Newbie from PA, has questions, need support.

[Tom McGarry.]

Welcome to the SBG family Jerry,
                                                    Paul gave you some good advise, I would tend to agree with him, as for me I'm tried the NAIR FOR MEN, and I had the same reaction as Paul did to the Magic Shave stuff. It just burns and then my head was too sore to even attempt to shave for a couple days. If you decide to go the razor route, I recomend that you expholiate first, this will help get rid of any dry flakey skin and/or bumps that you may have before shaving, thus reducing your chances of nicking yourself. But above all use a good quality "sharp" razor and take it slow, till you get the hang of it.

Tom.

[Koaa2]

Go for it, there are many ways to overcome the problems you mentioned. The psychological one is the biggest, however with support, from supportive people, it can be a life changing experience for the positive. Rember it is only hair, and can be grown back, if you decide to do that, but I doubt it after the positive results you will have. Good luck.

[jerry020653]

Paul, thank you on the info about the Magic product. I have sensitive skin, and I definitely want to stay away from that stuff.

One of my biggest concerns was the blood thinners, but since a lot of you are in the same boat, I see that it can be done as long as I am careful.

At first, I will probably try some type of electric shaver to see if it will provide acceptable results. I'm thinking of maybe a wet/dry shaver that holds it own shaving gel and can be used in the shower. Can anyone recommend one that gives a really close shave? I wouldn't mind using it daily or several times a day as long as it provides acceptable results.

I went back to Walmart and looked at the shaver that I mentioned in my initial post. It is called a "Bald Fader", and it looks like it is slightly cupped and is held in the palm, so that it can quickly move around the head. Has anyone had experience with it?

If it exists, can anyone point me to a thread that details all of the maintenace steps needed, and the products that can be used? I'm basically just a soap and water kind of person, and don't use any type of skin products, so this is all new to me. I don't even use aftershave, or anything like that, I just rinse with plain water.

Thank you all for the information and support. Every day, I get a little more determined to become a Sly guy.

[nomad]

there are no electrics that offer the closeness of a razor, i just had a thread on this, I bought one to use for touch ups and I returned it. A complete waste of money. as far as clippers there are several that will clip it close, but none that will take it off. The palm cliipers is ok at best but it takes awhile to get used to it.

[PianoMan]

Hi Jerry,

I just went sly a month ago and never looked back.  I can't help with any advice on electric shavers (I use Headblade) or Bald Fader, but you're in the right place.  There are a ton of products out there, just pick the one you feel most comfortable with.  Good luck!

[xnewyawka]

Hey Jerry, welcome to the SBG site and glad you decided to come in. Right off the bat you'll fnd plenty of good information here that will help with your shaving.
There are also plenty of good guys here, and we have good times bs'ing.
 
I must echo all the bro's and encourage you to shave it off. Just remember to take it slow and make sure to use a good cream, try the Headslick. It works great and a big favorite here.

Like Paul said, keep a styptic handy in case of a nick. As far as an electric or fader, I don't believe you will get near as close as a blade shave. That's fine if you just want to keep the stubbled look, but if you want to experience the total slick, smooth, shiny noggin', you gotta go with a good blade.
I suggest either a Headblade sport or Mach III.
Anyway, Good luck with your choice, and let us know how it goes!   
 

[jerry020653]

Okay. This morning, I just got up, said "screw it", and shaved it all off.

No bumps, no nicks, no red marks. Everything went as smooth as silk.

I still haven't gone out in public yet, and I'm still a little shocked at what I did, but there is no going back now.

I'd like to thank everyone for the kind words, support, and encouragement. This is a new chapter in my life, and unless they come up with the Miracle cure, "I'll by SLY, till I die".

[Paul]

Congratulations jerry on joining the world of the sly.  Now get out there and enjoy that new freedom!!!!!

[warhawk]

Okay. This morning, I just got up, said "screw it", and shaved it all off.

No bumps, no nicks, no red marks. Everything went as smooth as silk.

I still haven't gone out in public yet, and I'm still a little shocked at what I did, but there is no going back now.

I'd like to thank everyone for the kind words, support, and encouragement. This is a new chapter in my life, and unless they come up with the Miracle cure, "I'll by SLY, till I die".

jerry...congrats on finally "doing the deed".  so...how do U like your new look?  let us know the reactions when U decide 2 go out.  as far as "miracle cure"... if they had one... i'll still B sporting my slick, smooooth noggin'.  again... congrats and keep us posted on the reactions and most especially yours.  post up your headshaving routine in the HEADSHAVING section of the forum.

WARHAWK

[wpruitt]

Congrats on doing the deed, Jerry

[Jer]

I'm new to the whole shaving my head too.  One of my superintendents who shaves his head suggested that I try an electric shaver.  I had been leery to do so as I'm a redhead, or used to be, and so I have the pasty white extremely sensitive skin and I was worried about razor burn and general discomfort, as even being 26 now and shaving since I was 14, I still get bad razor burn.  I must say though, that I caved and bought the one he recommended.  I absolutely love it and have been using it for a month with no razor burn or irritation.  It's a wet/dry, and so I can still use the sensitive skin shaving cream, jump in the shower and I've got a smooth shave in 2 minutes.

I'm not telling you to go out and buy the same one, and I would recommend listening to some of the other guys here as I've only been shaving my head 2 months now, but this has worked wonders for me.  Here's the link to the one I bought; http://www.panasonic.ca/english/personalhealth/mensgrooming/ES8043.asp

Good luck!