After 5 months of buzzing my hair shorter and shorter...

[TomD]

... I finally shaved my head. It took me about 40 minutes, and was quite difficult. I have too much hair for this! And I didn't get it perfectly smooth, but what can you do.

Background info:

-18 years old
- have been buzzing #1/no guard for 5 months
- balding

PS. I know there are a lot of young lurkers here, or people who are going bald and came here via google.

I know the feeling, balding sucks. But really, it's just hair. Buzz it short. Get used to it. Try shaving it. It'll grow back if you want. But chances are that you will like it a lot, like me. Don't start using propecia and hair pieces, you will feel SO much better by just accepting your hair loss and owning it.

[reddog]

Hi Tom,
It does take some time at first, but goes faster with experience. I have a full head of hair, and I just shave with a Remington electric shaver first. Takes about 4 or 5 minutes, and get it almost razor short. Then, if I want it baby butt smooth, I wet shave with a headblade Sport.

[-Doug-]

Welcome Tom. It looks good. It will get easier and faster to shave with practice. Also, good job on not dwelling on the fact that you are loosing your hair and taking control of the situation.

[U8myburger]

Hi Tom. First off, welcome. You'll find a lot of great advice and support here. Second, Sly wears you well. Looks great on you. Third, the first shave seems endless... But it does get quicker every time. Hang in there for 30 days and see what a difference.

[slybeard]

Your shave looks good.  It will get quicker with practice.  I still have a lot of hair (some thinning, but no bald spots) and I am at the point where I can shave in about the same time it takes to buzz it down.  It comes down to your personal preference for the smooth finish.  Most of the shavers here will tell you they like the smooth finish and that is why they keep it that way.  Once I feel the sandpaper, I want a shave, so I am a daily shaver.  Since I normally shave at night, by noon the next day I feel the need to shave.  The "look" is really no different to the casual observer.  Only another head shaver would notice the difference between shaved and a zero guard buzz.  Many are satisfied with the zero buzz, but try shaving on a regular basis to determine your preference, don't judge it base on how long it took for your first time.

However, don't try to speed it up too quickly, an error can be bloody.  Take your time and learn the trouble areas on your scalp that are harder to shave without nicks.

[g_bald]

Hey TomD - the shave looks great and Welcome to the SBG club!!

Like you I fought with lower and lower clipper guard attachments to make it look "uniform" and "neat." Plus my family were not overly enthused about it. My brother has been sly for a long time and I figured I didn't want to be a clone...

But then, just a few weeks ago, I went to a new "chop-shop" [AKA a barber LOL] and it was really short, like a #000. When I got home and looked, over and over again I said "just go sly!!" So, I did.

It's different and it takes some people more than others to get used to it. I did post a picture on fb which sort of got most people used to the idea that I was sly and not as big a shocker. It's one of those things, do it, keep confident and walk proudly. If people look at you differently, that's their problem!! It's the same YOU underneath...

Keep rockin' the sly look and hope to see you around the forum!!

[Timmer]

Welcome.  This is the best place by far that I've found for head shaving advice.

It takes some time to get used to it, but now I shave face and head in about 10 minutes. 

Important Safety Tip:  Don't shave if you're rushed or running late.  Some guys can get away without concentrating on their head shave.  If you're like me, I'll cut/burn myself every time if I get distracted.

[Sir Harry]

Thanks for checking back in, Tom....Looks great!

[Natedawg]

Welcome, Tom! Glad to hear you are embracing your circumstance and rolling with it like a boss. Looks great!

In regards to razor shaving: Practice makes perfect, but like slybeard said, don't rush it. The first time I ever tried taking the blade to my head, I took a good chunk of skin off, and didn't try for another year or so. Nowadays, like most here, I can shave it clean in 10 minutes or less, with no nicks. Of course, it's mostly a matter of technique, but finding the right combination of shave cream/gel/soap and a good razor really helps.
Nothing like a smooth dome, but of course the preference is yours.

[TomD]

Hey, just checking in. I shaved my head again, this time it took me about 15 minutes. Feels great, although i got some minor razor bumps. I shaved with a gillette fusion (5 blades). Thinking of ordering a headblade.

[g_bald]

Try rubbing an ice cube over your dome after shaving (something I picked up from the crew here ) - I do that at the end and it helps cut down on bumps and burn as well.

Glad to hear you're enjoying being sly. I use the Fusion as well, great razor. I've had mixed results with the HeadBlade, thinking I might try the Sport which a lot of people on SBG seem to like.

[bennett11]

You look great.  The main thing I have found in shaving is not to press hard.  Let the blades do their thing. 

[jaypksfo]

Looks great on you Tom.  I have a full head of hair as well and it takes me about 4-5 minutes to shave, little longer if I let it grow back in for a few days.  Ifyou shave in the shower try running cold water over your head before you get out of the shower, should help with the bumps

[isleepinthebuff]

Welcome, looks good.

is your hair receeding?

[Baldstu]

I have a full head of , been shaving it for years on and off .So re committing to stay sly for the 30 days .Sort of lapsed , but thats me , Had it shaved last friday been shaving daily since 23 days to go