Finally sly'd it up

[stoneman]

Hey guys, I'm Stoney, 25, and I finally went sly! Ever since I started noticing my hair thinning a year or so ago, I've been tossing the idea of shaving my head bald.  I finally got sick of looking at the contrast between my full hair and balding area, and went for it this morning. I think I like it but I can't stop patting my head (it feels so weird haha). Anyway,  I've been lurking these forums for a week, getting info on things before the transformation. My 30 day trial starts today!

I got some questions (which I'm currently looking through the forums for answers for) that hopefully some of you can help with:

Do you guys use after shave on your head after shaving?

Is my head gray because I need a tan to match my skin tone or is it because I didn't shave close enough? I tried shaving with the grain and then against it, but not much of a difference.

I got sensitive skin and was planning on just going with the grain but it didn't happen; I got irritation, which I was afraid would happen. Should I just shave with the grain until my skin gets use to it?

Thanks guys. I'm real excited and can't wait to see what my family and co-workers think.
 

[slybeard]

The color is likely just the contrast of the newly shaved area to you exposed skin.  It will darken up with time, but if you hair is dark, you will likely have a shadow.  Take it easy at first to let your skin adjust, and remember to use sunscreen.  Don't be tempted to get a quick tan by exposing your newly shaved skin to the sun.

[Mr Jules]

I like it but I can't stop patting my head (it feels so weird haha).

That's quite a normal reaction when you first shave your head. In fact, it does not really wear off !

Go for the 30 day trial and see how you can get on. Think that sly head goes well with the beard - nicely squared off on the sideburns, too.

You're in for a great 30 days ahead. Post often on the forum with your questions and you'll get plenty of help here.

Welcome to the SBG forum.

[geeman]

welcome, yeah, all normal....it will even up, there are plenty of products to use to help with irritation, i use an ice cube, then an alum block to which helps with nicks and rashes,  and I use a post shave soothing balm.

[Cave Dweller]

Hey Stoney!

Congratulations on going sly and committing to the thirty days!

I don't think it is at all unusual for your newly-shaved areas to look whiter than those that have been exposed to the sun for a while.  Slybeard is dead on correct:  wear sunscreen and do NOT attempt to tan that area quickly.  It is extremely sensitive to sun right now as it never has had to build up pigment.  Everything will even out with a little time.  Until then, you probably will notice the shadow of your hair, but that quickly will be less noticeable as the skin darkens.

If you think back a decade or so ago when you first shaved your face, you probably remember it being rather sensitive to your razor.  By now that skin has toughened up.  Your head will do the same.  Everyone's skin is different, so you will figure out what shaving style works best for you (as you did with your beard).  I agree with Geeman and strongly recommend you use a post-shave balm for at least these thirty days.  It decreased greatly the irritation I got during the first month.  I use Sea Breeze on my head after I shave because I do not want to be covered in scent.  

(And I am six months sly and still catch myself rubbing the back of my head when it's smooth.)

[Hingatao]

Welcome to the club, Stoney.
Personally, I use Nivea Extreme Comfort aftershave on my head. It helps my skin soft and it helps get past the dryness I sometimes get on the back of my head after I shave. And yes, I still catch myself rubbing my head after I shave even though I've been sly for a year.

[nuts]

Looks good.  Nice contrast with dark beard.  Embrace the 30 day rule..

[mrzed]

I think I like it but I can't stop patting my head (it feels so weird haha).

Yep. I'm still rubbing my head daily, 16 month's later. I don't think you ever got over the joy of rubbing a sly head!

I like Bay Rum (from Sally's) as an after shave.  Started trying Pinaud Clubman after shave. Smells like the old time barber shop.  Wearing it now.

The colors will change as you get some exposure.  

Look forward to the 30 day challenge.  It's a keeper.

[stoneman]

Thanks for all the responses guys! I'm hoping to find some aftershave stuff at Target this week.

[Sir Harry]

Welcome, Stoney! The shaved head and beard make a nice combo on you! If you don't like the sting and/or smell of aftershave, witch hazel is a nice alternative to use after shaving....The guys gave some good advice on tanning....Enjoy the forum!

[-Doug-]

Welcome aboard Stoney. I usually use witch hazel and / or aloe vera as a post shave treatment for my head.

[isleepinthebuff]

Hello Stoney, Stone is my surname so I get called Stoney a lot

[Mr Jules]

Hello Stones,

Snap !

My surname is Stone, too. Get called Stoney. Or beardy !

The Sly Stones are here.

[stoneman]

Haha, it's a solid nickname 

[Adamski1972]

Welcome to the forum mate! Good luck with the new improved you!