Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving => Topic started by: FClef on July 29, 2008, 11:45:09 AM
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How can I put this as delicately as I can... I want to shave my head. I just started doing it last week and I love the way it feels. I have tried a blade and electric to see which was easier. I like the blade (Mach 3) because it gets very close, but the electric I have (Panasonic Linear) works well too. There are multiple problems however and this is why I am frustrated beyond all imagination.
The first problem is that no matter what I use there are spots that just will not shave properly and I have annoying stubble left. The blade misses it and the electric too. It seems that no matter what I do I just cannot get a fully clean shave without a great deal of work involved, and it is still there. I have used shave lotion, shave oil, water, plain old dry (no blade, just electric there) and nothing I do gets the trouble spots.
This brings me to the second problem. Because of these missed spots, I find myself shaving more often and longer than I actually think I should have to. The result? I am sure you are all nodding your heads... you guessed it... my scalp feels like fresh ground hamburger. I use Head Lube lotion and even use a little of their shave cream for the after shave care and that just isn't enough.
I am very frustrated because I thought that this was going to be fairly easy on my pate but it just is not working out that way.
I hate that my first post is like this but this is the reason I joined so I thought I would get into the meat and potatoes right away.
Help? :o
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Hi FClef,
I feel your pain. I've been at it two months and still have some of the same problems, however I can assure you that given time you'll get a smoother shave. Take a look at the video on this page: http://www.allaboutshaving.com/
The Definitive Guide to Shaving Your Head
I use this guys routine almost exactly. Give it a try and see if it works better for you.
BTW, Welcome to SlyBaldGuys O:O
SimplyRed
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First, welcome to SBG!
As far as shaving goes and those trouble spots... There are several things you can try. Throughout the forum there are many different thoughts on the best way to shave.
Some of the highlights... shave in the shower (which helps "soften" the hair), shave first with the grain and then against the grain, shave every other day or every couple days, etc.
As far as what you use to shave your head, again, everyone here has different things... I personally shave in the shower using the headblade with the Gillette Atra, St. Ives Apricot Scrub, HeadSlick or Shave Secret shave oil, followed by Bald Guyz Moisture Gel.
Again, welcome to SBG!
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Welcome FClef!!! Glad you found us. You give it a try with some gel, oil or something different. Don't use too much pressure, but it is OK to go over the same spot several times.
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Hey Clef, first off welcome to the forum.
Where exactly on your head are these trouble spots?
I understand that you like the Mach3 but have you tried another 3 bladed razor that is more fexible and contours to you noggin a bit better like the Shick Extreme 3?
And lastly, you've only been shaving for a short while and your scalp is not use to it yet. Believe me it will toughen up as you continue to shave. O0
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Welcome bro!
As a Sly Rookie, let me tell you, you have to take it slow. You're gonna have missed spots to start. You just have to accept it and move on. Going over a spot 10 times isn't worth the burn and bumps. Trust me, in a while, you'll get those spots smooth with 1 or 2 passes. I used to have the same problem, and still do on one spot of my head. But you get to be a better shaver after a while. So just take it slow. There's definitely a learning curve when it comes to head shaving O0
As far as the burn, check out Aloe Vera with Lidocaine and an ice cube rub...those should help a bit
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Just keep with it. You will find your nitch in doing it. Everyone is different. I have a few spots like that too and man...sometimes I have to pop my elbow out of joint to get the right angle. You will find that the "hambuger" syndrome will soon go away once you get into a daily shave ritual. By all means if you need to use the apricot scrub do it. Its an awesome thing to have a slick noggin so dont give up...
Timmay
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Welcome FClef. The other bros have given you good advice. Shaving is a very individual thing. The longer you keep at it the more you get to know your own dome. I have several spots that take extra effort and need to be shaved at weird angles or directions to get totally smooth. It will toughen up over time and become less tender. Rinsing well with really cold water and applying aloe vera jel may help with the tenderness as well.
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WOW! So many responses in such a short time! :)
Thanks to each of you for your responses and your welcomes.
The Mach 3 is a razor that I read about in the forums here and elsewhere and I thought (silly me) that it would be OK to use. I may have to try one of those Shick Extreme razors.
The trouble spots seem to be on the top of my head toward the back. My head kind of has two flat areas there and it is next to impossible for me to get them totally clean. Right now there are nicks and cuts (YIKES!) there from my over-enthusiastic use of my razor.
I will try the apricot scrub, but what exactly is that supposed to do?
Another question, with the irritation I have right now how can I get my scalp to not be so dern angry with me? I hate the constant irritation. It is kind of like my ex-wife; always there causing me anguish. :o
I did watch that video and I am going to try those suggestions. Any other tips would be very helpful.
Do you REALLY need a mirror in the shower to shave your head or can you just do it by feel?
Again, thanks for all the help... it is good to have others with experience helping me out.
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Do you REALLY need a mirror in the shower to shave your head or can you just do it by feel?
I have a mirror in the shower, but ultimately you'll learn to shave by feel. After all you can't see the back of your head. That's the area I have the most difficulty with.
Red
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The trouble spots seem to be on the top of my head toward the back. My head kind of has two flat areas there and it is next to impossible for me to get them totally clean. Right now there are nicks and cuts (YIKES!) there from my over-enthusiastic use of my razor.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fjencilcam.com%2Ftcold%2Frazor.jpg&hash=b1d2743680cae5f28661fac0493fea425b9f1322)
Give one those Extreme 3's a try. I have similar flat spots on my head and the Extreme 3's were the only ones that ever stayed on my head at those contours. I now use a HeadBlade though and it gets those spots perfectly.
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Give one those Extreme 3's a try. I have similar flat spots on my head and the Extreme 3's were the only ones that ever stayed on my head at those contours. I now use a HeadBlade though and it gets those spots perfectly.
Now that's the razor! Don't make me challenge you to a HeadShave Throwdown at SlyBaldCon 2009 between the Schick Xtreme 3 and the HeadBlade ! >:( You're not as intimidating as Nomad and BaldRob. :*))
Red
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Lighten up, you just started last week, and you started that's definately cool O0 O:O
You're still learning about you're head, you're in the right forum, and you'll soon have your routine down. It's really a great time although I think everybody during the first month or two gets irked when it's not baby butt straight out of the morning prep session. You'll learn the various "spots" and how to handle them, the lotions and other stuff that makes your head feel best. Just relax and enjoy the ride, and no matter about the little irksome areas you can be assured that you look better than the poor dude w/ the comb over, the hole in the head, the sparse grass look, etc.
More than all that, welcome. 8) 8) 8) 8)
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Give one those Extreme 3's a try. I have similar flat spots on my head and the Extreme 3's were the only ones that ever stayed on my head at those contours. I now use a HeadBlade though and it gets those spots perfectly.
Now that's the razor! Don't make me challenge you to a HeadShave Throwdown at SlyBaldCon 2009 between the Schick Xtreme 3 and the HeadBlade ! >:( You're not as intimidating as Nomad and BaldRob. :*))
Red
Now how do you know? I'm twice the size of NOMAD! O0 And I make BaldRob look like Vern Troyer!! :*))
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beerleaguehockey.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2F09%2Fvernetroyer.jpg&hash=05b8117d6124520d718fd0c12be71be709619022)
BTW that's my shoe in his hand!!! ;D
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Give one those Extreme 3's a try. I have similar flat spots on my head and the Extreme 3's were the only ones that ever stayed on my head at those contours. I now use a HeadBlade though and it gets those spots perfectly.
Now that's the razor! Don't make me challenge you to a HeadShave Throwdown at SlyBaldCon 2009 between the Schick Xtreme 3 and the HeadBlade ! >:( You're not as intimidating as Nomad and BaldRob. :*))
Red
Now how do you know? I'm twice the size of NOMAD! O0 And I make BaldRob look like Vern Troyer!! :*))
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beerleaguehockey.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2F09%2Fvernetroyer.jpg&hash=05b8117d6124520d718fd0c12be71be709619022)
BTW that's my shoe in his hand!!! ;D
Boys, Boys, Boys... do not make me get my attack duck. ???
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We do have strong opinions about products / razors on this forum. I don't know why fr8train won't just accept my opinions as the right ones. :*))
Red
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Welcome to the Forum Fclef!!! As the guys have said... give it some time. You'll eventually find the routine and products that work best for you.
Again..... WELCOME!!!
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You do shave against the grain right?
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You do shave against the grain right?
Yes. I have read with the grain, against the grain etc. but yes, against the grain.
Heck, I would shave with actual grain if I thought it would help.
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First, welcome to SBG!
As far as shaving goes and those trouble spots... There are several things you can try. Throughout the forum there are many different thoughts on the best way to shave.
Some of the highlights... shave in the shower (which helps "soften" the hair), shave first with the grain and then against the grain, shave every other day or every couple days, etc.
As far as what you use to shave your head, again, everyone here has different things... I personally shave in the shower using the headblade with the Gillette Atra, St. Ives Apricot Scrub, HeadSlick or Shave Secret shave oil, followed by Bald Guyz Moisture Gel.
Again, welcome to SBG!
Raaaaawr!! ya just got a whole shave routine from a love god! :D
Hello FClef, welcome to the forum :)
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Give one those Extreme 3's a try. I have similar flat spots on my head and the Extreme 3's were the only ones that ever stayed on my head at those contours. I now use a HeadBlade though and it gets those spots perfectly.
Now that's the razor! Don't make me challenge you to a HeadShave Throwdown at SlyBaldCon 2009 between the Schick Xtreme 3 and the HeadBlade ! >:( You're not as intimidating as Nomad and BaldRob. :*))
Red
Now how do you know? I'm twice the size of NOMAD! O0 And I make BaldRob look like Vern Troyer!! :*))
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beerleaguehockey.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2F09%2Fvernetroyer.jpg&hash=05b8117d6124520d718fd0c12be71be709619022)
BTW that's my shoe in his hand!!! ;D
Oh b'jesus! :XX
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Welcome to the board FClef. My hair grows in a circle on the back of my head. I have to take the razor and make a circle with it to get a clean smooth shave back there. You have to find your "pattern" I guess.
The hair on the back of head toward my neck actually grows across my head, so I have to shave accordingly there. Point is, no two heads are alike. give it some time and after you shave, run your hand over it with some aloe and feel which way things feel smooth and rough. Obviously, if it feels smooth one way and rough the other, shave across the rough area. Did that make sense?
Anyway, welcome!
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Welcome to the neighborhood brother O0
As far as shaving, you will just have to go by trial and error for a while till you get to know your dome. I can tell you, I have those divits and weird grains to my dome as well just keep working them in different directions and quit going over them till you raw, ease up on the preasure a bit bro'. You'll get it soon enough it is a process.
Train, if your twice my size you've got big problems bro' :*))
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First, welcome to SBG!
As far as shaving goes and those trouble spots... There are several things you can try. Throughout the forum there are many different thoughts on the best way to shave.
Some of the highlights... shave in the shower (which helps "soften" the hair), shave first with the grain and then against the grain, shave every other day or every couple days, etc.
As far as what you use to shave your head, again, everyone here has different things... I personally shave in the shower using the headblade with the Gillette Atra, St. Ives Apricot Scrub, HeadSlick or Shave Secret shave oil, followed by Bald Guyz Moisture Gel.
Again, welcome to SBG!
Raaaaawr!! ya just got a whole shave routine from a love god! :D
Hello FClef, welcome to the forum :)
Rats... and here I thought the "Raaaaawr!!" was for me. $@y
::sigh::
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Welcome to the board FClef. My hair grows in a circle on the back of my head. I have to take the razor and make a circle with it to get a clean smooth shave back there. You have to find your "pattern" I guess.
The hair on the back of head toward my neck actually grows across my head, so I have to shave accordingly there. Point is, no two heads are alike. give it some time and after you shave, run your hand over it with some aloe and feel which way things feel smooth and rough. Obviously, if it feels smooth one way and rough the other, shave across the rough area. Did that make sense?
Anyway, welcome!
Yes, it did make sense. In fact, I believe that my hair grows in a similar pattern and it is why I am having the difficulty I am having now.
I know that I have to let the blade do the work, I just have to find the right razor to get those trouble spots.
Unfortunately sometimes I am one of those people that jump into something and then read the instructions later... it is my only character flaw. ::) ;D
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First, welcome to SBG!
As far as shaving goes and those trouble spots... There are several things you can try. Throughout the forum there are many different thoughts on the best way to shave.
Some of the highlights... shave in the shower (which helps "soften" the hair), shave first with the grain and then against the grain, shave every other day or every couple days, etc.
As far as what you use to shave your head, again, everyone here has different things... I personally shave in the shower using the headblade with the Gillette Atra, St. Ives Apricot Scrub, HeadSlick or Shave Secret shave oil, followed by Bald Guyz Moisture Gel.
Again, welcome to SBG!
Raaaaawr!! ya just got a whole shave routine from a love god! :D
Hello FClef, welcome to the forum :)
Rats... and here I thought the "Raaaaawr!!" was for me. $@y
::sigh::
I don't just give out my Raaaaawr's to just anyone ya know...! but okay, you can have
one too...
Raaaaawr!! ;D
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I think he just fainted :*))
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Welcome bro...
stick with the shave,,,,it'll come with time.
The bald head works for ya! O0
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
lol, don't bother, I'm a nightmare! :D
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My best advice (as a shavepate of many years) is to not worry about it much.
Make one or two passes and then let it go...you'll hit anything that you miss the next time around.
I always shave by feel, working from the back of my neck up to my ears and then around the perimeter of my head. I find that the toughest spots, for ME are the bit right below the knot on the back of my skull and the divot on the top of my head. Obviously, your head is different from mine but, I find that by manipulating the skin on my scalp I can often hit those spots that I missed yesterday.
It also helps to have someone who can walk in while your shaving (I assume in the shower) and point out those bits that you missed.
I also find that shaving soap is the best... and then I follow up with the St. Ives apricot scrub to slough off any dead skin that remains....
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
Get in line, buddy. There's at least 30 Sly guys already in line :*))
MB, are you taking new applications yet?
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
Get in line, buddy. There's at least 30 Sly guys already in line :*))
MB, are you taking new applications yet?
D@mn..it's like we're all the smurfs with only one girl in the whole lot.... "Smurfette"!
Pathetic bunch! ;) ;) ;)
MB :@`
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
Get in line, buddy. There's at least 30 Sly guys already in line :*))
MB, are you taking new applications yet?
yeah thanks James, you just made me sound like a hooker!! lmao
Barbarette, funshine - anyone?!!!
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
Get in line, buddy. There's at least 30 Sly guys already in line :*))
MB, are you taking new applications yet?
D@mn..it's like we're all the smurfs with only one girl in the whole lot.... "Smurfette"!
Pathetic bunch! ;) ;) ;)
MB :@`
holy ravioli... and what with that height thing and all!! ;) :@`
there ya go!!
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:*))
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now thats sum real smurf style goin! O0
cool pic MB :D
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now thats sum real smurf style goin! O0
cool pic MB :D
lol, thanks jumissa :D
I guess I get the blues now and again *smacks self on forehead*
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
Get in line, buddy. There's at least 30 Sly guys already in line :*))
MB, are you taking new applications yet?
Dang. This is the story of my life.... :Xo!
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
Get in line, buddy. There's at least 30 Sly guys already in line :*))
MB, are you taking new applications yet?
Dang. This is the story of my life.... :Xo!
Sorry to burst your bubble, bro ;D
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
Get in line, buddy. There's at least 30 Sly guys already in line :*))
MB, are you taking new applications yet?
D@mn..it's like we're all the smurfs with only one girl in the whole lot.... "Smurfette"!
Pathetic bunch! ;) ;) ;)
MB :@`
holy ravioli... and what with that height thing and all!! ;) :@`
there ya go!!
Thanks smurfette mugshot Magma....
plus it's nice to see you're real too..
can't tell with some folks these days! ;)
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
Get in line, buddy. There's at least 30 Sly guys already in line :*))
MB, are you taking new applications yet?
D@mn..it's like we're all the smurfs with only one girl in the whole lot.... "Smurfette"!
Pathetic bunch! ;) ;) ;)
MB :@`
holy ravioli... and what with that height thing and all!! ;) :@`
there ya go!!
Thanks smurfette mugshot Magma....
plus it's nice to see you're real too..
can't tell with some folks these days! ;)
dontcha just know it!! lmao O0
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FClef, you just got a proper welcome from MB O0
;D
ahahahaha!! I think I just scared him off! ;D
I fainted.
Now I think I am in love... :@` :o
Get in line, buddy. There's at least 30 Sly guys already in line :*))
MB, are you taking new applications yet?
D@mn..it's like we're all the smurfs with only one girl in the whole lot.... "Smurfette"!
Pathetic bunch! ;) ;) ;)
MB :@`
holy ravioli... and what with that height thing and all!! ;) :@`
there ya go!!
It takes alot of work for someone that good looking to look just beautiful
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After giving my head a rest for a few days I shaved again today. I used soap to clean the scalp with one of those shower puffy sponges. I used the apricot scrub next. I applied shaving oil generously around and topped that off with Head Slick. I went to town then with my Panasonic Linear. I kept at it until I got everything I could feel. I found out that the small valleys that my shaver could not reach could be conquered if I pushed down on my scalp and let the skin rise to the razor instead of me digging for it. After I got everything clean I reapplied some Head Slick and felt around for missed spots. There weren't many and I quickly dispatched them with the Panasonic. I rinsed off my head and felt around a little more but I really did not detect too much. I then did a cold water rinse and toweled off. The little areas I could now feel I hit quick with my Mach 3. I applied some Head Lube and I have a smooth shave. I am thinking that I will continue skipping a few days to let the hair grow for awhile because it seems I got better results that way.
Just thought I would update everyone.
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I can't give any advice for electric shaving, cause I won't do it...but I have a problem area at the nape of my neck and my crown grows funny. My advice here is pretty simple...but it's very important.
DON'T PRESS HARD
Pressing down more with the razor doesn't cut hair better, it tenderizes your scalp, which will give you the ouchies. I can shave my head for 15 minutes if I want...I keep it well lubricated (I use SOAP, not even shaving cream/gel anymore) and pass LIGHTLY over my head. It's a RAZOR we're talking about. If you pass it over the hair at the right angle, the super sharp blade will cut it. The same is said about your head if you press down too much.