Technique Advice?

[cam_dvs32]

Hey all... well, as you can see this my first post. I'm new to the forum, new to this site and new to being a Sly Bald Guy. I have been bbc now for hmmmmm... just over 3 days. And I am struggleing a bit. So far, I have shaved once a day with a Mach 3 razor and Mach 3 gel. And although my head feels pretty smooth, up close you can see the dots from my hair and it looks like the dreaded shadow is already there... I'm hoping it's beacuse my head is not that tanned yet? And can anyone tell me if it's better to shave with long strokes or short strokes? I have been trying to go against the grain with long strokes, but I end up just going crazy at all different angles because it's easier. I can get the back beautifully smooth for all day long, but the top is stubblely only 1-2 hours later. When I shave the top, it feels a little like the razor is blunt... like it's scraping rather than cutting... and it hurts?! My razor was brand new only a few days back. I must admit it's pretty damn hard trying to get a consistent shave all over my dome!

Anyways, thanks for any advice gents. Glad to be a Sly Bald Guy 

[PBurke]

welcome to SBG first. second, i feel your pain bro. it is sometimes hard to get it super smooth. the more practice you have, the better you will be. keep trying bro. shadow is just an unfortunate fact that we all deal with. owell, enjoy the forum. the other guys will have some advice that may help more. ask questions and join in on any topics.

[Tyler]

Cam, welcome to Sly Bald Guys!

I've heard that it's better to do long strokes, though, I think the main thing to remember is to not apply too much pressure to the blade.  Instead, make sure you let the blade work for you.  Are you a sink shaver or a shower shaver? 

Also, you may want to try a different shaving cream than the Mach 3 stuff.  Check out the product review section for some other stuff you can try.

[cam_dvs32]

Cool... thanks for the advice guys.

I prefer shaving at the sink rather than the shower Tyler... the shower is kinda squashy. And I think you may be right... I think I'm applying too much pressure. I'm not overly sold on the Mach3 gel either so i'll look into that also...

[frostillicus123]

i recommend getting a headblade, and shave in the shower, they make it so much easier.

[Paul]

Welcome Cam to the world of the sly.  Tyler hit it when he said long strokes are the best.  You also might want to try shaving with the grain first and then against it both times keeping steady but not heavy pressure.  Check out the various routines of the other sly guys and see what you can adapt to your own use.  A preshave routine of an exfoliator and the using something like HeadSlick may help as well.  Any other questions or problems, just ask up and someone will gladly help you out.

[SLYinKC]

Welcome, Cam.  Don't get discouraged too soon.  It takes a little while to get the routine down that's best for you.  I've just past 8 months and it seems like I learn something new every week.  Just keep at it and you'll find what works best.  There's plenty of good advice here.

[Dadillac]

I use either my Mach III Power, or a Schick Extreme III disposeable, along with Shave Secret shaving oil. Shave against the grain without using excessive pressure. After I am done, I dry my head. I then use my fingertips, using a circular motion, to feel for spots I have missed. I then will just run the razor dry over those areas to get really smooth. It works for me and may work for you.

Don

[wpruitt]

Welcome Cam

[R o b 6]

Welcome, Cam. It'll take a few tries to get the hang of it. Stick around and soon you'll be handing out technique advice yourself!

[warhawk]

cam....welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  as far as techniques....check out the HEADSHAVING section of the forum and u will discover numerous techniques.  try headslick instead of the gel and after u shave your dome....do a cold water rinse and immediately follow it with an ice cube rub to close the pores.  after that apply witch hazel...and let it air dry.  remember...your technique will improve thru time and u will find out and discover new techniques.  stick around and become an active member of the best site on the internet.

WARHAWK

[Timmay]

Hey Cam...welcome first of all, glad to have you here.  You are like me, I found this site after the fact that I shaved my head.  Just about a week after wards.  Just like the others have said already,  it takes time.  Trust us when we say that you will get the hang of it.   Just like anything in life...the more practice the better and faster you will get at it.   I would suggest getting a headblade sport....some good shaving gel such as headslick and by all means...do it in the shower.  You can let your head heat up under the hot water and soften those hairs and open the pores.  Use long strokes AGAINST the grain.  Just take your time and let the blade do the work for you.  YOu may find that you have to change your blades once a week or so, maybe more or maybe less....just depends on how course your hair is.  Another good thing to do is to use an icecube for a rub on the noggin after you have rinsed in cold water.  it will close all teh pores up more quickly and give you a nice smooth tight dome.  Always put something on it after wards.  I use a clear natural aloe vera gel, keeps it smooth slick and a good shine to it.  Dont get discouraged just yet....give it a month....you will see, we all have been there...
Tim

[andrew]

Welcome Cam and congratulations on your decision to go sly.  It looks great ...

[Nick912]

Welcome Cam! I too am a new Sly guy and learn something new everyday from the bros here. This board is full of valuable info!

Ditch the canned gel and go with King Of Shaves or Headslick. I am always trying new creams out, but these cant be beat so far. Put some baby oil or olive oil on the dome under your shave cream to really slicken the surface up. It works. You also might want to do a pass with the grain first, then a second against the grain.

Best wishes
Nick

[joergHH]

Welcome here Cam!

Enjoy this great forum and see all these good advices.

J