Best way for a beginner to shave and maintain his head?

[baldingguy23]

I'm not worried about spending any $ w/e, but I don't want to spend a lot more $ than I would on haircuts a month lol.

I'm more concerned about having a smooth head and shaving without razor bumps and cuts.

[greatnessinc]

How long your head stays smooth depends largely on how fast your hair grows, the closer a shave you get the longer you stay smooth.
Be aware that as long as your hair still grows you won't have a completely smooth head. Since your concern is cuts and irritation, you should consider an electric shaver. Whatever method you choose for shaving, be sure to put lotion on your head every day even days you don't shave.

[baldingguy23]

What do you mean by "completely smooth head", as in there will always be some hairs, or my hairline will be visible still?

So for someone who still grows most of their hair.. is there really that big of a difference between clippers, electric razors, and regular razors?

[Ming the Merciless]

Ming is a cheapskate, but Ming is willing to commit to the expense of blade razors for the dome.  But this does not include the platinum-plated, daily Starbucks-level disbursements for the latest hot-diggety edged depilitator.  I have said before, and I say now, "It's just hair."  It's not rocket science (take that, Flash!), nor does it require NASA level expense to level it. 

Despite what others might say here, for those of us (like Ming) whose head hair, semi-intact, is not all that thick or coarse--well, disposable blades work well enough.  Give those a try once you've had it clipped as low-as-you-can-go with something electric (or barber-done).  If you are unhappy with results...  Well, Ming is sure you can get excellent advice from deeper-pocketed Sly members here on the way to go.  And you've already gotten some.

Time to obsess over more important topics.  Global warming maybe?  Less hat-need for the dome?  What's not to like?

[baldingguy23]

Last question...

Is it really that big of a noticeable difference between using a razor and electric razor on how your baldness looks?

[EarlBald]

Razor blade with lather (or Head Slick, which is what I use) shaves the closest to the scalp.  We all want perfectly smooth scalps, but, unless your skin color almost perfectly matches your hair color, there is going to be a tell-tale stubble line, even if the skin feels smooth.  Don't worry, no one will notice but you.  Eventually, you can try waxing, epilation, electrolysis, or laser treatments, but you need to learn to walk before you can run, so to speak.

Just shave it all off ... you'll like the results.

[baldingguy23]

A Mach 3 razor, and shaving every two days is pretty routine right?

I'm going to shave my head in the next 2 days by a barber and we'll see how it goes after.

[Aussie Sly Guy]

How often you shave depends on you. I find if I shave everyday it cuts down irritation to nothing, if I shave every second day I get irritation. Whereas some people it's the other way around. You need to find out what works for you. Same with blades I hate Mach 3 but love fusion, same goes for gel/soaps etc.

[Laser Man]

A Mach 3 razor, and shaving every two days is pretty routine right?

I'm going to shave my head in the next 2 days by a barber and we'll see how it goes after.

Many of us shave every day beacuse we like the smoothness that results.  You'll be surprised how fast your hair grows.  The stubble by the end of the day can be annoying - taking off a sweater or t-shirt is like hitting velcro.  A Mach 3 or Fusiion both work very well.  Just take your time and don't apply too much pressure to the razor. 

[Laser Man]

Last question...

Is it really that big of a noticeable difference between using a razor and electric razor on how your baldness looks?

A good electric shaver like the Panasonics will get you a very close shave and the look will not be much different from a razor, but the feel will be very different.  Electric Shavers can't get as close a blade, so you will always feel a little roughness after you shave with an electric. 

[fcb2001]

I would go with the Mach 3

A Mach 3 razor, and shaving every two days is pretty routine right?

I'm going to shave my head in the next 2 days by a barber and we'll see how it goes after.

[Bucksfan]

Start with a Mach 3 to get the hang of it, then decide whether to go to electric, double- edge safety razors, or the headblade. I've done each and settled on the headblade abut 2 years ago. I use gilette sensor excel blades and go through 1 per week. I buy then off amazon in 10 packs for about 17 or so per pack. Not the cheapest, but one heck of a good shave.

[baldingguy23]

My barber convinced me instead of shaving it off to get a 2 on top..it's super short right now and I look better with short hair than long hair. I might just go with the 2 until my crown starts balding more...I look better with short hair than long hair, so I shouldn't look too different bald than with short hair? Most people don't look much different in terms of looks when it comes to short hair vs bald?

[Sir Harry]

It's all in what you like.....As far as your barber's suggestion, some barbers try to help their customers, others may fear losing a customer....In your case, if you like the number 2, you can go with that for now until your balding becomes more pronounced...but if you can post a photo, we can give you even better advice.

[Goatee]

Just tried the Fusion Proglide power and after a couple of shaves i have to admit it is the best i have tried do far