Is it copacetic to just start with a normal razor/shaving cream setup at first? - page 1 -

• Is it copacetic to just start with a normal razor/shaving cream setup at first? by Everchanging on 06 Apr, 2015 10:05
• Hi all! I took the leap and shaved off the rest of my hair last Friday. I was done letting the sides of my hair grow while the top was vacant. I buzzed it to as short as you see in the picture. It's not completely razor'd just yet; I've only electric buzzed it down (I know, probably ridiculous), it's pretty close to the scalp, but not totally smooth.
  
  
  
  
  However, I'm completely lost in too much information after researching different products to razor it down with. I'm comfortable with the process and what to do, but I don't know what products to go with. I'm more inclined to go with the HeadBlade system and their headslick just due to their popular marketing; but I'm guessing it might wind up being very expensive and local availability would be low.
  
  My instincts would be to lather up some generic soap and grab a normal cheap razor, but I think that's going to end in tragedy. What would you guys recommend I go with to start myself off? I'm eager to get out to the store to get this head scalped! I just want a little.... damage control?
  
  Thank you everyone and pleased to meet you! 
• #1 by clipped on 06 Apr, 2015 10:17
• Hello. Welcome. It looks like you trim your beard. I shave my head intermittently and use the same razor, brush, shave cream that I use for my face.  You can start with what you have. No special purchases are necessary.
• #2 by Everchanging on 06 Apr, 2015 10:32
• 
  
  I used the left clippers to get my beard shaped up, to shave my head down, and then I used the right-buzzer to buzz it down to the scalp as best as I could. It did a pretty good job getting it down to the skin, but definitely not as good as I think it could be. You think I should just stick with the right-side buzzer until I'm settled in?
• #3 by TheSlyBear on 06 Apr, 2015 12:12
• I use a Mach 3.
  
  There are lots of guys here who are fans of the HeadBlade, but I'm not one of them. I'd recommend getting used to shaving your head with a razor you are already comfortable with before experimenting.
  
• #4 by mrzed on 06 Apr, 2015 13:46
• I agree with the above post. Use the razor you are comfortable with, to get started.
  
  After a few weeks, I switched over the the headblade and I've stuck with that. There is a learning curve.  I prefer the 'sport' (not available in stores) to the 'ATX'.  Headblade says they only get so much shelf space in stores so they only offer one product in stores. But they are planning to continue the sport and other products on their web site.  Use the links here on SBG when ordering to get a 20% referral discount.
  
  I've recently moved into the world of double edge blade shaving. DE.  Took it easy at first. Still not super smooth with it, but I've added it to my options. Still like the speed and close shave of the headblade. It's just the blades last longer when combined with the less expensive DE blades to start with .
  
  Use what works for you.  There are plenty of options to choose from in head shaving.
• #5 by Cave Dweller on 06 Apr, 2015 15:33
• Why would you think there was anything not OK with shaving your head the way that works best for you? Personally, I found the Fusion Proglide to be the best razor for the way I shave.
  
  I usually give the advice the wise SlyBear stated: start slow with what you already are comfortable with using on your beard until your scalp gets a chance to toughen up a little and you get the hang of your head's shape. A little preshave oil like Shave Secret also can really help when you first start shaving an area that is not used to being scraped with a blade.
  
  Glad you joined the board, sir.
• #6 by Sir Harry on 06 Apr, 2015 15:34
• Welcome, Everchanging!
  
  I think that in the beginning, when you reach for the razor (whichever one that may be), you should shave with the grain first until you get used to a blade on your head. Then you can try to do against the grain for better smoothness. Looks good, you could have fooled me that you didn't bic your head in the photo shown in your first post!
• #7 by beardbald on 06 Apr, 2015 19:23
• I bought a headblade and didn't think much of it if I'm honest. I use a hydro 5 and it's good at getting the job done!
• #8 by tobler1 on 06 Apr, 2015 19:24
• Well, good choice to start shaving.  You look awesome!  I use the Headblade.  I'm not sure that the razor is so important--probably best to use what you know.  I wouldn't use some super cheap disposable razor though.  I do think it's important to use shaving oil and then some sort of shaving cream on top.  The oil helps protect your skin.  As for shaving cream, I've used different kinds, but I genuinely like Headslick the best.  I'd use it even if I switched razors, and I like it for my face also.  It's also a good idea to use witch hazel as a post-shave step, along with some sort of moisturizer.
• #9 by Semi-Sly on 06 Apr, 2015 22:06
• You look really good.  I am a big fan of the "groomed" beard with nice sharp definition like yours, (just personal preference).
  
  Whatever works for you is good.  If you are happy with the electric razor then stick with it.
  
  Personally, I don't like the Headblade.  I have tried it three times and always wind up nicking myself.
  
  I will never use a cheap disposable "bic" again either.  (I have lost less blood when I go to donate!)
  
  I just use the same razor I use for my face - a good multiblade like Mach III/IV or a "Harry's" razor. 
  
  I find that using a couple of drops of shave oil before I put on the shave cream makes a big difference too.
• #10 by baldbob on 12 Apr, 2015 14:24
• I always stayed away from any cheap disposable thinking I'd have cuts all over my head. That was 'til this week when I treated myself to a barbershop head shave. The barber used the old fashioned straight razor first, and then asked me if it would be okay with me if he used a disposable to finish the job.
  
  I couldn't believe how fast he went over my head without a single cut, so I asked him about the razor. He said he uses cheap Schick disposables from WalMart. You can get a 12 pack for $2.40! He gave me a couple to take home and I'm getting incredible shaves on my own.
  
  I plan to pick up several packages of these razors. They're awesome.
  
  Hats off to the barber who educated me on the Schick razors. And by the way, it was the best, closest barbershop shave I ever had. Definitely was worth it.
• #11 by BigMark83 on 28 Apr, 2015 00:14
• Use what you feel will work the best. I myself use a Safety Razor, shave soap and a boar brush. Slap on some AS after and your good to go.
• #12 by traveller on 28 Apr, 2015 03:07
• I use Headblade but it took some time to get used to it.  So I recommend starting with your usual blade and shaving cream and shave with the grain until you feel that a smoother finish is needed.
• #13 by buddha on 28 Apr, 2015 07:58
• I started off with the Sensor XL. I don't know if they even make it anymore. At one point I switched to the Head Blade and used that for several years but it suddenly became the key to the blood bank for me. I read in here about a razor called the Personna M5 Magnum which a few people seemed sold on and I bought one about 5 years ago. It turned out to be a perfect fit for me and I've used it ever since. The problem is that when I first started with the M5 they sold it at Walmart but Wally pulled it from his shelves a couple of years ago. I had a few boxes of carts in reserve so I didn't panic. Later on I found them at Shopko and stocked up again but they have, likewise, stopped carrying anything but the travel (throw-away) version. Personna does have a website so that's always an option for me and this has gone on way longer than necessary.
  The point is that most of the people who post in here have travelled through the world of shaving picking up souvenirs as they walked the path. So your choice of razors may turn out to be transient. It's whatever works for you that's copacetic.
• #14 by Ruffnek on 15 May, 2015 13:36
• I use the Headblade. It seems like the Headblade came easier to me because I wasn't used to using a regular handle. It's very intuitive to use. I've also used the cheap BIC razors with mild success but I wouldn't recommend them to anybody that plans to stay clean-shaven.