Going sly again and excited about it.

• Going sly again and excited about it. by Ramone on 09 Jun, 2014 20:40
• Hello, I am new to the group. First of all, allow me to thank each of you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience. I am 46 years old and I am graying pretty bad and have some thinning. I think being sly making me look younger than being gray. I guess it is true that stress causes gray hair because I am have probably more gray hair than any man in my family. I started the whole bald look years ago (without doing any research) but I keep allowing my hair to grow back because I have had such a negative experience with shaving my head. I always end up with razor bump and/or folliculitis, sometimes even having to go to the dermatologist to get antibiotics and ointment.  I have done more research and have read this forum so I hope that I am more informed. One thing I was apparently doing wrong was shaving against the grain as I normally do with clippers. I am using the Gillette Proglide. I wonder if the four blades are too excessive. I am also guilty of not doing real good post treatment as well.  I have never tried ice, nor witch hazel or aloe vera gel. I have used 70% alcohol and tree tree oil. I am suffering from razor bumps as I type. I went today and bought aspirin and also some witch hazel. I am about to try the aspirin mix now and hopefully, the bumps will heal up so that I am able to try and shave again in a few days. When I am truly sly again, I will post a pic. I am so blessed and excited to find this forum. 
• #1 by slymyke on 09 Jun, 2014 20:50
• Welcome, Ramone!  Glad you joined us.
• #2 by Hingatao on 09 Jun, 2014 21:08
• Welcome to the club, Ramone.
• #3 by Mike E. P. on 09 Jun, 2014 21:48
• Hi Ramone. It is a great forum. Welcome! You're sure to find some excellent advice here.
• #4 by AJ Q-Ball on 09 Jun, 2014 22:02
• Welcome Ramone! It sounds like to me you have sensitive skin. Make sure you use a good shaving gel like Edge or Nivea for sensitive skin that will contain cooling conditioners.  Also, shaving while in the shower might help as well.
• #5 by Sir Harry on 09 Jun, 2014 22:18
• Welcome, Ramone! Believe it or not, fewer blades may be better when shaving the head. Good luck and happy shaving!
• #6 by Frontier Guy on 10 Jun, 2014 04:13
• Others' experience may differ, but eliminating the gray definitely reduced my perceived age. My company ID has the "old" me which I use for comparison. I've only once (out of dozens of times) been told the gray hair was better. Enjoy your new youth!
• #7 by K5mow on 10 Jun, 2014 04:52
• Welcome to the forum. And I also have turned 100% gray and believe look younger Shaving my head.
  
  Roger
  
• #8 by mrzed on 10 Jun, 2014 05:39
• Well, let me jump in and comment on some of your questions, following a generous welcome to SBG.
  
  I'll assume that it's been awhile since you've shaved your head regularly and you are just getting back into it.  Shaving WITH the grain for awhile is probably a good idea. Your head is sensitive (not used to being shaved) and WTG is easier on your head.
  
  Later, when your scalp toughens up, you can go ATG. 
  
  Applying too much pressure can also cause issues, Nobody can SEE the difference between WTG and ATG nor light pressure and heavy pressure. You may FEEL the difference. Go easy to start with.
  
  I use several razors.  Mow down most of the stubble with a Head Blade Sport (the older model which works better than the new ATX model which HB is pushing right now). But the HB does not get right around the ears all the best, so I use either a Schick Hydro 5 or a Gillette Fusion Power for a little trimming or missed spots.
  
  Yes, shave in the shower. 
  
  Consider an after shave treatment.  coconut oil with essential oil scent, Aloe Vera Gel, Head Lube Glossy, Witch Hazel (before the lubes), Or Osage Rub (before the lubes).
  
  I also like a nice sugar scrub exfoliant after a shave.  Smells nice. Feels nice. And lubes up your head for a smooth and shiny result.
  
  It's been said on here before.  A bald head makes a young man look more mature and an old man look younger.  Sounds like you are proving that out at least for the older man end of things.
  
  When you are ready, post a picture.
• #9 by Semi-Sly on 10 Jun, 2014 10:58
• I think that my gray hair makes me look much older than I am and than I feel.  That is one of the reasons I tried to go fully sly.  But since my beard is gray as well, who am I fooling?  So I am letting the flattop grow back for a while, or maybe a HNT crewcut with shaved back and sides.  But if this makes me look old as well, I just don't know what I will do?