Just Went Sly, Help

[fixiefanatic]

I'm 24 and was tired of trying to cover up my receding hair so I went sy of course. So I tried it, and in the shower its like my hair wont shave off. Is it still too long? i buzzed it first. do I need to press down more. Ill wear a hat for a few days til I figure it out but my head looks funky. like a girraffe sort of.

[Laser Man]

Buzz it as short as possible, i.e., without a guard.  Then try shaving first with the grain, then against the grain using a good quality shaving cream (not the canned foam).  DO NOT push down on the razor - you'll lacerate your scalp.  It's normal to have some stubble at first until you develop your technique for shaving.

Another alternative is to find a barbershop that does head shaves and have them give you a shave for the first time.

[fixiefanatic]

Well it was long. Like eyebrow long. I got it down to 1 guard. Then no guard. And its like my head is covered in baby hairs that wouldn't save off. I quit trying as to avoid razor burn. Will try in morning again. I was using a Proglide and aveeno sensitive shave gel. I wanted to be sly today so bad! I will post pics of before and after once i get my head smooth. Definitely no shine.

[Laser Man]

Smart move not to keep trying - razor burn can be painful.  If this is the first time you are shaving, remember that your scalp is not accustomed to being shaved.  It will toughen up over time from shaving. 

As a new shaver, start shaving with the grain.  While you won't be completely smooth, you'll be giving your skin a chance to adjust.  the main thing is to work on your technique and get comfortable shaving.

Also, your skin will continue to produce oils even if the hair is shaved off, so you will develop a natural shine.

[greatnessinc]

I have to shave across the grain to get a smooth shave. Some days I have stubborn hairs that just don't feel like being shaved all the way down. Electric no matter how fancy will never get as close as a blade. Pushing down on the blade is not advised. Instead of shaving front to back then back to front try this:
Shave from your ear up to the top of your head then from the top of your head down to your ear. Repeat this method in lines until you get all the way around your head. Also start at the bottom of your ear shave up and across to the other side down behind your other ear.

[fixiefanatic]

SUCCESS!!  Thanks guys. Now lets hope razor burn doesn't show up today. Lower neck little sensitive.

[TheSlyBear]

I get "neck burn" if I shave every day. Give your head a day or two to rest before shaving again. As time goes on, you'll find your best frequency. For me, it's every other day.

Congrats on achieving freedom from the tyranny of hair.

[fixiefanatic]

Thank you sly bear. I am happy with it. Disappointing to find some moles but content with my head shape.

[greatnessinc]

I strongly suggest investing in a shave brush and shave soap. Before you do it you think oh it can't make that big of a difference. Well it's night and day.

[Aussie Sly Guy]

SUCCESS!!  Thanks guys. Now lets hope razor burn doesn't show up today. Lower neck little sensitive.

Do you shave the back of your ATG? I have the same problem on mine I have to shave the back of my neck WTG or I'll get a rash without fail.

[bennett11]

The main thing is not put pressure on the razor. 

[g_bald]

I concur wholeheartedly with greatnessinc

A shave brush and shave soap are excellent. The brush will help get the soap all over and also help exfoliate your skin. I believe that's crucial.

Good for you on keeping at it! I do agree, give it a rest of a day or two between shaves. I can go every day now with no irritation. You can use a decent electric razor for in-between days but I don't bother. Some areas are thicker in hair than others, you can see it after 2 days on the side, but the top is so thin it barely registers. Every head is different... but every smooth head is Excellent!