newbie needs help

[jpws6]

My mom is going through chemo for treatment for leukemia.  She is at the point where she is beginning to lose her hair so I would like to shave my head in support of her.  It has always been something I wanted to do since my hair has been thinning in the front for a couple years, I am 25 btw. 

My question is what is the best way to go about this for a first timer ? Should I go to my barber and have him buzz it down really short and then shave it myself or should I get clippers do it my self ?  I have a full head of hair right now so I can't just shave it.   Any advice on what to buy and what to use is greatly appreciated.

[-Doug-]

First, I am sorry to hear that your mother is dealing with Chemo. I hope that it helps her beat the leukemia.  Second, welcome to the Forum!

I would recommend buzzing it down as close as you can (either by yourself or with the help of a barber). Get your head as wet as possible and with the water as hot as you can stand. Then get a good quality razor (no bic!) and lather up your head and go for it.

Take long strokes and don't put too much pressure on the blade. Once you have it smooth, follow up with a cold water splash and a good aftershave lotion or aloe vera.

You may want to check out the shaving routine section of the site as well. http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=923.0

Hope that helps!!

[cooncatbob]

You can get a cheap pair of clippers for about $20 at Target or see if you can borrow them from a friend. Once you shave your head you won't need the clippers again.
Buzz you head with the clippers with no guard or pay to have the Barber do it, then take a hot shower soap up you head to soften the hairs. After the shower don't dry your head lather and shave with a new blade of cartridge. Shave with the grain only. Your head take time to toughen up to the rigors of shaving so your likely to get some razor burn and nicks.
Bob.

[Marz]

Welcome jpws6

Sorry to hear your mother is going through this difficult treatment, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Now onto shaving... I agree with BaldDoug 100%, couldnt have said it better myself. I would suggest buying some clippers with various attachments. It will cost the same as a haircut and they are handy to have around.

[Robmeister]

Here's some articles to click on as well that give shaving tips for first-timers:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Heads-Up---Ten-Techniques-For-Safely-Shaving-Your-Head&id=118560

http://haircutsformen.org/buzz/pages/tipsshave.htm

http://www.a1-head-shaving.com/

[warhawk]

jpws6..... 1st of all i will say a prayer 4 your mom during this challenging time and 2 give u a "thumbs up" by supporting her and even going thru a headshave.  well... i like baldoug's advice.  u want your 1st experience 2 b a good one so let a professional barber buzz your noggin' 2 the closest setting.  then purchase a quality razor like the fusion, mach3, or headblade and shave in the shower. 

glad that u found us.  and keep us posted 2 your road 2 slyness and more importantly i will keep your mom in my thoughts and prayers. 

WARHAWK

[warhawk]

jpws6... i 4got 2 welcome u.  WELCOME 2 the sly fraternity and we R glad that u found us.  u will come 2 find out that this is a site filled with quality members.

WARHAWK

[xnewyawka]

jpw, I have to echo what the guys have said. It's great to see you supporting your Mom, and I will offer prayer for your family.

I think as far as a first buzz, you should go to a barber and have him shave it down as close as he can, 0 or no guard, then you can go home and shave it yourself. Use a good razor, not a cheapy disposable. Take it slow and use long, smooth strokes like Doug and Bob have said.
You may want to look into different razors and blades after your initial shave, depending on how long you plan on keeping it smooth. My guess is you will love it and want to stay shaved and smooth.
Good luck and keep us posted!

Joe

[Tyler]

jpws6, these guys have given you some great advice already, so I'm not going to repeat what they've said. 

Welcome to Sly Bald Guys and I'm also sorry to hear that your mom has to battle Lukemia.  You and your family will be in my prayers. 

[Paul]

You've already received all the advice from the other members, so just let me add my welcome and prayers for your mom's health and recovery.

[SLYinKC]

Welcome, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[BALDANDRE]

Personally I think buying the clippers are a waste.......

IF......

 you intend to keep your head slick, smooth bald the whole time...

Go to a cheap 5-6 no frills barber and tell him to buzz your hair down to the skin then go home and lather up and shave it smooth...

or see if you can find a barber to do a complete slick bald shave on your head..

from a hairy dude to bald dude in one shot...very fun experience!

BTW...Welcome and good luck and what a great way to show support..

I hope it all turns out well!

[Marz]

Personally I think buying the clippers are a waste.......

Due to my recent hashing of my head, I will prob. need the clippers once again...

[PBurke]

the boys have covered the advice. your family will stay in the prayers bro. good luck

[nomad]

No more from me to add to the scraping advise but...

You and your mother are in my thoughts and prayers.

What a great way to show your support, it awesome bro'

oh ya and welome to the brotherhood.