Progress Report

[JohnMont]

Thanks, Tyler for the 'green light.'  Now that you mention it; I am wondering about my first razor shave.  One thing i've been thinking about is letting a barber do it; just for the experience.  But one thing I've heard that is that barbers who razor shave often don't use very good 'products'; i.e. harsh soaps. , etc.  So maybe it's better to do it yourself; using headslick,  aloe gel afterwards, etc.? 

Also; for the wet razor shave do you recommend using a fresh , unused blade?  I have a fusion razor (non-battery) but the blade has been used quite a bit (for shaving my neck/throat under my beard.   I often find when I shave there with a fresh blade I bleed a lot ((well; a little, in spots);  so I'm wondering, would a slightly used blade be better, or is it 'the sharper the better'?   The hair on the sides/back of my head is much thicker than my beard.

Hope this doesn't seem like a petty question, or that it sounds like i am chickening out.  I just want to get the best possible results .  And after all, the topic here IS "headshaving." 

All the best,
John

[PBurke]

this is excactly what we are here for. i would use a fresh blade or do some research about barbers. a well used blade will probably make the whole process a nightmare. just take your time brother. ask all the questions you want.

[Timmay]

 John I would use a fresh blade.  First of all your head is not use to having a razor go acrossed it.  So a sharp fresh blade would glide easier thru it.  Just main thing to remember and I think alot of us guys stress it alot to all the new guys...DO NOT USE A LOT OF PRESSURE.  It may take you 20 minutes or so on your first time but go really slow.  and you will have to shave in different directions.  such as going up from the back and back from the front towards the crown.  You dotn have a whole lot on top so that should be the easy part.  When shaving also use the other hand ..in my case my left hand...feel around on your head in different directions and you will find smoe stubble..just go back over those.  Once you get past the first 2 or 3 shaves you will do a good job and the process will speed up some.. Just remembr...GO SLOW!  dotn rush it or you will get nicks and razor burn.  I found out the hard way one day  GOOD LUCK JOHN

[marshd1000]

John,

First of all, do what make you the happiest and most comfortable.  I can totally understand your hesisitation about taking the plunge.  I was where you are 10 years ago.  I will say that I have grown it back and shaved it again in those 10 years.  But I know that sly is going to be my primary style.  As for me, I have a bit more hair than you.  So some didn't understand when I first shaved it off as I was just thinning at the temples at first.  Now that it is thinning  all over it is more acceptable.  So I am just trying to say that my guess is that no one will give you a bad time when you shave it off!  You WILL rock the sly look dude!

[warhawk]

john... i agree w/ the other brahs..... use a fresh blade.  i use the regular fusion as well.  it is a gr8 razor and keeps me the smoothest.  good luck w/ your 1st official shaving of the dome.  asks more question if u need 2.  we r here 4 ya.

WARHAWK

[JohnMont]

Thanks for all the feedback from EVERYBODY!! !   I hear ya about using a new blade.  Thanks for the reminder to keep a light touch.  I'm looking forward to doing this; and again; thaks for the support.

John

[herronm]

John,  I agree, use a new blade.  I suggest you use the same razor you are used to.  Don't start off with a different make or model.  That has been my experience.

Max

[JohnMont]

Just gave myself an all-over, .50 buzz before going to my conference tomorrow; and couldn't resist posting a pic.  It's "almost" there, and I can't wait to do a buzz with no guard and then a razor shave.  It is so close now that there is hardly any difference.  Now I have to say I'm looking forward to meeting new people and seeing old aquaintences at this conference; and their reactions to my 'shaved head" ( I know, it's not fully shaved, but pretty close). ...  my confidence is building and building, and I think that when I go sly about 10 days from now I will REALLY be ready.

John

[Razor X]

You look more confident already.

[shyslyguy]

I totally agree with Razor - great pic John!  .... you're as near as can be ... & the new confidence shows already! 

[SLYinKC]

John, you look awsome. And just like me, your hair is so light and fine that in the pic you look totally bald and the only one that will notice a substantial difference with the have is you.  Just wait till you feel what it is like to be smooth.  And that sensation the first couple of days where your scalp still feels sorta numb.  You're going to love it.

I wish the best at your conference.

[Professor Melon]

  John, you look super--as I knew you would. Have you given up glasses and switched to contacts? As to the blade, I have found that a RELATIVELY (two day old) blade is best. It's broken in but still sharp. I use a Fusion non-battery + Fusion gel. The most I get out of one blade is a week. Godspeed, Professor Melon

[JohnMont]

Thanks, guys, and thanks for the insight on the blade, Prof.  (no, don't have contacts, so my 'street look' is going to be with glasses).  As I said earlier, I always get cuts with a new blade when I shave my throat/neck.  Never liked shaving my face, but as one brother (sorry, I forget who) mentioned, head vs. face shaving is a totally different thing.   I really am looking forward (with more and more excitement and less and less apprehension/fear) to going sly.

Again, thanks everyone for your encouragement AND patience.

[zetaeffe]

You will look GREAT Sly!! already you look... will be much better,
and you will be addicted by the smooth feel! 

As for the blade: don't worry, it's easier to shave the dome than the beard
cause the skin is smoother than the throat skin, so you can use fresh blade
without worrying about it, just be careful not to push too hard and not to
slide the razor sideways.

Good luck
Francesco

[Paul]

Have to agree with the other bros there John, seems like that confidence level is going up as the hair length is going down.  Keep it up