Need some help on my shaving routine

[dexter1984]

Hi, I'm new to shaving my head. Had like 3 shaves so far, including the initial one.

I find that my head shaving takes way too long. FYI I'm using a fusion and gillete shaving gel.
It takes like 1 hr! I don't feel confident like you guys.
Pretty scared of bleeding all over the place.

My head's uneven in some places and the hair's kinda coarse. I don't find myself with a smooth dome at all.
I still can feel the stubble at different parts. Dunno what I'm doing wrong though.
 

Should I get a electric shaver? It would certainly reduce the amount of time needed.
I thought of getting an epilator but don't think I'll be able to endure the pain.

I just ordered a headblade but they don't seem to be active at all. Emailed them but no reply. 

Btw, I loved my new bald look. Just takes too much effort to maintain it though.

[tomgallagher]

Welcome to the group Dexter. Everybody takes longer when they first start. You get quicker with every shave. I take about 15 minutes for my head, face and brows. Good luck.

[Timmay]

Hey bro...glad you voiced your concern.  Just be confident in what you read in here.  We would never steer you wrong.  Just go to the section about head shaving and use the techniques that you will find.  You will find many....only one way is the right way for alot of people.  You will find yours.  But rest assure that you have found the place to come to with your questions.    Looking forward to gettin to know you and hey...why not post up a pic.  Good Luck..any questions just ask.
Tim

[Marz]

I suggest getting a headblade, that little gem cut my shaving time in half and I am pretty darn good with the mach3.

Pick one up at a walgreens or wal-mart or something.

[Paul]

Welcome Dexter.  Both Tom and Timm have given you some great advice.  Until you get your routine down and find the right combination of blade and products it does take time, but as you've already found out, it's worth the effort.  Check out the section Timm mentioned and find out how to fine tune your shave and continue to post up and ask questions of the other brothers.  They're all glad to help.

[Tyler]

Hey Dexter, I'm not sure what pattern of shaving you have now, but try this out. 

Start in the center of your head where your hairline is at your forehead. 
Shave one long stroke from your forehead to where the hair meets your neck.
Now, move one blade length over and do this again, moving towards your right ear.
Continue to do this until you've shaved as close to the ear that you can.
Now, go back up top and repeat toward the left ear.

Once you are done with that, reapply some shaving cream on your entire dome.
Now reverse the same pattern, going from the neck to your forehead.

The key is to let the razor to the work and not apply too much pressure to the blade.  Err on using too little pressure than too much when you get started.  You can always go back and hit a spot that you missed.   

Hope this helps.

[dexter1984]

Thanks all  I think I'm gonna try out tyler's recommendation.

I shave from the front to the middle and stop, cause I don't feel anything if I continue to the back. Maybe that's why I'm taking so long.

And my hair grows too fast! I'm having some stubble after shaving yesterday!
Now I'm wishing my hair doesn't grow so fast now...

I'm living in Singapore (SouthEast Asia) where supplies of Headblade are non-existent. Got to order everything online.
The shipping cost is more than my headblade though. Oh well.

Oh yea, how well does a electric shaver work? I might get one to save some trouble.

[Timmay]

To me an electric shaver would never get as close as a blade will.  And as for you getting stubble the next day ....WE ALL HAVE THAT BRO......if you find a remedy to that ...please let everyone know.  Although I do find it enjoyable to shave my head everymorning in the shower....cause after wards....I think to myself...Yes...another successful slick dome.....and off to work I go....really builds my confidence up!  Just try different methods bro..you will find your nich.

[dexter1984]

Just wish our hair didn't grow so fast.
That's the opposite of what I was thinking when I'm balding 

I want to try out the electric shaver to save time though. Still shaving at 1/2 hr per session.

[David]

if your head is very sensitive an electric razor would be a good purchase.   however, the headblade is the best tool i've found to get the smoothest shave.

First, do a warm water rinse on your stubble.  then apply your shaving lubricant, and let it sit for about 5 minutes.   After that, use headblade and go with the grain all the way around first, then I go left to right and right to left(horizontal) front/back and the sides.   Then go against the grain vertically, I recommend going at an angle, it seems to do a better job of ensuring I don't miss spots, but straight is fine also.  then just feel for touch ups.

I had thick hair before I became BBC, and it takes me about 25-30 min to shave(15-20 for the shave, and 10 or so for the prep time)

A good way to tell if you missed a spot during the shave is to have a towel right outside the shower and dry your head at intervals, then feel.    Also, if you are worried about cutting yourself, do the process like you would a bath.   run water, get in, sit down, warm water, gel, then turn off the water so you can better hear any irregular noises while shaving.

[champ007]

Good to see you posting again David!!

Dexter, I would stay away from the electric and work on the shave routine. Give it 30 days shaving and then make your decision on a electric. I hate to see you put alot of money in one and not be satisfied.
As far as the stuble, I call it the 5 o'clock shadow. Nothing you can do about it but shave twice a day for now.
Also, I shave in the shower, it seems to help me shave faster. Once you learn how your hair grows on your head you will get faster.

[Tyler]

if your head is very sensitive an electric razor would be a good purchase.   however, the headblade is the best tool i've found to get the smoothest shave.

Good to see you back David!  You using the HeadBlade now?

[David]

if your head is very sensitive an electric razor would be a good purchase.   however, the headblade is the best tool i've found to get the smoothest shave.

Good to see you back David!  You using the HeadBlade now?

I just basically took a hiatus from posting for awhile.   As far as my razor goes, my first electric died on me in the spring months(I was overcharging it without knowing it) and while waiting for a free replacement on a whim I bought a sport from walgreens.   And I've used it everyday almost since(unless I don't have the time in the morning to shave and it's too late at night to shower for example as it would disturb others.

I have had a few cuts here and there. but it is usually few and far between that I mess up with it.   So yeah, i've been using it for some time now.    I can get it perfectly smooth with the headblade.

[Tyler]

if your head is very sensitive an electric razor would be a good purchase.   however, the headblade is the best tool i've found to get the smoothest shave.

Good to see you back David!  You using the HeadBlade now?

I just basically took a hiatus from posting for awhile.   As far as my razor goes, my first electric died on me in the spring months(I was overcharging it without knowing it) and while waiting for a free replacement on a whim I bought a sport from walgreens.   And I've used it everyday almost since(unless I don't have the time in the morning to shave and it's too late at night to shower for example as it would disturb others.

I have had a few cuts here and there. but it is usually few and far between that I mess up with it.   So yeah, i've been using it for some time now.    I can get it perfectly smooth with the headblade.

Cool!  I remembered you using an electric razor, that's why I asked if you had switched.  Good to hear it.

[warhawk]

david....welcome back, brah.  don't  B  such a stranger & post more often.  anyways... good 2 have ya back.

WARHAWK