Finally went Sly!

[Tantrix]

Well got my wife to buzz me today then I did the shaving. Love it so far and so does she!! I am 48 years old and decided to go sly by choice. All of the males in my family have full heads of hair and hair loss is pretty much non existent on both my Dad's and Mom's side of the family. For me; it was to eliminate the issues I have with scalp psoriasis. I have learned that it can be eliminated (in many men)  by going clean.

I have been creeping around her for a week or so in order to get ideas on products and tips etc. Here was my routine tonight:

• Before I shaved (after the buzz cut) I jumped into the shower and gave my head a good scrub with the St. Ives Apricot Scrub.
• Got the water good and hot and soaked my head for 2 or 3 minutes.
• Got out of the shower and lightly patted my head dry (leaving it still damp)
• Spread Schick Hydo Shave Cream on my noggin and massaged it in for about 30 seconds and let it sit for another few while I deodorized and put on my skivvies.
• Then I took out a Schick Xtreme 3 razor and started shaving with the grain.
• I then re-lathered lightly and shaved against the grain (very lightly).
• Once that was done I rinsed my head with cold water and applied some Aloe Vera gel and St. Ives deep moisturizing lotion.
• When I finally go outside I will use an SPF 30 sunscreen on my noodle.

So to my questions.....

- Does this seem like a typical routine?
- Are there any further tips anyone can give me?
- Is it normal to have redness and sensitivity on parts of your head (back of the skull and neck)? What is suggested to avoid/treat    this?
- Should I use and aftershave on my head in lieu of the moisturizer or is only the moisturizer fine?
- I live in Canada; and can only get the HeadBlade online and the shipping alone is almost the price of the product itself. I would love to get the HeadBlade ATX but it would be very expensive to get the blades (not to mention the HeadBlade itself to Canada. Is there a reasonable alternative available here in the Great White North?

Thank you all in advance for your answers....here is my before and after pics.

[Sir Harry]

Welcome, Tantrix! Looks good; thanks for sharing the before and after pictures. Even if you don't use a HeadBlade (or can't get to one right away), one big thing to invest in is a shaving brush (most cost $10 USD or less) With a shaving brush, you can spread your shaving soap/cream/gel around more evenly giving closer shaves. As for the redness/bumps that is normal for first-time head shavers, but if you don't like aftershave, rubbing alcohol and/or ice cubes are good alternatives to apply on the scalp. Another good item to purchase is Shave Secret (don't know if they sell this in Canada). A few drops mixed in with your soap/cream/gel makes for a smoother shave and less bumps. BTW, the beard fits in nicely with the shaved head; thanks for joining and participate often!

P.S. I moved your thread to Introductions so that the gang can give you the hearty welcome(s) that you deserve!

[nuts]

Looking good - and your wife also approves.  Clearly a keeper.

[-Doug-]

Welcome to the club Tantrix. The redness may just be from it being your first shave. See how it is after a few days.

I'd say that your routine is fine as is.

[OzSly]

G'Day Tantrix mate 

Welcome to the Bastion Of Baldness.

Your routine is pretty good. It's trail and error, try different things
and see what suits you.

Plenty of great info regarding routines and products.

[Lynchy]

Welcome mate, looking good.

I'm sure there is a Canadian retailer of the HB..... I had mine shipped from the US to AUS and it wasn't too bad.

Good luck!

[Tantrix]

Welcome mate, looking good.

I'm sure there is a Canadian retailer of the HB..... I had mine shipped from the US to AUS and it wasn't too bad.

Good luck!

There are two retailers in Canada but stock is tenuous at best. Plus they only carry the Sport...but I would like the ATX (for it's pivoting blade). Plus they only carry 2 or 3 of the other products. How about the refill blades...are you having to order every few months are are you buying them bulk?

[TV guy]

SHOPPERS DRUG MART carries HB products but not the full line - just the razor Headslik and Headlube Matte

[geeman]

looking good my brother! I definitely agree with sirslyharry about the shaving brush, I have just switched to a safety razor for my face, and use brush and shaving cream, and the shave is very close, not got my technique down yet to be brave enough to use it on my noggin, but I used the brush and cream, wow! so much better than the gels and foams, I was surprised it made such a difference

[Lynchy]

Welcome mate, looking good.

I'm sure there is a Canadian retailer of the HB..... I had mine shipped from the US to AUS and it wasn't too bad.

Good luck!

There are two retailers in Canada but stock is tenuous at best. Plus they only carry the Sport...but I would like the ATX (for it's pivoting blade). Plus they only carry 2 or 3 of the other products. How about the refill blades...are you having to order every few months are are you buying them bulk?

I usually buy 4 packs of refills for the Sport, using the SBG discount. Does me for 4 months easily

[mrzed]

St. Ives ... good product.

Head Blade refills. I use about 4 blades a month. Get them at Walgreens, or online. Yes, the shipping is high. Int'l probably higher. Perhaps you can get someone here in the US to buy for you and ship via post rather than UPS. That might be less expensive.

Welcome. Bald looks good on you.

The red is generally temporary until your head gets used to being shaved.  Just take it easy the first week or so. there's plenty of time to get really smooth later.

Good that wife likes it.  My wife was unsure at first, but now likes it.

I'll send one more tip via PM.

[frangi]

i live in Canada and ordered from headblade web site , the 20% discount covers most of the shipping

[bud]

Welcome Tantrix! Your new style suits you. Keep it sly!

[kalbo]

Great transformation. Looking really good.

[Tantrix]

Thank you all for the kind welcomes....I guess I have found a second family  . I finally showed my parents today....my Dad loves it my Mom ....not so much...oh well I did it for me not them....love being sly