Hurt myself Saturday and very frustrated

• Hurt myself Saturday and very frustrated by FrustratedinFlorida on 03 Feb, 2014 14:40
• Hurt myself badly shaving my head for the first time (cut top of head with HB ATX) because I was getting frustrated with my horseshoe stubble and wasn't focused.  Now have a bandaid on my head.
  
  I started to lose my hair when I was around 21 but was able to get by with using electric shavers, but eventually the stubble would expose the bald spot. I could never get it smooth with an electric, although it never hurt me and was more even. Then I went a long time using your standard 3 or 4 blade razors and moisturizer (after I used the electric), but it still wasn't good enough for me. I want the Stone Cold Steve Austin/Mr. Clean look. The disposable single blades suck. Tried some cream once and it didn't work and just burned.
  
  Then I found this site early last year and read how the consensus seems to rave about the Headblade, almost like you guys were affiliate marketers or stockholders.  So I got the ATX and truthfully didn't see the difference in the end result! Granted it took less effort to shave, but the result was the same, i.e. Mariano Rivera if he doesn't shave in a day.
  
  Although my fingers don't feel ANY stubble, my pale sensitive white skin reveals that I have some black/brown hair there even though I cannot feel it, and the horseshoe is visible. Used it for 6 months yet by 4:00PM I can see the horseshoe in the mirror even with daily morning shaves. Been wearing baseball caps or hoods when around people, and am sick and tied of it. I am blessed to have a nice shaped head with no bumps or issues. I just can't seem to have my head as smooth as a baby's bottom in the morning.
  
  At my wits end and starting to get obsessive.
  
  Most of you guys bash Magic Shave cream or any other alternative, but has anyone in my boat ever cracked this puzzle with anything besides Headblade or super expensive blades? I guess some of you will tell me to check out the Sport or whatever, but I'm hoping for a fresh response, as I've read many old posts. I'm about to give up because I don't want to invest 15-20 minutes extra to shave my head over and over.
• #1 by Cave Dweller on 03 Feb, 2014 14:58
• Ouch. Yeah, I had a similar experience with the headblade. I went back to the Fusion I had been using for my beard. It gets me the best shave.
  
  What you are seeing is called the shadow. Most of us with dark hair have one to some extent. Mine became less noticeable when the scalp tanned over the summer so that the contrast between my skin and hair follicles was less, but it still is there. I still end up shaving twice a day sometimes to keep it at a minimum, but NO blade or depilatory like Magic Shave will get rid of it as long as the follicles are in the skin.
  
  Those celebrities you see with no shadow probably have a coat of makeup and powder on their heads to cover it up.
  
  And welcome to the forum, sir!
• #2 by warhawk on 03 Feb, 2014 15:24
• Welcome to the sly fraternity.  If you don't want to invest in those expensive blades like the Fusion, than I would suggest shaving with a DE razor.  You can get a quality DE razor for about $30 something dollars but it will last a life time and the DE blades are inexpensive.  You can get a 100 pack of Astra SP blades for under $12.  Try buying 100 Gillette Fusion blades and you can see the savings that you can get by shaving the DE way.
  
  Also if you do not want to invest the extra 15 minutes or so to head shave than I would stop right here because it will take about 15 or more minutes to head shave in the beginning.   As an experience head shaver since 2007, you never ever want to rush a head shave.
  
  Keep us posted to your road to slyness,
  
  WARHAWK
• #3 by TheSlyBear on 03 Feb, 2014 16:46
• The HeadBlade is not for everyone, and it's certainly not a good "first shave". Use a razor you are more familiar with until you get the hang of things.
• #4 by DOC_OSMC on 03 Feb, 2014 16:58
• I've been shaving for almost 3 months now and I use a Fusion Pro-Glide.  Gives me the smoothest shave I know.  And they are correct about the shadow.  I have a slight one too, but I was fortunate that I had been buzzing my head over a year which allowed my scalp, et. al. to get some color so the contrast is not so bad.  Keep in mind that is why you see such a major contrast with some people who are bald by choice.  Got a thick head of hair that you shave off and you're scalp has never seen the sun, so there is gonna be quite a contrast until it gets some sun to blend in.
  
  Some people have mentioned using tanning lotion like Jersens to help create the blend, so that might be something you might want to look into.  If you don't feel the stubble, then yes, you've shaved as close as you're gonna get.  But the pores will still show signs of color from the hair follicles underneath.  There's no way around that.
  
  Hope that helps bro.
• #5 by schro on 03 Feb, 2014 17:23
• I have the Head Blade Classic model from my first head shave 7 years ago. I recently tried the Sport Model and absolutely hated it. The Classic is the only way to go for me.
  
  Quick question, were you applying pressure when you cut yourself? The key is to NOT apply pressure (just glide it over your scalp) while keeping the back part of the razor in contact with your head.
  
  Good Luck.
  
• #6 by EarlBald on 03 Feb, 2014 18:34
• I have found that the Headblae generally is safe unless you use too much pressure or shave too fast.  I've gotten so that I nick myself maybe once every ten times.  Shave SLOWLY, especially in the beginning.
• #7 by Sir Harry on 04 Feb, 2014 02:36
• Welcome! Trust me, the shadow is something many sly guys have to deal with, but anything short of laser treatments, you just have to give it time and tan some...the shadow will never completely disappear,  but the only people who will notice your shadow are other bald men and they would understand. Good luck to you and keep us posted!
• #8 by FrustratedinFlorida on 04 Feb, 2014 15:28
• THANKS to all of you guys!
  
  To answer some questions- yes, I accidentally applied too much pressure on the ATX and lifted the wheel. Reason being I was frustrated with the shadow and lost focus.
  
  Well, at least I know that the shadow is normal now, and I should begin the acceptance phase and realize that only guys like us notice stuff like that, and at least work on a tan.
  
  I actually contacted a celebrity via email and he said that he actually uses Gillette Twin Blades Disposables daily with gel and goes with the grain. Was shocked since disposables usually kill me and leave red rashes.
  
  Also was lectured by a friend to mess with Trac II blades and look for a handle substitute. However I will keep an open mind about Fusion or DE as well. Thanks for the advice!
• #9 by greatnessinc on 05 Feb, 2014 07:36
• Never apply too much pressure to any blade while shaving that's just a recipe for disaster.
  Try a three pass technique.
  

  • With the grain- front to back
  • Against the grain- back to front
  • Across the grain- start either on the left or right and shave around to the other side

  For across the grain on top on the head start at one ear shave up to the top of your head then across to the other side and down to the other ear repeat for the other side.
  
  I was never able to get a completely smooth shave with front to back/back to front passes on the sides of my head; I have to make up and down passes to get a smooth shave.
  Also it's fine to take the wheels up on the ATX just make sure to not push down very much. The ATX does require some forward pressure to get the blades to sit flush on your head, you can practice how much pressure you need by placing the ATX on your arm and pressing down.