How can I get the slick bald look? Still have horseshoe after razor

• How can I get the slick bald look? Still have horseshoe after razor by hatehorshoe on 01 Aug, 2013 16:11
• Hi, I'm new to shaving my head bald, and was wondering if anyone else has this problem.  Even using a Gillette Fusion razor, the back of my head horseshoe area is pretty dark (shadow) and prominent.  I think my hair is just still very thick there and contrasts with my really pale skin in an aesthetically unpleasing manner.
  
  Am I just not shaving correctly?  I tried to read some other threads about this using a search, but people were mostly complaining about the horseshoe coming back after they slept, etc.  For me, even immediately after a wet shave with a brand new razor, the horseshoe is still pretty prominent.
  
  Would switching to the headblade work?  I'm ready to accept being bald and just shaving my head, but only if I can get a uniform slick look.  Would appreciate any advice.
  
  
• #1 by TheSlyBear on 01 Aug, 2013 16:44
• Welcome to SBG.
  
  It's called "the shadow", and it's caused by the portion of hair that remains below the skin after shaving. A different razor is unlikely to make much difference.
• #2 by Cave Dweller on 01 Aug, 2013 19:51
• If your head feels smooth (no stubble) after you shave, then you have done as much as you can with the razor. As TheSlyBear said, it is the shadow caused by your dark hair follicles against your pale skin. Some guys have the same thing happen with their beards no matter how closely they shave.
  
  Your best bet is to get outside and let your scalp tan. It will lessen the contrast between the skin and hair.
  
  And welcome to the board, sir!
• #3 by nuts on 01 Aug, 2013 23:42
• I have blond hair and it took some time for the contrast beteen bald and shaved parts of my head to even  out.  Give it time.  The end result is worh the wait.
  
• #4 by baldjoeg on 02 Aug, 2013 10:54
• I agree with the other comments. My hair is gray on the sides and dark brown on the back. I still have a shadow there but my dome is nice and smooth which is the important thing. I am fair skinned so it probably shows up more prominently because of this. I sure love being sly and having this web site to find out new information and share comments with the rest of the SBG family.
  
  Enjoy your new great look.
• #5 by Sir Harry on 02 Aug, 2013 11:14
• Welcome! Do you shave with or against the grain? If you are just starting out, the shadow will be prominent for a while until a tan develops on your scalp. The only other option would be laser hair removal which isn't guaranteed and can become expensive. Believe it or not, the only people that can truly spot your horseshoe shadow are other guys with shaved heads...and almost all of them have "horseshoe shadow" Stick around and check out the other posts for some good info!
• #6 by greatnessinc on 02 Aug, 2013 12:48
• It's very common, it's just because your hair is darker than your scalp. Don't go over doing it and spending hours in the sun to tan it, if you do be sure to wear sunblock.
• #7 by mangosink12572 on 02 Aug, 2013 13:31
• We all have it - -nothing we can do.    It is natural.
• #8 by mrzed on 02 Aug, 2013 14:21
• Agree with Cave Dweller. If your head feels smooth when you are done (love that feeling!), that's the best you are going to get in terms of shadow/color.
  
  Yes, I have a shadow. A bald guy recognizes that and might know that I'm Bald By Choice.  Most people just say, Or, Mr. Zed is the bald guy over there. Or the guy with the shaved head.  Most people don't notice. I see myself up front and center in the mirror. I see it. Those you know and are close and looking, know.
  
  We have a bald guy at work. When I see him across the dining room. I think he's naturally bald. I get up close and he's got #1 stubble.  But he's interested in a 'head blade'. I have to get him a coupon!  May have another SBG here shortly.
  
• #9 by reddog on 02 Aug, 2013 16:09
• Ahh, finally an advantage to being grey. Absolutely no shadow for me. 
• #10 by g_bald on 10 Aug, 2013 08:53
• I'm pretty lucky that my hair is fair (thanks Nordic background) so when it is shaved it's more the look of the pale scalp on the sides that I see. My crown has been so thin for so long it looks pretty uniform and even has a shine!
  
  Give your skin some time to get used to it, a little natural color will work in and make you feel better. Get a lotion like Oil of Olay (SPF15) and do some gentle sunning to get your scalp more acclimated and give it a little color. From the sounds of it, you probably tan well. I don't but if you look at a sharp looking guy like reddog you will soon be looking REALLY sharp. Reddog is one sharp looking guy with the smooth melon.
  
  Rome wasn't built in a day so give it some time and patience. Probably you notice this more than anyone around you. I am on day #7 and I hoping the skin will darken a little and help make the scalp look more uniform, but I am not going to overdo it either. I think that will help you achieve the look you want. Good luck and keep stopping by for more help and advice!
  -gary-