Shaved, looking for advice...

[jeeper]

Hi all! I have been Googling various tips on shaved heads and I have read so many helpful things on this site that I decided to join and say hello.

I have been slowly losing my hair for a while (34, and my 76 yr old dad has only his rear quarter hair left). So I decided what the heck, let's go bald and see what happens. Can't be worse than the "island" of bang hair! Been 3 days now and I'm liking it. Reactions have been mixed. My daughter went through a day of bald jokes (she's 5 but awesome) and my wife just asked if it felt good and said it would grow on her (super supportive of all my crazy stunts). Then my father said I looked like a skinhead, ouch!

I usually keep my hair trimmed at a #4 because of dandruff and my balding, so this isn't a huge leap.

It feels comfortable but I'm worried about a couple things. Noticed some flaking in the back, dandruff likely, any over the counter creams recommended?

Also my wife wants to know how to get it baby smooth. I've tried shaving with the grain and then against but it's still a little rough. I guess what's the point of a bald husband if you can't rub his head?

I've been shaving with a double edge safety razor and wet soap brush just because that's what I use on my face.

I'm going to do the 30 day trial. Also I work with kids so any good bald jokes, tell me!

[jeeper]

Photo

[Razor X]

Exfoliate to get rid of the flaking.

[Sir Harry]

Welcome, jeeper! If you shave for thirty days straight, the flaking may stop on it's own...However, you may want to wash your scalp with something like Dove moisturizer of some Noxzema. As far as the family, that's what the 30 days are for...for you and them to adjust. As far as smoothness, you may just have to practice on the technique for a little. Good luck!

[warhawk]

Welcome to the sly fraternity.  Glad that you joined us.  I also use a safety razor (DE and SE) on both face and dome.  I always get super, smooth results.  When I discovered safety razors back in 2012, it took me about a week to get comfortable with my face shaves and about a month to get comfortable with my head shaves.

Good luck and stay strong on the 30 days.  It is a perfect time to get your technique to near perfection.  Keep us posted on your road to slyness.

WARHAWK

[Mike]

Welcome Jeeper. I have only used a Gillette Fusion and Headblade on my head and have never had any issues in the last 5+ years with getting it smooth, I've never used a safety razor so I can't help there. Everyone's hair has a different pattern, once you get used to the cowlicks and the grain, you should be able to get it slick. I have a friend who has compared my scalp to doe skin gloves as far as the softness, so it is doable. Based on your picture, you're already rocking a good shine.
 For the flaking, I have it happen from time to time, normally I just use a body wash with an exfoliator or Head shed is great as well.

 

[mrzed]

For smoothness,  experience will help.don't let the blades get too dull before switching. As your head gets used to shaving it will get a little tougher and you can get a smoother shave. 

Add a nice sugar oil scrub after the shave. Make a nice fragrance and smooth feel.

[Mike E. P.]

Welcome Jeeper! The bald head looks good. I work with kids, too. My bald head is often the topic of conversation, so it helps to have a sense of humor and join in on the joking - I'm sure you know that.

The kids are constantly reminding me I'm bald, like I didn't notice. A recent comment from a kindergartner was, "Mr. P, you need some hair!"  My response was, " J, you need some teeth!"

[tobler1]

Based on your pic, you made a wise choice.  You look great as one of the smooth guys!  I hope you continue to try it out for the next 30 days.

[Cave Dweller]

Glad you joined us, Jeeper.

A sharp blade, HOT water, and a preshave oil are the best tools I can recommend to get to the smoothest shave. I usually use the same Fusion I use on my beard. I apply Shave Secret before every shave, and I get a closer shave than when I just lather up. It also really reduces irritation.

As you can see, we all have our own opinions of what works best for our domes.

Welcome.

[Frontier Guy]

From when I first shaved my head ...
Co-Worker: "Where's your hair?" (or some variant)
Me (rolling eyes up): "It was there last week."

I have no doubt you'll create a witty comeback the instant it's needed.

Welcome, and enjoy the incredible experience of having a shaved head.

[Razor X]

However, you may want to wash your scalp with something like ... Noxzema.

They still make that stuff?   

[ksshane]

I had to deal with flaking in the past as well.

What works for me is applying a little aloe gel after shaving.   If you get use to shaving daily (which doesnt take long before it will start to drive you a little crazy if you dont shave), and using the aloe gel.  You wont see any other flakes.   At least thats what has worked for me.
I can actually wear black shirts again without being self conscious...lol 

As far as being smooth.  Just takes a little practice.   Of course you can get it baby smooth, but just like facial hair you will start feeling a little stubble as the day goes on.

Looking good... keep it up

[Steeltoe]

Jeeper, you know what you looked like with hair, so the shaved head may look odd to you, but it looks to me like you were born for it.  I have never met a skinhead with a full beard. Feel free to relay that to your dad.

[jeeper]

Thanks, guys! Surprised the mother in law with it today and she gave a thumbs up 

So far the best joke my kid came up with is: "dad, you should go to that store over there!"

"What store?"

"The bald store!"

Honestly I'm not missing my hair yet, had a big bald spot in the back and a weird tuft of hair in the front surrounded by a receding hairline...hated it.