Dude; isn't it AMAZING how that tiny little bit of hair, because it was uneven and receding, could make such a dramatic difference in how you look?
? If I didn't see the photos side b y side like that I would never have believed it! You look great!!!!!! And you look like you feel great too; am I right?
Yes, shaving against the grain will give you a slightly smoother result - but give yourself a break already! Give your skin time to become accustomed to the razor. It is not just the "Zen of shaven heads", it is a real thing to allow your skin to become conditioned to it. For the first month I recommend that you just take it easy; shaving with the grain every second or third day, and allowing your skin tone to even out naturally (which will only take a few days to one week). After you achieve the 30 day rule you will want to start experimenting with shaving against the grain, trying different razors and shaving products, etc. You are going to have a lot of fun with this.
I can't wait to hear what - if any- reactions you get from others when they see you have shaved it all off. I'll bet you that no one will even notice. They will look at your eyes and they will see "you"!