would be appreciated. On my next shave I plan to wash, exfoliate, shave, cold rinse, witch hazel. From what I can tell it seems to work with people. I may also try shaving WTG as my last shave was completely ATG. Thanks again and keep up the good advice.
• #1 by slybeard on 30 Apr, 2013 10:25
• You've come to the right place for advice.  I am sure others will add more comments and suggestions.  Although I have not had the issues you describe, it does take some time for you skin to adjust to shaving.  I would suggest you stick to "WTG" shaving for now, and give your skin time to recover between shaves.  Some can daily shave after some adjustment time, but others shave less frequently due to skin issues.  Also, do not apply pressure to the razor, let it do the work.  Avoid repeated passes over the same area.  Make sure you are using a good blade and quality cream.  Sounds like you have a good plan in mind.
• #2 by Sir Harry on 30 Apr, 2013 12:16
• Welcome! One good thing I suggest that you purchase is Bump Patrol, which is sold at WalMart and most drugstores. I think that one big thing that may have happened to you was that you waited three days after your barber cut to apply a razor. 72 hours is plenty of time for peach fuzz to grow especially on Afro-American males with "curly hair" It's possible that the hair may have been too thick for your razor by then. Sometimes if I go more than three days, I have to clipper shave first before passing the razor. I see you mentioned some of the products a lot of members swear by, but Shave Secret from Wal Mart is another item to invest in if you get a chance. Once you get used to head shaving, invest in a shaving brush that helps apply your soap/gel/cream more smoother resulting in better shaves and less cuts and bumps. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions. Good luck!
• #3 by braveally on 30 Apr, 2013 15:00
• I went and got some stuff the other day. One is High Times Bump Stopper and the other is Bump Off Conditioner. Not sure how good they are but bump stopper has shown some improvement on my face and I just used the conditioner today for my shave (I decided to go for it). Well see soon, so far so good though.
  Seems like a lot of people swear by bump patrol. I plan to get some after I run out of this stuff or it proves to be ineffective.
• #4 by Lynchy on 01 May, 2013 05:26
• Welcome mate,
  
  Hopefully there are smoother shaves in your future!
• #5 by greatnessinc on 01 May, 2013 11:27
• Wait for your cut to heal completely and the irritation to clear up.
  When you resume your shaving, go with the grain for 2 weeks before trying ATG. Your scalp needs time to adjust to shaving. The shave cream could also be contributing to the irritation. I have sensitive skin so I have to use non hypoallergenic soap.
• #6 by Perfected Man on 04 May, 2013 05:23
• Get a head blade and shave every day. I would also recommended you getting a shaving badger brush, mug and natural shaving soap. There are no chemicals in a lot of shavings soaps where as cans of shaving cream are loaded full of irritants. Also the badger brush softens your hair on your face and head, lifts the stubble up and gets it prepared for a nice clean shave. Since I started this, I can't remember the last time I nicked my head or got bumps or razor burn.
• #7 by Johnny_T on 12 May, 2013 06:02
• You mentioned getting your hair buzzed down by the barber then shaving a few days later. I don't know how fast your hair grows but for me it that would be too long to wait to shave as too much hair would grow back. I think you should have left the barber and gone right home and shaved.     Also, as has been mentioned, go very lightly and make sure it's a new and sharp blade.  Try to go with the grain at first.
  
     Go back to the beginning, regroup and attack!!!!    You'll be fine