Need advice!

[Sparky]

Glad I found this site…I really need some advice from the pros.  I’m losing handfuls of hair everyday due to alopecia.  I’m tired of plunging the drains and having my head look like divots on a public golf course so I’m considering shaving off  what’s left.  The last thing I want is to end up with a sore, nicked up head.  The Head Blade seems the way to go, at least once I get rid of the stragglers.  It’s how to get to that point that I don’t have a clue.

So I’m looking for advice…should I go to the barber first time around? Also, should I go for a close brush cut first or  take it all the way down?  Anything else I should consider?  About ¼ of my head is already bare scalp, the rest has thinned to the point where you can see scalp through the hair.  Looking forward to your comments.  Thanks!

[Timmay]

I would go to a barber first...that is if it is going to be cheaper than getting clippers and using no guard and trimming it as close as you can. 
Everyone has different ways to go about shaving. What I do is just trim it all the way down to the scalp.  Jump in the shower..let the hot water soften things up a bit.  I use headslick shaving lotion..just a little dab'll do ya.  Use the headbladeSP...make sure you apply pressure to the back of the wheels and not the head of the blade.  Go with the grain for the first time and hten you mihgt need to re lather up and go against the grain on the second time.  When you first start out it takes time and patience.  Just be really careful and use a new blade.  Just keep practicing you will get the hang of it. 
Oh almost forgot...you need to rinse ya noggin....rinse with warm water first..then either use a cold water rinse or an ice cube across your noggin.  Go ahead try it....it feels good, not going to hurt anything.  I follow up with towel drying it then using a clear aloe vera gel.  Just a little dab...it goes a long way.  As you are massaging in the gel..you will notice how nice and slick your noggin feels and you wont want to stop rubbin it....lol..its addicting.  Give it shot for about 30 days see if you like it ...but my thoughts are by the end of the 2nd week it will feel natural to you...so go for it bro

Timmay

[schro]

Hey Sparky, welcome.
Tim's idea of going to the barber first is a good one. Also, if you haven't done it already, go to www.headblade.com
There's a "how to" video in using the headblade. It may be corny, but I'd suggest practicing a few times with the guard on, just to get used to the idea of NOT applying pressure directly behind the razor blade.

Good luck and welcome to the SLY side of life.
Schro

[Timmay]

thanks Schro..i keep forgetting about that video.  Its a good tool to use....especially for first timers.

[TheTrucker]

I agree that it would makes things easier if you go to a barber and get it buzzed off as close as possible before shaving. That's assuming you don't own your own clippers.

The HeadBlade is a great razor, but my own personal experience with their twin blade cartridge wasn't very good. I'd highly recommend a triple blade cartridge as they don't seem to nick and cut as much.

I'd also suggest getting a styptic pencil or powder to deal with any small nicks you may get. It stops the bleeding instantly.

[Timmay]

Hey trucker..what do you think about the wording they put on the styptic pencil package...NO STING!  Bullcrap.  First time I used one I didnt brace myself for the sting.  I just about cracked my noggin on the edge of the sink when I went down because of the sting...lol

[TheTrucker]

Oh come on, they don't sting that bad and it only lasts for a second. Don't scare the poor guy.

[yak]

Hey Sparky, there is already good advice on the table...I just want to encourage you that if you do nic yourself don't give up.  Everyone does it occasionally.  If I am in a hurry or careless I do it and I have been shaved for several years.

What Tim said is very important
-Keep the back of the headblade down against your scalp --otherwise you will get cut.  Read about it on their side and follow the directions

- Use a new blade, no matter what razor you choose to use the first time.  The sharp new blade does the trick

-You can pick up the headblade at Walgreens,

Give it a shot and post some pics--you will be fine just take your time

[Marz]

I agree that it would makes things easier if you go to a barber and get it buzzed off as close as possible before shaving. That's assuming you don't own your own clippers.

The HeadBlade is a great razor, but my own personal experience with their twin blade cartridge wasn't very good. I'd highly recommend a triple blade cartridge as they don't seem to nick and cut as much.

I'd also suggest getting a styptic pencil or powder to deal with any small nicks you may get. It stops the bleeding instantly.

I agree 100% Trucker.

The triples are where it's at with the headblade.

and a styptic pencil is a necessity.

I was in a hurry to shave up as I was going to a show with a friend of mine (Ben Harper)... I nicked my head and figured I would just slap a piece of tissue on it and remove it when we got there...

Nope.

Bled for a good hour or more... not alot, just enough. Trying to find a styptic pencil at night in downtown Seattle... yeah right.

Needless to say the next day I went out and bought one.. never had that problem again.

Good advise everybody.

I say buy some clippers, I have returned from camping trips and snowboard trips that I didnt shave on and it helps to have them around to knock back the old growth (on my face and head) and they are only like 12 bucks.

[TheTrucker]

I agree Marz, it's always good to own your own clippers. They do come in handy.

[Sparky]

Thanks guys!!!  I'm a little aprehensive about my 'first time'.  Going with a pro sounds like a good idea to get me started.  The barber will have his hands full anyway getting rid of this old hippy's pony tail.  And the styptic pencil, heck, I remember those from when I was a kid watching my Dad shave.  I'm starting to put my shaving kit together so I'll make sure I put that on the list, along with some lubes, gels, and plenty of sharp blades for the headblade...might have to stop at Walgreens on the way home tonight to see what they have.  Thanks for all the great advice and the patience with a newbie.

[marty22]

barber lst; see how it goes after a shoter cut and shave, if need be. give it a few months.

[Sgt. Pate]

Welcome Sparky,

The only thing I can add is to not forget sun screen and to keep us posted! 

[Tyler]

Welcome Sparky!  These guys have given you some great advice!

[Marz]

Thanks guys!!!  I'm a little aprehensive about my 'first time'.  Going with a pro sounds like a good idea to get me started.  The barber will have his hands full anyway getting rid of this old hippy's pony tail.  And the styptic pencil, heck, I remember those from when I was a kid watching my Dad shave.  I'm starting to put my shaving kit together so I'll make sure I put that on the list, along with some lubes, gels, and plenty of sharp blades for the headblade...might have to stop at Walgreens on the way home tonight to see what they have.  Thanks for all the great advice and the patience with a newbie.

Going from ponytail to sly!!! Thats a serious harvest.