How to avoid the little pinpricks of blood while shaving your head?

[lizardguy]

Hey everyone, so i'm new to both the website and shaving my head (been shaving about two weeks now).  Just got done shaving, and I've been noticing that as I shave, especially on the sides and back, I have little pinpricks of blood that begin to appear on my head.  Any way to stop this?

[gwsmallwood]

My guess is that your skin is dehydrated.  That's usually the case for me when I start getting nicks.  Ingrown hairs can also be the culprit, but those should be obvious. 

You might try using a moisturizer once or twice a day.  Maybe consider a pre-shave oil that will help moisturize the skin right before shaving.  I actually use Corn Husker's Lotion before I shave.  It's water and glycerine-based, so it's just like an extra hydrating layer of soap.

[lizardguy]

Thanks, i'll have to try that.  What I do right now, just before putting shaving cream on and grabbing my razor, is I take a small towel and run it under steaming hot water, then ring it out and rub it on my head for 30 seconds or so.  I've heard this helps, but is it maybe doing more bad than good?

[SlyMike]

What you are doing is opening the pores with the towel, it's supposed to help with the shave - I think it makes it closer.

[gwsmallwood]

What you are doing is opening the pores with the towel, it's supposed to help with the shave - I think it makes it closer.

Common misconception.  Pores do not open.  Hot water will make skin swell, which might make it slightly more pliable.  My understanding of the hot towel treatment (Google Kyle's Prep) is that its purpose is to soften the hair.  Definitely not a bad thing to be doing, and I don't think that is contributing to the weepers.

[lizardguy]

What would you say is the best moisturizer for me to use?  Sorry, pretty new at this, just looking for opinions from people who know what they're talking about.

[120inna55]

...I actually use Corn Husker's Lotion before I shave.  It's water and glycerine-based, so it's just like an extra hydrating layer of soap.

Is Corn Husker's non-comedogenic?

[gwsmallwood]

...I actually use Corn Husker's Lotion before I shave.  It's water and glycerine-based, so it's just like an extra hydrating layer of soap.

Is Corn Husker's non-comedogenic?

Should be.  Primary ingredients are Water and Glycerine, no oils.

[greatnessinc]

In those sensitive areas shave with the grain not against, also minimize the pressure you use on your blade.

[SlyMike]

What you are doing is opening the pores with the towel, it's supposed to help with the shave - I think it makes it closer.

Common misconception.  Pores do not open.  Hot water will make skin swell, which might make it slightly more pliable.  My understanding of the hot towel treatment (Google Kyle's Prep) is that its purpose is to soften the hair.  Definitely not a bad thing to be doing, and I don't think that is contributing to the weepers.

I have to admit I hadn't realised that was what it does, thanks for the clarification.

[lizardguy]

In those sensitive areas shave with the grain not against, also minimize the pressure you use on your blade.

The problem I have shaving with the grain is that it doesn't get as smooth as it would when I shave against the grain.  I'll try to put less pressure on the blade today.  Thanks!

[Magoo]

In those sensitive areas shave with the grain not against, also minimize the pressure you use on your blade.

The problem I have shaving with the grain is that it doesn't get as smooth as it would when I shave against the grain.  I'll try to put less pressure on the blade today.  Thanks!

What your saying is true , but shaving atg for new shavers sometimes is to harsh on the scalp. Give the skin time to toughen up. Just go with the grain for a few weeks.

[geddyflea]

What Greatnessinc said - this happens to me usually after I've skipped a day of shaving.  I've found that lightening my touch pretty much solves this problem.  And I mean go light - let the blade to the work and just skim your head.  When i shave everyday this isn't as much of an issue. I might also suggest trying a shaving oil.

[lizardguy]

If I just continue to shave against the grain, will my scalp eventually toughen up?