New Shaver Questions

[JohnnyBawlz]

Hey y'all,

Sorry for the length of the post. I'm a verbose SOB. My name is Jon, and I just recently took the plunge and introduced my head to a razor. I really dig the hair(less) style, but I have to say that my first experience didn't turn out the way I imagined. I guess this all started two nights ago when I asked my bro to use his clippers to shave down my hair (beautiful head of hair that would make Fabio jealous, which was hastily and remorselessly vacuumed up and dumped) to stubble. I let my scalp rest for two days and let the dandruff and stuff part ways with my scalp.

So last night, I bought a Headblade Sport and some Headslick. I started with a hot shower, taking care of the other essentials and stepped up to the sink. I lathered a few drops of Headslick on my dome and started scraping away with the Headblade.

So when I realized I wasn't exactly getting the closest shave promised on the box, I busted open the directions and started pushing it instead of pulling.  Anyhow, I got down to it, going with and against the grain. I had some trouble with the Headblade around the ears and on the back of my head. Matter of fact, I still had trouble with the back of my head due to some kinda ridge there at the base of the crown.

I then followed up with a cold rinse, an ice cube, and some Vitamin World 99% Aloe Vera cream. No razor burn, no bumps, but I didn't get a very close shave. There's a shadow where my hair used to be.

So, if there's any incidental issues you experienced sly guys can see from the description of the process, please let me know. However, the questions I'm specifically looking for are:

1. How do I get rid of that shadow?
2. What's the best way to hit around the ears?
3. How do I get a really good shine on the dome? I mean the kind that blinds cars if they drive up behind you with the lights on?

Thanks for the advice!

-Jon

[Robmeister]

Welcome to SBG!

Sounds like you did your homework on the process and products you used.  Good job.

1. How do I get rid of that shadow?

That is the ubiquitos question and the issue that broght ME to SBG.  There's really no quick fix for that.  Your noggin just needs to get used to being exposed.  Self tanning products have proven little help for most of us 'round here.

Here's a thread that discusses the shadow in some depth.

http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=128.0

2. What's the best way to hit around the ears?

I don't use Headblade, but most the Headbladers 'round here follow up 'round the ears with a separate razor.

3. How do I get a really good shine on the dome?

The cold rinse and ice cube are the best start.  But using the Glossy Headlube from Headblade has gotten good reviews 'round here.

Hope that helps. 

[JohnnyBawlz]

Welcome to SBG!

Sounds like you did your homework on the process and products you used.  Good job.

Thanks Rob! I really did. This is something that's been brewing in the back of my mind since mid-November so I had some time to look into it.

Your noggin just needs to get used to being exposed.  Self tanning products have proven little help for most of us 'round here.

So the more tan and exposed my head is, the less the shadow will show?

Thanks for your help.

-Jon

[Robmeister]

So the more tan and exposed my head is, the less the shadow will show?

That's pretty much it.....that's been my experience.

Wherever hair still grows, there will always be a certain bit of shadow.  But it's just time and exposure that will even things out.  After some time and exposure the shadowy area will take A LITTLE better to self-tanners, but I've never really gotten "even" results.

Best tanning has been careful exposure outdoors, using sun block and gradually reducing the SPF while gradually increasing sun exposure time.

[Paul]

Welcome to the forum Johnny.  Rob's correct.  As a faithful Headblader it great, but you are best to use your regular razor around the ears.  You might try using an oil under the Headslick as this can give a tighter shave also.   Closeness will come as you discover all the different patterns that your tends to grow in.  I have to go from the ears up on the sides but also from front to back to get a really close shave.  Several of us have also found that for some reason the first few shaves with the Headblade aren't as good as subsequent ones.  Continue to check out the various threads and adapt things you learn to your individual head. 

[BALDANDRE]

Welcome Johnny..

sounds like you had a big transformation!

Cool you're diggin having the slick bald head though...it would suck if you hated it!

Be careful, a shaved head is addictive...i'm goin' on 13 years BBC shaved smooth..

I'm not complainin' though!

Show a pic of the balded mug when you get the chance!

[Tyler]

Jon, it will take some time to find your best routine with the HeadBlade and get the ultimate closeness.  For me, I go with the grain once and then against the grain a second time.  Check the routine section to see what everyone else does to help find your best routine. 

To get around the ears I use a second razor, but you'll also be able to get the hang of that with time.

[Deadbob]

The shadow is a never ending quest... if you find our how to get rid of it, bottle it & sell it! you'll be a millionaire overnight!

As far as the head blade, I'm assuming since you just bought it, your using the blade that came attached. that's the HB brand cart... some people love it, but I find that it clogs WAY to easily. I personally use Sensor Excel carts.

As far as the ears... I hold the HB like a regular razer and shave in an upward direction.

Really, the best way to get the closest shave is to fondle your grape... ok, get your head outta the gutter... basically before a shave run your fingertips around your head. note what direction the grain is. A shave with & against the grain is usually the best way to get a close shave.

I do find that using a Safety Razor (the razor your grand pa used) gets me the closest shave. However, it takes more time because you NEED the right angle to cut hair instead of whipping away shaving cream

For shine (Mirror): cold water rinse, Ice cube rub down & Aloe Vera Gel rubdown is best

For Glossy (reflective): Use the Headblade Glossy head lube.

For Dull (skin tone): use headblade matte head lube

For a matte finish (no reflection): rub some baby powder into your head

[Timmay]

The issue around the ears....well once you get the hang of using the headblade it will become natural for you.  With me...i can start behind the ear ...near where the head and neck meet...one smooth complete pass up around and over the ear does the trick for me.  you might have to take the headblade off your finger and reposition it. The way i have my headblade when doing the ears is the wheels will next to your thumb side of the hand say for both the left and right...when Im shaving my head...the wheels are away from the thumb...Just take it slow around the ears applying even pressure and follow thru all the way around to the front...dont worry about cutting the ear...because the sides of the blades will guard against that...Good luck..
Timmayyyyyyyyyyyyy

[JohnnyBawlz]

Show a pic of the balded mug when you get the chance!

Will do! Just as soon as I figure out my head enough to where I don't look like a slasher flick survivor, I'll post up a pic!

As far as the head blade, I'm assuming since you just bought it, your using the blade that came attached. that's the HB brand cart... some people love it, but I find that it clogs WAY to easily. I personally use Sensor Excel carts.

The issue around the ears....well once you get the hang of using the headblade it will become natural for you.

I think I'm going to take a break from the headblade for awhile. I get decent results with a Fusion (the one with the blade on the back). I just can't get the hang of the headblade since I have a couple bumps on the scalp that I need to have looked at. The headblade is just sloughing them off. Sorry for that image...

I will trying the oil under the Headslick though as I'm noticing a lot of rougher patches on my head even after going with and against the grain (thanks Tyler). BTW, when you do that, do you re-lather in between or is their enough left over to give it another whack?

Thanks for all the help guys! Good to be here...