Couple of questions

[jimtriz]

Hello all.  I've been lurking here for a while and now have officially joined the ranks of the SBG!!  I have been losing my hair for quite a while, the typical horseshoe pattern.  I was clipping with the zero guard  technique for the last 4 years.  Yesterday suddenly became the day to break out the razor!!  I used a Gillette Mach 3 and Edge gel for sensitive skin.  I shaved with and against the grain, carefully  of course.  It went well, I had to go back and touch up a few spots, they felt like sandpaper!  Now I have a velcro-type thing going on.  When I put on a shirt it sticks to my head...is this normal?  did I do something wrong?  Is it normal for your scalp to feel numb after shaving?  I'll post some pics at a later date and let you know how the upkeep is going.  So far I am loving the new dome.  Funny thing is, nobody noticed when I went from zero-guard to shaving my head...oh well.  This is a great site and I am looking forward to hanging out here.  Thanks for the help.  Jim.

[SLYinKC]

Hello, Jim,  Welcome to SBG.

The shaving will get easier and better with time and practice.  There will always be velcro, but not for several hours after shaving.

The numbness is a feeling that you only get to enjoy once, right after your first time.  It will go away soon.

[benmcd]

It seems we all have the same experience, best feeling ever is a newly shaved head, and once the Velcro head starts then all I can think about is getting it back to smooth, however this can lead to irritation if you shave everyday.. At least in my case. I would also say that the numb feeling on your scalp will go away after you have shaved a few more times. Also true that you are way more self conscious of how people perceive your head, a shaved head is only 1/2 mm shorter than a close buzz, yet to you & me it feels totally different.. Enjoy

[Meatman]

I agree with all the above...enjoy that numb feeling!  It will fade away as you shave a few more times.  as for the velcro feeling...i hate that too. thats why I shave everyday..usually in the evening so I can take my time, and then I usually give it a touch up in the morning...this tends to keep the velcro away.  you will get more comfortable with shaving and the feeling as time goes on.  welcome too!

[Mikekoz13]

Welcome to the Forum Jim! Way to be decisive. As Rick (KC) said... velcro is normal.

Post up a photo of that newly slick head!

[GaryT]

Yeah welcome all you new guys! As mentioned you really ought to head on over to "Introductions" and tell us a little about yourself and put up a pic so we can put a face to the posts!!

[bem75]

I agree with all of the above.  Give us a little intro in the "Introductions" category.  And post a pic.

Enjoy that first numb shave.  It goes away and you will miss it.

As for the velcro, you will get better at shaving and the velcro will get better along with your technique.  You need to figure out which direction your hair grows.  For example, my hair in the back grows at an angle - down and to the left.  So, I shave against it at an angle.  If I shave straight up, it does not get as close.

Good luck and welcome.

[wpruitt]

Welcome Jim

[GaryT]

Hey  Meatman, can I ask why you shave in the evening?? I just know that for me and most of the guys here shave in the morning so we can show the world our shaved head at it's best, smoothest etc.

Just wondering.

Sorry for the HiJack!!

[jimtriz]

WOW thanks for all the replies!!!  Great advice from all of you.  I will get some pics up soon.  I kinda dig the numb feeling, although the second time I shaved it was significantly less noticable. I used some headblade shaving gel this time, I got a much closer shave and followed it up with some bald guyz moisturizer.  Really nice feel now.  Thanks again for all the help and quick replies.  Jim.

[Jer]

Wow, enjoy that numb feeling!!!  Like the guys have said, it goes away soon.

I've been shaving over a year now and (Don't hate me for this guys) I get tempted every so often to let my hair grow for a month or so, just to be able to have that numb sensation again!

As it's been said as well, the velcro is just normal.  I hate it so I make sure I shave every day, usually right before work or on my days off within an hour of getting up.  The routine gets easier as well and soon it'll be second nature to shave and it'll take no time at all.

[darkknight1]

Welcome aboard Jim.   Not to worry, the numbness will pass....that's just your new slyness kicking in.  You may want to try some other brands, and experiment with different products, to get more slick.  I like headslick, with the headblade, and then a second touch up, with Aveeno Positively Smooth shave gel, and a fusion razor.  Also, I recommend a good exfoliate, like headshed, or St. Ives Apricot Scrub. That will help soften the hairs on the dome, and get rid of the dead skin.  Also, a good moisture gel is key...Bald Guyz Moisture Gel, or aloe vera works great.  Plus a little sunscreen will shine you up real nice, and add some protection. It's like that age old question, "How do you get to Carnagie Hall?...Practice, Practice, Practice."  The same goes for being sly. Enjoy the new look! 

[DCdome]

Hey Jim!

Welcome bro.  The guys are giving you all the right info. 

While a tight buzz and a shaved dome may look very much alike they feel very different.  So keep it smooth.  Just love that bowling ball feeling.

[jimtriz]

Hey Bostonbean.  I too am a fellow baystater!!  I am from western MA, a small town called Ware. It's out near Springfield close to the Pike.  Thanks again to all for the info and advice.  I shaved today for the 3rd time and it's going much better.  the numb feeling is subsiding, although rinsing with cold water gives a numb feeling all in itself.  Jim.