Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => How To Protect Your Bald Head => Topic started by: MontagDave on February 21, 2009, 09:36:08 PM
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As red and irritated as this looks, it doesn't hurt at all. I'm not sure what it is. Any advice?
Thanks!
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Hi, I have faced the same situation before. That happened to me when I used a disposable razor.
I think the razor is the problem.
What razor do you use?
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I use Gillette Mach 3 Turbo. I was using the Atra with the HeadBlade Sport, but it doesn't seem to get as close of a shave.
I've only been shaving my head for a week. Could it just be my scalp reacting to the new regime?
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I use Gillette Mach 3 Turbo. I was using the Atra with the HeadBlade Sport, but it doesn't seem to get as close of a shave.
I've only been shaving my head for a week. Could it just be my scalp reacting to the new regime?
Could be! Do you exfoliate before you shave? Also, what do you use to moisturise after shaving? And are you using products that are new to you (could you be slightly allergic)?
Hope all this helps
Steve
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You should also wash your pillowcase frequently. You're new exposed scalp probably doesn't like all the crap from your hair that is on the pillowcases. I wash mine at least twice a week. Also the skin on your head has to get used to being scraped. Maybe shave every couple of days until your head toughens up.
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Good suggestions, everyone. Thanks!
I try to remember to exfoliate before I shave, but I admit I have forgotten a few times. :XX
I do use a lotion after I shave. Before I bought HeadLube this weekend, I was just using a scented lotion from Bath and Body Works. I think the HeadLube will be better for me since the other may clog up my pores.
It could be an allergy, but it doesn't itch, and it's just in a few isolated spots not all over my head.
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Hi MontagDave, I am not a doctor but I don't think it's an allergy at all. Like you said, with an allergy
it would most likely itch.
I also had such few spots and to be honest I don't know why they were present. My only educated guess is that
my razor was the problem but I am not 100% sure.
Let us know how things go.
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I seen on a previous post that you use aloe and headlube.. using them both might be too much moisture for your head.
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I was just going to ask this same question. I have been shaving for a couple weeks now and I decided to give my scalp a rest for a couple days and when I shaved I noticed I have a bunch of pimples on the sides of my head. I think I will have to remember some of these things. They dont really hurt or anything, they just look bad and I am going to a water park this weekend so I am going to try and clear them up before then.
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My solution for those small bumps was (1) an antibacterial acne soap, two or three times a day--I use Cuticura; (2) using a loofa pad--available at WalMart about $2.50--in the shower every morning, gentle at first and more vigorous as your scalp tolerates it, (3) an astringent all over after drying off after shaving--I use hydrogen peroxide on a cotton pad, (4) a 10% benzoyl peroxide gel w/o any oil rubbed on before my (5) Nivea Extreme Shave Balm. Smooth clear clean. It should take a week or two to completely clear it up.
Keeping it clean is essential, and it's easy because there's no hair of course. Remember, there's no hair to take in all the soot, dirt and other stuff that we used to shampoo out of the hair. Feels good, especially refreshing to wash the dome a couple of times a day if possible, but w/o fail before going to bed.
Works for me and I've had acne issues since puberty--WHY can't I just grow up??? ;D :/O :/O :/O
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My solution for those small bumps was (1) an antibacterial acne soap, two or three times a day--I use Cuticura;
For sure on this. I really didnt start to have 100% clear skin until i started using Cuticura. Fantastic stuff i suggest everyone try it out, especially acne prone
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Is it on one side of your head or all around? How long after shaving does it show up?
If it's all around or shows up fairly quickly after shaving it could be either your shaving routine or any lotions you put on afterward.
If it's just one side, ask yourself if it's the same side you sleep on. If so, make sure to clean your dome every night before sleeping.
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My solution for those small bumps was (1) an antibacterial acne soap, two or three times a day--I use Cuticura; (2) using a loofa pad--available at WalMart about $2.50--in the shower every morning, gentle at first and more vigorous as your scalp tolerates it, (3) an astringent all over after drying off after shaving--I use hydrogen peroxide on a cotton pad, (4) a 10% benzoyl peroxide gel w/o any oil rubbed on before my (5) Nivea Extreme Shave Balm. Smooth clear clean. It should take a week or two to completely clear it up.
Keeping it clean is essential, and it's easy because there's no hair of course. Remember, there's no hair to take in all the soot, dirt and other stuff that we used to shampoo out of the hair. Feels good, especially refreshing to wash the dome a couple of times a day if possible, but w/o fail before going to bed.
Works for me and I've had acne issues since puberty--WHY can't I just grow up??? ;D :/O :/O :/O
Hi Saint
Interesting routine! Just a few questions on it.
1. Do you find excessive use of the anti-b soap causes any reactions like dryness/pimples?
2. When exfoliating with the loofa, would you use a scrub like St Ives with it? I thought maybe the loofa would exacerbate existing pimple or does the head adapt over time.
3. Do you apply the astringent (I have witch hazel instead of hydrogen peroxide), let dry; then apply benzoyl peroxide, let dry; then finally moisturise.
4. I am going to start shaving every second day from now on. Do you shave everyday and is that needed in your routine for a successful shave?
That's it.
Thanks
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My solution for those small bumps was (1) an antibacterial acne soap, two or three times a day--I use Cuticura; (2) using a loofa pad--available at WalMart about $2.50--in the shower every morning, gentle at first and more vigorous as your scalp tolerates it, (3) an astringent all over after drying off after shaving--I use hydrogen peroxide on a cotton pad, (4) a 10% benzoyl peroxide gel w/o any oil rubbed on before my (5) Nivea Extreme Shave Balm. Smooth clear clean. It should take a week or two to completely clear it up.
Keeping it clean is essential, and it's easy because there's no hair of course. Remember, there's no hair to take in all the soot, dirt and other stuff that we used to shampoo out of the hair. Feels good, especially refreshing to wash the dome a couple of times a day if possible, but w/o fail before going to bed.
Works for me and I've had acne issues since puberty--WHY can't I just grow up??? ;D :/O :/O :/O
Hi Saint
Interesting routine! Just a few questions on it.
1. Do you find excessive use of the anti-b soap causes any reactions like dryness/pimples?
2. When exfoliating with the loofa, would you use a scrub like St Ives with it? I thought maybe the loofa would exacerbate existing pimple or does the head adapt over time.
3. Do you apply the astringent (I have witch hazel instead of hydrogen peroxide), let dry; then apply benzoyl peroxide, let dry; then finally moisturise.
4. I am going to start shaving every second day from now on. Do you shave everyday and is that needed in your routine for a successful shave?
That's it.
Thanks
Notwithstanding its antibacterial nature, Cuticura is a mild soap--formulated to be so.
The loofa pad--not the sponge--is used just like a wash cloth. Use it gently at first, and increase the intensity as your scalp cleans up.
On the astringent, exactly, let dry and you only use as much bp gel as necessary, on the post shave balm, make sure it doesn't have oil.
I'm an everyday shaver. I also wash my dome at least twice a day, sometimes more in the hot and humid climate of New Orleans.
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Appreciate the info Saint!
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I was noticing this morning when I shaved that no new pimples are showing up. The pimples are just on the sides of my head, not the back or the top or my face. I think it might be my pillow, I thought about that last night and changed my pillow case. So far it looks like its clearing up so I might be mostly pimple free by this weekend.
I have started using peroxide on my acne which always helped when I had pimples on my face.
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I was thinking of another possibility, hats. My old cowboy hat didnt fit right since I went Sly so I went and bought a new one. When I got home I started thinking that you cant really wash cowboy hats and I wore it all the time in the summer when my head sweated. All the sweat that builds up in the sweat bands cant be good for a bald head. After thinking about it I threw all of my caps in the wash just to be safe even though I dont wear them much.
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I followed along the lines of SaintC's routine.
1. I lathered up with the cuticura mild medicated soap and then exfoliated with a loofa glove (it actually is very convenient around the dome).
2. Post shaving I applied the witch hazel astringent followed by a moisturiser (aveeno).
3. I find putting the benzoyl peroxide on last is best as it causes chaffing or dryness when applied prior to the moisturiser.
All in all the shave was very smooth, even though there are still some pimples floating around. At the moment I give a thumbs up to the cuticura & the loofa for exfoliation. O0
Hopefully, my dome will clear up in 1-2 weeks. All I have to do now is remember to clean it prior to bed when out drinking. :px
Thanks again SaintC for the routine!
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You should also wash your pillowcase frequently. You're new exposed scalp probably doesn't like all the crap from your hair that is on the pillowcases. I wash mine at least twice a week. Also the skin on your head has to get used to being scraped. Maybe shave every couple of days until your head toughens up.
this seems like some good preventive measures for combating acne. Sleeping with a towel on the pillow is something I used when I had hair...and I'm using it now. But I think I do need to try to keep that case more clean.
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I suffer the same bumps around my hairline. What kind of benzoyl peroxide is recommended? Something over the counter or something prescribed?
Also I've been using some bump fighters like Head Clear. Should I quit that and go with the witch hazel or use in addition to?
I'm very intrigued by the Cuticura that I see some of you recommend. Does it work that well?
Thanks
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I suffer the same bumps around my hairline. What kind of benzoyl peroxide is recommended? Something over the counter or something prescribed?
Also I've been using some bump fighters like Head Clear. Should I quit that and go with the witch hazel or use in addition to?
I'm very intrigued by the Cuticura that I see some of you recommend. Does it work that well?
Thanks
Usually you can get a 5 or 10% Benzoyl Peroxide at a pharmacy, I prefer an independent near me that has better prices than Wal-Mart. I use plain hydrogen peroxide for my astringent, although a lot of the brothers swear by witch hazel. I've not tried that since my hp works fine for me. I do strongly advocate Cuticura, it's a mild anti-bacterial soap formulated for acne and has served me well for years. Don't forget the loofa pad, not the sponge. The pads are available at Wal-Mart for about $US2.50. The loofa w/ soap will soften and remove oil plugs from the folicles and give you a smoother skin. Post up in the Introduction section and let us know a little about yourself. Welcome.
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Thanks, Saintc. Are you using the BP as the final layer of product on your head before setting out?
I've been shaving my head for almost a month now. Trying to find my method of madness whether be in shower or at sink. I want a convenient method to do both face and head. I shave my face about every other day and I'm trying to do my head that same route. I would like to do it daily so it would be slick smooth but if its going to cause irritation then that's a no. I'm currently using a schick quattro for my head. I tried the headblade and found it a bit cumbersome around the sides, especially near the ears. I hear a lot of people swearing by the mach III. I guess I'll try that next. I did get a sample of the head slick and that seems to be really good.
I'm sure some of my problem too may be over-washing. I wash in the morning, then again at lunch after I go to the gym on my lunch break and then again at night. I've always had oily skin. By evening time I'm quite oily.
Has anyone ever used any of the cuticura body bars? I tend to have acne prone areas on my chest and back and wonder if that was a good fit to help battle that.
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Thanks, Saintc. Are you using the BP as the final layer of product on your head before setting out?
I've been shaving my head for almost a month now. Trying to find my method of madness whether be in shower or at sink. I want a convenient method to do both face and head. I shave my face about every other day and I'm trying to do my head that same route. I would like to do it daily so it would be slick smooth but if its going to cause irritation then that's a no. I'm currently using a schick quattro for my head. I tried the headblade and found it a bit cumbersome around the sides, especially near the ears. I hear a lot of people swearing by the mach III. I guess I'll try that next. I did get a sample of the head slick and that seems to be really good.
I'm sure some of my problem too may be over-washing. I wash in the morning, then again at lunch after I go to the gym on my lunch break and then again at night. I've always had oily skin. By evening time I'm quite oily.
Has anyone ever used any of the cuticura body bars? I tend to have acne prone areas on my chest and back and wonder if that was a good fit to help battle that.
No, my final "layer" in winter or if I know I'm not going to be in the sun is Nivea Extreme Balm, light smell, feels great on my face and scalp. Sun--Banana Boat--dry not greasy. Only negative on Banana Boat it dulls the shine a little.
In my opinion for what it's worth it's hard to wash the scalp too much. First of all, it feels great, second if you have oily skin and mine is, it cleans up the oil and the soot, dust and other stuff in the air that now sticks to the scalp. If I can't wash I usually keep some BaldGuys Wipes handy, or even wipe down with a wet paper towel in the mens room. I was originally a little hesitant to do that, but now I figure I can and will and the fringers who can't may get the idea >:D--dump the fringe get on with life. The loofa pad will also help the general acne issues by deep cleaning dried oil and junk out of the pores around body hair too.
I also tried the Headblade, it is really an attractive piece of equipment. But, like you, I found it hard to use so I stuck with Fusion and have only had one or two small nicks in 18 months. My worst nicks were with the disposables--don't go there anymore. I like Headslick, and I absolutely wouldn't be without my brush--feels good, works the slick into a great lather--what more can you ask.
Great dome, now keep it up another 30 days and you'll be SLY for life.
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Thanks for the info. Is your preference to shave in the shower or at sink? Also, are you using same razor for your head as your face?
What Cuticura product would you recommend? I was thinking of getting the bar for blemish/acne prone skin for the shower and either the same for the sink to wash at night or getting the daily foam wash for the sink.
I am using the Head Shed exfoliant for my scalp and face on the days I shave. I really like it. Smells like rubbing chocolate over my head...ha.
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Thanks for the info. Is your preference to shave in the shower or at sink? Also, are you using same razor for your head as your face?
What Cuticura product would you recommend? I was thinking of getting the bar for blemish/acne prone skin for the shower and either the same for the sink to wash at night or getting the daily foam wash for the sink.
I am using the Head Shed exfoliant for my scalp and face on the days I shave. I really like it. Smells like rubbing chocolate over my head...ha.
Re the exfoliant, stick w/ what pleases you, that is in essence is Sly. I usually shave after the shower at the sink, but if I'm in a rush I shower shave, it's never as long lasting but it is fast. I use the bar, it's blue and sits by the sink at all times. I use a regular bar in the shower. I do shampoo and condition my beard in the shower. I've since found a little of the conditioner over the scalp before getting out seems to set up the scalp for shaving--but it may be my imagination. I use the loofa pad in the shower.
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I've tried the sink shave before but not without making such a mess. I'll have to give it another go.
Did you say you use the same razor on your face as you do on your head?
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I've tried the sink shave before but not without making such a mess. I'll have to give it another go.
Did you say you use the same razor on your face as you do on your head?
Oh, I make a mess at the sink too, but I use a towel to clean it up then throw it in the wash. I use my trusty Fusion on my face, or what's left of it after the goat has grown in, and on my head. In that regard the Fusion has the triming blade or edger that really helps keeping the goat in bounds. Only thing I change is I use gel on my face and Headslick + some baby oil on my scalp, w/ a second pass w/ Shave Secret and the rest of the HS in the brush. The brush is really nice.
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Sounds like the biggest reason people use the shower from what I've gathered is b/c of the mess factor. I can't tell any real difference in comfort in shaving in the shower vs at the sink other than on my face. Does seem more comfy to shave at sink.
I used to use a brush with a double-edge safety razor on my face until I started going sly and got rid of the goatee. I can't shave my upper lip area very well with the DE without knicks. The rest of the face is no problem.
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The upper lip is the most difficult part of my face to shave also, I'm always getting nicked there. As for the original post, Hookem makes a great point, washing and changing pillow cases frequently is important. I suffered from a ringworm looking infection at one point, spread all over my scalp. I now try to keep my head as clean as possible.
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Thank you, Peter. What are you shaving with?
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I also had trouble shaving my upper lip, but for the past 3 weeks I have been using Bald Guyz Pre-Shave
Scrub before shaving and it seems to have done the trick. The results have been great so far. So, maybe
you need some good pre-shave scrub to shave your upper lip (and doesn't have to be from Bald Guyz).
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ycartt, I use the Gillette Fusion, yourself? And Math Guy, I'll trust your advise on this one, thanks O0
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Thanks, Math and Peter! I have been using a double-edge safety razor on my face up until about a month ago when I started shaving my head. So I've been using a Schick Quatro on my head which isn't that comfy....was using that on my face as well. Just started trying the Fusion on my head and its comfy on my face...blades are just very costly. I only seem to get the knicks on my upper lip when shaving with the DE safety razor. Its a very comfy shave and does a great job with very little to no irritation or bumps. I've been using it for about a year. I also have to state that during most of that year I had a goatee and mustache so I didn't have to worry about shaving the upper lip. Seems the knicks come into play when I'm trying to shave that hard to get zone right under my nose.
Are you both using the same razor for face and head? Seems for me the part I have the hardest time getting smooth on my head is in the back on the lower half.
BTW, this forum rocks! Lots of good, useful information and lots of great guys willing to help out!
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Yea brother!, same razor for both the head and face. You're right about the blades being costly, all that money adds up, but in my personal opinion it's worth it because I get a fantastic shave from them. I do use different shave creams though, Head Slick for the dome and Edge shave gel for the face. Keep the posts coming ycartt, you'll find loads of useful information on here. O0
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Thanks, Peter. Sink or shower?
Btw, your dome looks good....good shape.
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The Fusion is my choice for the dome and it really cuts down on the irritation factor. Mach 3 for the mug. The Fusion blades cost more, but also last a long time. It also depends on the frequency you use it...every day (preferred) or every 3-4 days (which to me, can make it dull much faster if it has to cut through thicker hair). It helps to dry it off with a few sprays of rubbing alcohol once you're finished.
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Thanks, rob6, for that tip about the alcohol on the blades. I believe you are shaving in the shower? So are you taking your blade out each day and spraying with alcohol? Is this mainly to sanitize the blade and/or to help it last longer?
Also, can you use the regular Fusion blades on a Fusion Power razor? Was just wondering if it was a gimmick by Gillette that you had to use Fusion Power blades with Fusion Power razor so they can make a little extra dough.
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Guys guys don't worry about costs anymore. Didn't you read Tank's post about olive oil? Once you are done shaving put your razor in olive oil (read his post under product review). One fusion blade used to last him a week, and now since he's been putting the blade in olive oil he has used the same blade for 2 FULL MONTHS!!! !B@
Just do it and watch how much money you save.
ycartt, I use Mach 3 for my head and some disposable razor for my face. It's really one of those cheap small razors, and that's because the hairs on my cheeks are still thin (even though I'm 24 :)) so something like Mach 3 would be too sharp and not needed. :popo
I also struggle with the back of my head. The way I deal with it is by shaving only with the grain. It doesn't become too smooth but I am getting an electric razor soon so I will see if that will be helpful. For me going against the grain at the back of my head would take forever to finish. Too hard for my sensitive skin.
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Thanks, rob6, for that tip about the alcohol on the blades. I believe you are shaving in the shower? So are you taking your blade out each day and spraying with alcohol? Is this mainly to sanitize the blade and/or to help it last longer?
Also, can you use the regular Fusion blades on a Fusion Power razor? Was just wondering if it was a gimmick by Gillette that you had to use Fusion Power blades with Fusion Power razor so they can make a little extra dough.
ycartt:
I don't keep the Fusion in the shower...I store it in a drawer after use and yeah, the alcohol dries off any excess water and I guess the sanitizing is an added bonus! I use the regular "manual" fusion blades on the "power" handle and vice-versa. I received one free in the mail so I have both and both work just fine with either blade. It's a gimmick if you ask me. Same for Mach3 power and manual blades and handles.
Hope that helps!
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Thanks, rob6, for that tip about the alcohol on the blades. I believe you are shaving in the shower? So are you taking your blade out each day and spraying with alcohol? Is this mainly to sanitize the blade and/or to help it last longer?
Also, can you use the regular Fusion blades on a Fusion Power razor? Was just wondering if it was a gimmick by Gillette that you had to use Fusion Power blades with Fusion Power razor so they can make a little extra dough.
I think the "non" power blades fit the power. I'm devoted to Fusion, but after two razors' motors died I gave up and went to non-power. Here in New Orleans I can get 8 blades for $23 & change, so I figure $3 a week, I was able to get 14 days just w/ my face, now I change weekly. When you cost in the haircuts for the wispy combover-$30 a visit a year and a half ago, I'm still ahead (no pun intended!) Just gotta have my smooth noggin fix every morning--best part of the day in many ways. Smooth & sly, coffee in hand, reading the local rag on a weekend is really nice. O0
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Thanks all! Its like buying a printer. They entice you with a cheap price for the printer but sock it to you with the cost of ink replacement.
That's a very interesting fact about the olive oil. I'll have to find that post and check it out.
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Thanks all! Its like buying a printer. They entice you with a cheap price for the printer but sock it to you with the cost of ink replacement.
That's a very interesting fact about the olive oil. I'll have to find that post and check it out.
YCARTT, it's great to have you taking part, and we can see you're from Mississippi. Why don't you post up in Introductions and tell us a little about yourself? If you're from the southern part of the Magnolia state we're planning a get together in July and it would be great if you could join us for all or part of it. Great Dome, just fill in some details for the guys.
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haha...what do you want to know? yes, from MS, the Jackson area...capital in the central part of the state.
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haha...what do you want to know? yes, from MS, the Jackson area...capital in the central part of the state.
That's good, just open up a piece in Introductions and tell us what you think would get every one involved with you. We're a pretty amenable crowd, except for one guy who wears red and whites, but we'll keep him away from you. >:D >:D >:D
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Done! Don't beat me up in there! ha
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Thanks, Peter. Sink or shower?
Btw, your dome looks good....good shape.
Thanks man, appreciate it, yours is looking good as well! I do it in the shower every now and then, which gives me a great shave. But I feel more comfortable by the sink where I can see all areas of my head through the medicine cabinet mirrors.
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I just read all the posts. I think I have been fumbling through my sly existance for too long. Really glad I found this brotherhood of men (SLY men at that).
I shave in the shower. I have been using cheap disposable razors up to this point. I bought a Fusion and used it for a little while and loved the shave, but I didn't get replacement razors, as it was costly to do so. For those that haven't read my intro, I am a father of 5 kids, so money is ALWAYS tight.
But, with the new found knowledge I have gotten from all you brothers, I am going to quit cutting back on my dome. I also made the mistake of leaving my razor in the shower. For those that do this, DON'T!! You will spend much more on razors and get less quality out of them! I am going to look and read the post about the olive oil, in hopes that I can keep some Fusion blades around longer.
Thanks to all that have commented on things and given insight to those of us that obviously need direction from some more experienced SLY guys.