Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving => Topic started by: Razor X on April 14, 2007, 09:43:11 AM
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After giving HeadBlade another try last weekend, I went back to the Mach III. I've been wanting to the the hand of using the Headblade, but just don't have the extra time to spend on the learning curve during the work week. So, since today is Saturday, and because my scalp was especially stubbly today (I didn't shave until 11 am), I tried the HeadBlade again.
This time I am very pleased with the result. I did get a small nick on the back of my head because I think I applied too much pressure, but for the most part I got a good close shave, without having to repeatedly shave over most areas. The sides of the head are still the trickiest. The last time I used the HB, I stayed smooth for almost 24 hours. We'll see if the results are as long-lasting this time.
I may be finally starting to like this product.
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Well, either I'm exeptional on the learning curve, or the FUSION and preshave routine I've used since the beginning is a factor.
But I honestly have NEVER--not even ONCE, in the 3 months I've been shavin' the noggin--gotten a nick, razor bumps/burns, irritation, itchiness, etc...
So, while I thought I would be another Headblader when I was contemplating going SLY.....there just ain't nuthin broke to fix....so I'm stickin' with the Fusion.....sorry Headblade.
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But I honestly have NEVER--not even ONCE, in the 3 months I've been shavin' the noggin--gotten a nick, razor bumps/burns, irritation, itchiness, etc...
I'm jealous @K* @K* In fact started considering if I could stay sly when I spent the last week trying to get rid of a head full of bumps. Wasn't the headblade for me cause I used my fusion and still had a problem. I'll sit on the fence a while longer and continue using them both
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I'm jealous @K* @K* In fact started considering if I could stay sly when I spent the last week trying to get rid of a head full of bumps. Wasn't the headblade for me cause I used my fusion and still had a problem. I'll sit on the fence a while longer and continue using them both
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I'm still on the fence with the HB also but I'm trying to hang in there. I still switch once a week to see how my two razors differ. I go back and forth from the HB to the Mach 3. I shave everyday with the HB because I wanted to use it more so that I could try to get the hang of it. It's starting to get a lot easier for the most part but there are some tricky spots on my dome like the very top of the head where my hair sort of does a swirl thing and then there are the sides which always give me trouble with the HB. I've noticed when I go back to the Mach 3 the shave takes just a little longer but getting the sides are very easy and I never get any nicks. With the HB I'm constantly having to switch hands so that I can get different areas of the noggin. I read somewhere once that Todd, the owner, said he came out with the HB because he was tired of standard razors which he had to contort his hands to use on his head. To me I feel like I am contorting my hand more with the HB some times. I guess I might just have to except the fact I'm just one of those people that will never be comfortable with the HB. I really loved the way my Fusion worked on the dome but the refills are so expensive.
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[quote author=Lance link=topic=1458.msg23240#msg23240
I'm still on the fence with the HB also but I'm trying to hang in there. I still switch once a week to see how my two razors differ. I go back and forth from the HB to the Mach 3.
With the HB I'm constantly having to switch hands so that I can get different areas of the noggin. I read somewhere once that Todd, the owner, said he came out with the HB because he was tired of standard razors which he had to contort his hands to use on his head. To me I feel like I am contorting my hand more with the HB some times. I guess I might just have to except the fact I'm just one of those people that will never be comfortable with the HB. I
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I feel exactly the same way. You are constantly switching hands, directions, etc. I also feel like I'm contorting my hand more with the HB than a regular razor. But I'm hoping that once I get used to it that will become second nature. Today I shaved my head with the HB and then touched up a couple of the problem areas with the Mach III when I was finished shaving my face.
For some reason, I seem to be staying smooth longer when I use the HB, which is a pretty big plus. I also like the fact that the refill cartridges are so cheap. I'm still not completely won over, but I do like it better than I used to. Time will tell.
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After reading several posts in various threads, I'm beginning to wonder if it breaks down like this:
If a person can get a smooth shave going front to back and back to front, they'll like the HeadBlade.
If a person has to shave from left to right or right to left to get a smooth shave, then they won't like the HeadBlade.
What do you guys think?
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Sounds logical, Tyler....again..never tried the HB, but I probably wouldn't like it...1) because I'm getting so handy with my FUSION...and...2) Because behind my ears and on the sides of my head I need to shave up from my ears to go against the grain. seems like that would be awkward with the HB.
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I have tried going side to side with my HeadBlade and it's really tricky so I'd have to agree Tyler.
If I need a touch up I grab the Fusion! ::)
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After reading several posts in various threads, I'm beginning to wonder if it breaks down like this:
If a person can get a smooth shave going front to back and back to front, they'll like the HeadBlade.
If a person has to shave from left to right or right to left to get a smooth shave, then they won't like the HeadBlade.
What do you guys think?
You hit the nail on the head for me Mr. T. That's exactly the problem I've been having. I have to go up from the sides to get a smooth shave because of the way my hair grows. I can go front to back and back to front for about half the head but then if I want the sides smooth I have to go up from the ear in a pretty large area. Then when I get to the crown of the dome I have this swirl type of deal going on. So I have to come from all kinds of angles to get the perfectly smooth feel. Switching and coming from all different angles ends up irritating me and nicking me more with the HB since it's designed to take long smooth strokes. Especially around the ears. With my Mach 3 or Fusion it seems like I actually take less time and get less irritation since I'm never really switching my hands. And since I shave in the shower and go by feel half the time it's easier to get around and above my ears. So like I said, I believe you're right on with your theory bro. O0
I did give a new routine a try last night that worked pretty good. I just used the KoS Nexium oil and my Fusion. It actually gave me a very comfortable and close shave. I thought I was going to have problems without using the HeadSlick with it but the oil alone did great. I just had to make sure I kept the dome wet like Baldrob had mentioned before. I didn't even have to use HeadLube afterwards. I just patted my dome with a towel when I stepped out of the shower and I was good to go. I guess by using the KoS oil it kept it moisturized enough. I may have found yet another routine. I hope so, I'm getting tired of trying to perfect this shaving thing. I just want to find that perfect routine and be done. Now I just have to figure out which body parts I want to sell to make enough money to buy more Fusion cartridges. ;D
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After reading several posts in various threads, I'm beginning to wonder if it breaks down like this:
If a person can get a smooth shave going front to back and back to front, they'll like the HeadBlade.
If a person has to shave from left to right or right to left to get a smooth shave, then they won't like the HeadBlade.
What do you guys think?
I tried the side to side with teh HB and it was very awkward. I'll stick to the front to back and then back to front.
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I guess I didn't have much of a learning curve. I only swap the direction of the headblade once during a shave.
My method is as follows;
I hold the headblade with the razor blade towards my index finger, right hand. I start at the top of my forehead, and shave front to back. I then shave the left side of my head from my sideburns up, slightly angling the razor over the ears. Slowly until you get more practice. This way I shave most of the left side. I then shave the crown of my head, from left to right, since the hair there grows in swirls and sideways. Then I switch directions of the headblade, pointing the razor towards my little finger, and I shave the right side of my head, starting at the sideburn up towards the top. A little more awkward, but I not bad. I slightly angle the blade to go over the top of the ears. I then shave the back, starting at my neck going up to the crown. Again, I slightly angle the blade to go over the ears to the top of my head. I need to point out that the headblade never goes past the second knuckle of my middle finger.
Clear as mud? Hope this helps, it didn't take me long to master this, guess I'm stubborn.
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Seems Headblade is the way for me too. I did try my Mach3, but seemed to have better control (or close proximaty to my head) with the HB. Getting better every day. I am now shaving against the grain...NICE!! 8)
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My routine goes front to back and up the back of the head, making sure to bend my head forward since I risk a nick if my neck skin isn't pulled tight. I used to leave my temples alone and touch them up with the Mach 3, but I've gotten good with shaving up the sides and going over my ears with the Headblade. My only tricky area now is the cowlick in the dimple of my head, but I've figured out it goes in a clockwise direction, so I come at it counter. After a month, you learn which areas you need to double check with your fingers, so I'm getting some really smooth shaves lately.
Still trying to figure out how much HeadSlick to use. I started using a nickel-sized amount, but I've noticed more irritation lately especially around the cowlick, so I'm going back to quarter-sized or more.
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After reading several posts in various threads, I'm beginning to wonder if it breaks down like this:
If a person can get a smooth shave going front to back and back to front, they'll like the HeadBlade.
If a person has to shave from left to right or right to left to get a smooth shave, then they won't like the HeadBlade.
What do you guys think?
I think your on the mark for that too. In order to get the sides of my head smooth i have to shave up from the ears to the top of my head, and thats a pain a half with the headblade. The middle of my head is a breeze with the headblade though cause i just have to go back to front and vice versa. I also noticed that the headblade does gives a closer shave with less passes then the mach 3.
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I may slowly be getting the hang of how to shave around my ears better with the HB. I sort of used some of the routine VFRWolf says he uses. I was always trying to go straight up with the HB which was really contorting the heck out of my hands. But this morning I used front to back starting at my sideburns then slowly going up and turning as I got right above the ear line. Then just kept going down the back behind my ears. Then I came from the back up the ear line and sort of up and towards the front. It seemed to get all the stubborn stubble that was giving me such a hard time before and I didn't nick myself this time either. I was going very slow though. I'm sure I'll speed up once I get use to getting around the ears. I also held the top of my ear down with the opposite hand as I was passing. The crown of my dome was a little easier this morning also. I was always nervous about shaving across the top of the dome from side to side with the HB because I just didn't think it would contour enough not to nick my head. And I could never get that spot smooth because of the "swirling" effect up there. But like before, after reading VFRWolf's routine how he goes side to side, I gave it a shot. To my surprise it was fine with no nicks at all and it actually got it very smooth for me having an indention up there. I may finally be getting the hang of the HB but I won't say 100% yet until I've shaved at least a few more times. That's why this forum is so great. You can get all kinds of different advice and opinions on lots of things. Not just head shaving. Once again, you da man "Mr. T", and thanks for the routine tips VFRWolf. O0
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I decided to try with the grain, then against the grain using the HB. I have to retrain myself, but I enjoy the results quite a bit more.
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What seems to be the benefit of the with then against the grain thing? I would think there would be more irritation.
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Not sure, but I love it
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Worth giving it a try tomorrow. Anything to get rid of the bumps.
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What seems to be the benefit of the with then against the grain thing? I would think there would be more irritation.
Against the grain stands the hair up for a closer shave. It pulls a little as well and for some is irratating. O0
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What seems to be the benefit of the with then against the grain thing? I would think there would be more irritation.
For me, one pass with the grain gets the hair close and the second pass against the grain gives me that final slickness. Since the hair is already cut down, there is less pull and less irritation.
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What seems to be the benefit of the with then against the grain thing? I would think there would be more irritation.
For me, one pass with the grain gets the hair close and the second pass against the grain gives me that final slickness. Since the hair is already cut down, there is less pull and less irritation.
Pretty much the same routine for me, first time I've gotten the benefit from my thin hair(well, stubble now)...very easy to shave with no irritation.
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I always had problems with the HB.. While yes it did get close, I could never get as close of a shave as my sensor (to cheep to buy the Mach 3).
Well, a few weeks ago I found a HB adapter for the sensor blades... I have not looked back since.
for the most part, I shave with the grain & call it a day. If I'm going out, or need to "dress up" I shave against the grain.
For the sides of my head, I too have to shave up[ from the ear. So, I flip the blade around and use the HB as a normal razor.
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What seems to be the benefit of the with then against the grain thing? I would think there would be more irritation.
Yeah, for me there is more irritation against the grain but not too much that is noticeable. When I first started using the HB I would only go with the grain and I never had irritation. Plus I'm done in a lot less time then trying to go against the grain. But I just love that smooth dome feeling, you know. I actually have went back to shaving with the grain because it does keep irritation down especially on the back of the neck. Plus I asked my wife's opinion about how it looked vs. with the grain. She said she couldn't even tell a difference because the HB cuts so smooth even with the grain. The only way I can tell a difference is if I run my hand across the dome.
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Lance, I agree with your wife. A casual observer would never know that your melon isn't completely smooth, but I have to be in an extreme hurry in the mornings for me to not go both ways and be completely smooth. I just like the feel.
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Although I may use the Schick Extreme 3 for some minor touch up around the ears, the HeadBlade is my weapon of choice for shaving the dome. And when I say touch up, it's usually just above the ears. I get most everything around the ears with the HB by just flipping it around and going back to front. When I do that, I'll use the other hand and bend my ear down so I don't nick it (ears seem to bleed forever).
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HB definitely has a bit of learning curve, but now that I have the hang of it I wouldn't go back to the Mach 3 (except for some touchups around the ears).Doing shower shaves only now. I put a layer of Hot Six oil on my wet head, then some HB Head Slick. Long strokes with the grain and then against the grain. Goes real fast and smooth. No nicks. Still a little awkward switching hands for sides....end up using mostly right hand, even on left side.
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Still a little awkward switching hands for sides....end up using mostly right hand, even on left side.
I had a pretty short learning curve with the head blade but I have always used my right hand exclusively with it. I really believe that the hand switching is the downfall for a lot of guys in getting the hang of it. Most of us simply aren't ambidextrous
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Because of all the posts and research I did, I started with the headblade. Seeing shaving my head was a learning curve anyway, I figured I'd also learn with a product intended for my head. I must say by the 3rd day I was shaving with confidence, mainly because the numbness wasn't as strong and I wasn't worried that I was fileting my scalp! So I would suggest for anyone just starting to start with the headblade. It's a great product that does what it is meant to. O0
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HEADBALDE RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 8)
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I got my HeadBlade Sport 3 days ago, and have pretty much got the hang of using it. I get the smoothest shave ever. Since I'm a lefty I start with the HeadBlade on the middle finger of my left hand. I shave from front all the way down the back of my head in long smooth strokes. This gives me a combination of against the grain and with the grain on the same stroke.
With the HeadBlade still in my left hand, I put my arm over my head, and shave the right side of my head clear down to the ear by pushing the blade toward the back of my head. With the HeadBlade still in my left hand, I do the left side of my head clear down to the ear pushing the blad towards the back of my head.
Next, I switch to the middle finger of my right hand, and start from below the hair line on the back of my head and shave upward against the grain. Leaving the HeadBlade in my right hand, I put my arm over my head and shave the left side down to the ear moving the HeadBlade towards my left eye. Then, leaving the HeadBlade in my right hand I shave the right side of my head down to the ear moving the HeadBlade towards my right eye.
This gives me a complete headshave with and against the grain only changing hands one time. I shave after showering, making sure that my head is plenty wet so that the HeadSlick is very slippery. Have never gotten a nick, and my head is as smooth as a bowling ball.
Love the HeadBlade.
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I got my HeadBlade Sport 3 days ago, and have pretty much got the hang of using it. I get the smoothest shave ever. after showering, making sure that my head is plenty wet so that the HeLove the HeadBlade.
Congratulations on getting the headblade down ...I am really happy with it also Am a rightly and just haven't been able to do the hand switch, so pretty much use the right hand for both sides.
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Gald you dig the HeadBlade Darrell!
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it does take some getting used to, but it is well worth it.
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Im a true believer of the head blade. I never once got a nic or a cut from the HB but i switched to the MachIII in which I had anyways for my face....and jezz o' pete. I got three nicks and a cut on my ear. I think I will keep with the HB for my head. About how I go about shaving my head and in what direction...I go from front to back then back to front...on the sides near the front I have to go up from the ear and on the sides toward the back I have to go from back to front around and over the ear. I have this one spot on the back right side that i have to shave from middle to the right side...kinda sideways.....why I dunno...and the top of my head...right at the crown i have to shave it to the side going right ...and the same going left. The HB seems to give me a smoother head for a longer period of time.
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DOES anyone use an electric shaver for the daily routine? How does that work? Smooth enuf? does it produce bumps, etc.??
John
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john..... i am a former (notice i say former) electric razor user. when i 1st became sly in late april of 07, i started w/ an electric razor. i stuck w/ the electric for about 2-3 weeks. the more i did research on the sbg forum, i became more interested on using the manual razor. the regular fusion is my weapon of choice. it gets me the smoothest compared 2 an electric. i haven't been back since. the fusion rocks 4 me!!!
WARHAWK O0
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champ007
Because of all the posts and research I did, I started with the headblade. Seeing shaving my head was a learning curve anyway, I figured I'd also learn with a product intended for my head. So I would suggest for anyone just starting to start with the headblade. It's a great product that does what it is meant to. O0
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My initial fears were I would slice and dice my noggin and never try this again, but the HB is a wonderful tool for the head shaver, once you get the hang of it, it really works well.
I am getting the closest smoothest shaves, and I haven't even gone against the grain with it yet. I clean up around the ears with whatever blade I am using for my face; usually Atra plus, sensor or Mach III. This routine works well, and I love the feeling after I am freshly shaven.
Nothing like it. I then rub on some Bald Guyz moisture gel, and I'm good to go.
Stick with the Headblade, once you get it down it's quick and easy.
Also, do the left side with your left hand, you will get accustomed to shaving that way, and it should get more comfortable with time.
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Hey guys, well I found a Head Blade Sport, and after a few speeding tickets on my scalp, I am getting the hang of it. You need to remember that you DO NOT NEED to apply pressure on the Head Blade or else you will be bleeding.
I still am having issues switching hands with the Head Blade, and the ear thing I tend to pull out the MACH 3 as I have to use it on my face too, so not a big worry.
The option of using either the Head Blade or the Mach 3 is nice. I will keep them both.
: :)
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I still am having issues switching hands with the Head Blade, and the ear thing I tend to pull out the MACH 3 as I have to use it on my face too, so not a big worry.
I gave up on switching hands... keep the HeadSlick in the left and feel for stubble and shave with the right! O0 (or vise versa!)
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I gave up on switching hands... keep the HeadSlick in the left and feel for stubble and shave with the right! O0 (or vise versa!)
Same here ... I'm not coordinated enough to switch hands...
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I stick with the same hand (right) as well but I do 'flip' the HB-S around when I go for the back of my head.
I've played around with the Fusion and a few other blades here & there but I keep coming back to the Sport.
Great invention. I wish shaving my face was as efficient!
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I switch hands. I found that I actually get a better shave when I use my left hand than my right, though I'm right handed. :px
Here's a blogger that talks about his first HeadBlade experience...
http://www.digitalthom.com/2007/09/09/my-experience-with-the-headblade-system/ (http://www.digitalthom.com/2007/09/09/my-experience-with-the-headblade-system/)
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I switch hands too. I figure I may as well be able to be comfortable in using HB in either hand.
It takes some getting used to, but I am much better now (less awkward) when using the left now. With time I think it should feel just as natural as using the right.
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Hand switcher here. I can only envision very bad things if I tried to use only one hand... spelled B-L-O-O-D. I can do 2/3 with one hand, but once I get to the last 1/3, forget it.
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I switch hands. I found that I actually get a better shave when I use my left hand than my right, though I'm right handed. :px
Here's a blogger that talks about his first HeadBlade experience...
http://www.digitalthom.com/2007/09/09/my-experience-with-the-headblade-system/ (http://www.digitalthom.com/2007/09/09/my-experience-with-the-headblade-system/)
My first experience was pretty much like the bloggers. But by following the advice given here and patience, using the HeadBlade with either hand and getting a great shave is no problem.
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Hey guys, I thought i would give you my two cents.
I started with the Mach3 on the first shave. I then proceeded to try the headblade on the second shave. I went against the grain and let me tell you it was the closes shave i've ever had. The problem for me is that there were a few little bumps from the first shave and they got nicked and blead a little. I found that after each shave that i bled a little. I could be doing it wrong.
Having a lack of head shaving products in Aust there isn't much post-shave products designed for head shaving.
After the shave i rinse my head in cold water as everyone has been bragging about. That feels great but makes your head feel a little numb for a few minutes. I then apply some Aloe Vera moisturiser to my dome, let me tell you that it stings like a b*tch for a few minutes. Afterwards it feels great.
What does everyone do to combat dry skin and dandruf? or will this go away.
Out