new to head shave, struggling a bit

[SBG Math Guy]

Hi guys, how are you all?
I will tell you my story later but things will be too long.  So here I will only tell you my problem and hopefully some advice from you guys will help me out.
The problem is this:  I cannot shave against the grain at the back and the sides. You know where the occipital lobes are, and the place right above and beside ears..
I shave against the grain on the top and it is so easy using Mach 3, shaving 3 times a week.  But it looks ugly because I shave with AND against the grain at the front on top but only with the grain in the place where the occipital lobes are and the sides.  So it looks like the top is shaved a lot more than the back of my head, and the sides.  The sides are also soooo difficult to do against the grain.  I would have to shave upward but man my head hurts like hell when I do that (ouch!!!!).  The same thing happens with occipital lobes region.  It’s like the razor is cutting my skin, but somehow the top is so easy to do against grain and I enjoy it so much.
Any ideas?  I wear a baseball hat right now in my classes because the shaving will look like it’s not completely done.  Top shaved with and against grain, sides and occipital lobes region only with the grain so these places appear with a bigger shadow. 
I don’t know what other people would say about my bald head, but I like my shaved look and I intend to keep it.  But I don’t want to have to go to a barber to get a head shave 3 times a week, too expensive.
I do not have any pics right now.  I will visit my family during Christmas holidays and that’s when I will take photos with my new look.  I am away from friends and family doing graduate studies in a different city, living on my own so nobody to shave my head by myself. 
Any help would be appreciated.  Thank you guys.

[Razor X]

For the areas where shaving against the grain is a problem, shave with the grain and then try touching it up with an electric razor.  It still won't be as close as going against the grain with a blade but should be better than what you're experiencing now.

Welcome to the group.

[Brkeatr]

I shave with an electric razor on the sides and back and with a fusion on top. I have problems shaving against the grain on the sides also and the electric does a great job for me with no irritation at all. You have to realize everyone's head is different and what works well for some may not work well for others and it's something you just have to live with. I wish you the best of luck and I'm sure others will have some good advice for you also....and by the way....welcome to the Forum !! ....great to have you aboard !!     

[champ007]

Welcome Bmath,
I am wondering how you shave. Do you shave at the sink or in the shower? Do you have a particular routine your using?
I myself cannot shave at the sink, I get razor burn like crazy. I shave in the shower and exfoliate with St Ives apricot scrub or a generic before I shave. This softens the hairs while removing dead skin and the hot water keep mu pores open for the shave. When done I cold water rinse.
There are several routines posted in the shaving routines area you might want to read up on and maybe try.
I use a mach 3 razor around the ares you mention and a headblade for the rest.

[ripped53]

I've never experience a problem being able to shave against the grain.  I just used both hands. My problem is the ingrown hairs tha come after shaving against the grain.  Like mentioned earlier everyone is different.  You may have to try the rolling razor discussed elsewhere in the forum.  "Rolling Razor"

I know all about being in a new place and worrying about how your head looks and what others are going to thing about a young guy with a bald head.  Impressions matter and I know you just want to look your best.  Good luck buddy and hope we can help. 

[SBG Math Guy]

Hi guys,

champ007 I shave at the sink.  I wash my hair with bar soap. 
I then rinse using really hot water.  I leave my hair wet and then use shaving cream that I use to shave my beard.
I wait a few minutes and start shaving.  I have not tried shaving in the shower.  Maybe I should do that but I think the reason why I haven't tried that is once I have finished shaving with the grain my head cannot stand hot water.  Again i'm not sure if this is normal.
When I'm done shaving with grain (and want to start against grain) I cannot rinse my head with hot water (it ouch hurts). But a question to you, does your head hurt (the parts you have shaved with grain) when you use hot water? I'm guessing you know after you have done with the grain you use hot water again, do you feel pain? If that's not what you do then sorry for asking. (and if anything is unclear let me know, english is my 3rd language)

ripped53, I forgot to mention my head is "loose" if that's the correct word.  So I need to hold it with one hand and shave with the other if I want to have a chance at shaving the back. 

And Brkeatr, RazorX I never thought of an electric razor.

I dream of the day I wake up with a smooth shave.

[Razor X]

What kind of shaving gel are you using?  A good quality gel can help reduce irritation to your skin.

[champ007]

Bmath,
I think I would first get away from the bar soap. Most will dry your skin. As Razor stated you want a good quality shave gel or even oil. Something that stays slick even after you pass the razor over it. A few people have found a combination of headslick and shave secret does very well.
I am not sure where you are located or what you may have access to, so depending on where you are someone on here can suggest a place to look for some products.
You could also be using too hot water or it even sounds like dull blades? I have found some generic blades just don't give me a good shave.
Also, do you have any possible skin issues? I am just trying to understand why going with the grain and rinsing your scalp is burning. Something does not sound right. You may want to have a dermatologist exam your scalp just to be safe. 

[PowerOfCheese]

Yeah, I do touch up with the electric. I wait until my head is completely dry though. Others have mentioned some electric pre-shave something or other. Might want to look into that for an even closer electric shave.

I have shadow or stubble on the back of my head because I can only go against the grain so many times. Too many passes and I get burn and break out. The top and sides shave soooo nice. A few passes with the braun on the back of my head and I'm ready to go.

[SBG Math Guy]

Here is an update.
The saving gel I use is Gilette Series Gel.

Ok so today I shaved in the shower.  It was kind of a weird experience.
I have been shaving since August of this year and when I shaved at the sink what would happen is I would miss spots and it was frustrating.  Also, the sides would appear with a darker shadow than the top. 
Shaving in the shower made it a lot easier to shave the top.  I shaved with and against the grain at the top, and only with the grain for the sides.
When I finished, I looked at the mirror (and do so now) and I had not missed any spots, and the shadow on the sides was not darker than the top.  Everything had the same shadow level.
I mentionned that if I used hot water after having shaved with the grain it would hurt, burn.  Somehow that did not happen this time. 

I still was not successful with the back, unable to go against grain.  But the good news is in the shower the top and sides are so much easier to shave. 
Hopefully the next time I shave I could deal with the back better.  I think I will try the electric razor.  But man, I was so happy that the top and sides were "evenly" shaved.  The shadow on top and sides is equally "dark".
Thanks to all for your help.  Let's hope the electric razor will help.
I really like it that so many different people give their opinion.  It helps a lot when you get different comments.  Big thanks.

[Brkeatr]

Glad things are going better for you bro....just remember that if you try an electric use one with a screen and not a rotary. I believe most here use either the Panasonic or Braun and don't expect a good shave the first time as it takes the noggin at least a few weeks to adjust to an electric , so you just can't use it twice and say it doesn't work !!   

[champ007]

Glad to hear Bmath.
You may want to also try some headslick if you can get your hands on it. Experiment some, don't want you to spend a bunch of money though. So glad to hear the burning isn't there, that can really turn you away from shaving. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Tor]

I think the reason you don't have a problem with the top is that your skin is taunter on top. On the side, your skin might be looser, and it becomes very easy to cut yourself. I had the same problem when I first started, but have learned to be very careful on the sides, and use plenty of "Slick".

[THier]

I am still fairly new at this as well,, I started with a head blade,, I did try ONCE to shave with my Fusion,, but it was too awkward, Head blade is the trick FOR ME, also first time I shaved I used regular shave cream, No go for me, I bought some Head slick, that made all the difference in the world.

Check your PMs for a message from me.

Tom

[StumpyDave]

I've tried different razors over the years.  Anything without flexible blades and I just end up hacking myself to pieces.
I use shaving gel for sensitive skin and get less problems now.  (Nivea is my current favourite).
Keep with it and experiment until you find the method that works.
Try less pressure on the blade as well.