Help with the first shave.

[north]

Hello, all.

I have come to the point now that I am ready to shave my head.
I am sick of seeing my hair fall out, when I dry my head after a shower, I am sick of seeing my scalp through my hair I am sick with just shoving this to the side, i've gotta deal with this head on and man up.
I told myself i'd do 2 things before I turn 20. (1) Get in shape (which is going great as I am working 50-55 hour weeks) I am dropping weight so quick and (2) Shave my head.

I am to the point now where I don't want to get a haircut because I will see how bad it is getting. I told myself I would shave it when it gets noticeable, and it has come to that point.
So that's it, it's gotta happen. I don't care what anyone thinks of it, this is my life, my head and what I do with my head isn't going to really affect others life, so I won't let what they think of it affect how I feel about it. I'm not going to be one of those guys who has the horseshoe going on. I'm only 20, I can't see myself having that kind of thing at this age. A bald head looks great on a lot of people, and I am young so people will know me as the bald guy.

I have finally come to terms with all of this (although it has been fairly quick, I think) so it's happening soon.

But I don't know where to start with shaving my head. I need some tips.
I don't know what I should do for the first shave, should I buy a headblade or stick with a regular razor for now.
I know i'm going to get the Apricot scrub that seems to be well known, and I will shave all the hair off with a trimmer before I shave it to the skin.

Should I shave in the shower? At the sink? Should I get a fogproof mirror for the shower (since people say the warm water will soften the hair). My hair really isn't thick at all. I want to reduce the shadow as much as possible.

Really, after reading all the help threads with shaving, I feel like I know a little bit more about the initial shaving but I still don't know where I should start.

If you guys could give me a bit of insight on your first shave, what you did or what you guys finds works best for your dome.

Thanks, guys.
You guys have really helped me get through all of this.

James.

[warhawk]

hey james!  glad 2 know that U will B embracing your baldness.   1st of all... get a "buzz" cut by a professional barber & let him/her get it down to a #0.  after that... it will B easier 2 shave your dome.  i see that U mentioned that U researched the HEADSHAVING ROUTINE SECTION.   

remember... never... use a "cheap" razor.  buy a fusion, mach3, or headblade.  your 1st month of headshaving will B very slow but keep at it because U get better each time.  as far as shaving gel, cream, oil:  apply the SHAVE SECRET OIL, followed by the HEADSLICK or BALD GUYZ shaving gel, and "scrape" it with a fusion, mach3, or headblade.  if U use the hb...remember 2 NOT apply pressure on the blade.  if U have any questions just ask us & we'll help ya out.  after shaving your dome... follow it up with a cold water rinse, ice cube rub, pat dry, apply witch hazel or aloe vera gel.  if U leave the house B sure 2 apply sunscreen.

hope this helps and keep us posted 2 your road 2 slyness.

WARHAWK

[GASlick]

You go boy!

What Warhawk said.   Don't go cheap.  cheap=bleed

Take your time and you'll be fine.

[SonOfKrypton]

Real talk dude, if you ever wanna be able to use a Headblade, it's best to actually START shaving with it.  Like me for example, at 24, I have never shaved my head with a real razor blade/handle and wouldn't know how to if you gave it to me.  But gimme my headblade and I'm good.  It's good to start with something you'll grow accustomed to rather than start with something else and then switch it up mid stream and relearn an entire process b/c, ask the people who have used both, and they'll tell you shaving with a headblade feels different than shaving with a regular razor blade.

Also, I personally shave after I get outta the shower.  Don't forget to apply an ice cube when you're done shaving...That seems to work well for me.

[J Digory]

Good advice, Son of Krypton.
You've got some good tips here. I would like to mention that you should probably use clippers to buzz it down as short as you can get it before you shave. Also, I would start by going WITH the grain...which means (for most guys) start shaving at the crown and go down toward your forehead and then start at the crown and go down toward your neck. After you have done that, moisten the dome and go the opposite way.

If you keep your head shaved every day, not only will you get lots of practice in quickly, but you will not likely have to do a lot of passes on your head, since there will only be slight stubble.

[Sgt. Pate]

Congratulations on your decision... you'll be so happy once you finally do it too!

Though I do love the HeadBlade Sport, you don't have to have one to do a good job shaving, but it does make it a lot easier and fun too.  Buzz your hair down as short as you can with the clippers then shave like you normally shave your face.

My preference is to shave in the shower.  I don't use a mirror, I just apply HeadSlick with my left hand and shave with the right.  I feel for rough spots and re-apply the HeadSlick as needed with the left hand, usually just adding a little water to get the first application re-applied.

Hold the razor any way that lets you use smooth non-halting strokes, I even have held it close to the head barely using the handle.  The key is light pressure and smooth strokes.  If the razor pauses, STOP!  The cuts I have had are when I try to push on through the stroke.

Take your time and don't try to get a perfect shave the first couple times until you scalp gets used to the blade.

It sounds a lot harder than it really is.  Just feel and shave.

Some guys like to shave with the grain.  From the crown forward to the forehead and from the crown down to the back of the neck.  Some like to shave against the grain, from the forehead back to the crown and from the neck up to the crown.  Try 'em both and see what's best for you.  Maybe with the grain at first.

It takes a little time to get your head used to the new routine but I can do a complete shave in about 4 minutes.  It also takes time for you to adjust to the new look but hang in there and your doubts will disappear. 

Hope that helps a little!
Sarge

[Michael]

And know this,  while scraping... most likely at some point, you will nick yourself.  You probably will get sore.  Stay patient!  I love the attention from the ladies!

[Tampadrew]

Great Post! I am sue glad I read this before I shave my head for the 1st time upcoming. I think that first ice cube head rub is going to be a rush! 

Good Luck James......way to step it up and join the Sly Bald Guys!
Andrew

[marty22]

go to a pro barber and let him do the deed.

[robo21]

I shaved my head for the first time a few weeks ago.  My advice if you decide to go with the Headblade is to make sure you have another razor handy just in case you have trouble with the Headblade.  Esp for the area around the ears.  I also make sure to use Clearhead to help keep down any irritation. 

[BJ]

go to a pro barber and let him do the deed.

That costs too much. Why throw out good money when he can do it himself. 

[Scott]

James, congrats on your decision to do the deed!  Great advice given so far.  Buzz it down with clippers first, then I recommend jumping in the shower to wash off all the hair and run your dome under nice hot water.  Then get out and add some shaving oil or baby oil works great too.  Choose your weapon of choice, take your time, and use a handheld mirror to do the back if you need to.  After shaving do an ice cube rub (sounds intense but feels great) then throw on some witch hazel.  After that dries, rub on some aloe vera gel and voila!  I've been shaving my dome for over a year and I still shave at the sink - I tend to get a better shave at the sink.  Also, if you wanna try a Headblade that's cool, but you don't have to - my Mach 3 works great and Warhawk swears by his Fusion.  Good luck!