Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving => Topic started by: Noner on October 27, 2006, 04:23:51 PM
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Ok I hear a lot of people talk about shaving techniques. So which do you do?
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I always shave against the grain. I feel I get a closer shave doing it that way. It has never caused me to have ingrown hairs as some have reported by shaving against the grain.
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I'll tell you that tomorrow.
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Well I shave my face with, because it leaves a nice semi day's growth. You know the 5 o'clock shadow, look.
Otherwise, against the grain if I have the goat-t growing and on the head.
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Only 3 votes so far?
I was asking because there are two schools of thought here.
* Against the grain gets the best shave
OR
* Against the grain is bad for you skin and creates in grown hairs.
So who does what?
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It's the best shave I say
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When I'm shaving with a straight razor I always do the last pass against the grain.
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I usually do a combination of both... so I can't answer the poll!
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Same here , i tend to go all over the place , against or with until smooooooooth
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Both actually
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I am new to the world of baldness (1 month actually) and I remember reading all the forums carefully on shaving techniques. I was nervous about shaving against the grain, I had pictures in my head of ingrown hairs all over my scalp. But I got frustrated shaving with the grain because I could not get the smooth look and feel. Now, I go which ever direction that gets my noggin the smoothest- with and against the grain.
I have had no problems with ingrown hairs or razor burns or anything. Maybe my brother was right when he use to call me a thick-head numbskull. ??? :D
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Noner, I always shave against the grain.
I'm aware of the fact that there are many who think that shaving with the grain is better for your skin.
Naturally, if you shave against the grain, there's more friction, more bad stuff can happen. But I don't care, I always shave against the grain. The smooth feeling you get with this technique is just great, and I hate feeling any stubble when I move my hand over my head after a shave. So, against the grain it is...
By the way, could anyone explain to me what "ingrown hair" is? I've heard about it, but I have no visual concept of this, well, concept of ingrown hair.
How does it look like? Have any of you been affected by it?
Please let me know so I can figure out whether I've got any or not...
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By the way, could anyone explain to me what "ingrown hair" is? I've heard about it, but I have no visual concept of this, well, concept of ingrown hair.
How does it look like? Have any of you been affected by it?
Please let me know so I can figure out whether I've got any or not...
Ingrown hair is a condition where the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. It may or may not be accompanied by an infection of the hair follicle (folliculitis) or "razor bumps" (Pseudofolliculitis barbae). It most commonly appears in areas where the skin is shaved (beard, legs), but can appear anywhere.
From Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingrown_hair
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By the way, could anyone explain to me what "ingrown hair" is? I've heard about it, but I have no visual concept of this, well, concept of ingrown hair.
How does it look like? Have any of you been affected by it?
Please let me know so I can figure out whether I've got any or not...
You may want to put this in another area as a new thread but......
You gotta be careful of ingrown hairs when you shave your head. I got a really bad one near the top of my ear where my sideburn would start. I made this round red bump and I had to go to a dermatoligist (can't spelll) to have it removed. He said that if I shave too fast, it causes the hair to turn underneath itself and not be able to grow straight back up the same opening. So instead it curls in a circle making a bump.
Since then, I take my time shaving the noggin.
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Well, depending on how much time I have...
I go all over because I like the whole head to feel smooth
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With shaving, as with life, I'm an against-the-grain type guy.
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I voted "againsdt the grain" but I actually go both with and against. That's the only way that I am able to make sure I haven't missed any spots.
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:) I go with the grain on the first pass and then against the grain on the second, and, if need be, subsequent passes to eliminate all stubble that can be tactilely detected. Professor Melon
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whichever direction makes it smooth. my problem is two small flat moles that get nicked once in awhile.
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I definitly used to prefer shaving against the grain - other ways it doesn't get as smooth as I want it to have.
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I'm with the grain,but I might try going vs. the grain to feel the difference
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I'm with the grain,but I might try going vs. the grain to feel the difference
Definitely try that! It gives a much smoother feel. Plus, you further reduce the shadow, if you
have any (that's noticeable, as in my case).
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Like most I first do a with the grain and then an against the grain. :)
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I truied SBG's method and I got a nice smooth shave out of it. THANKS!!!!!
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I truied SBG's method and I got a nice smooth shave out of it. THANKS!!!!!
That's what we're here, to pick up on others tricks of the trade. ;D
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against the grain is the only way to go! i cannot stand to feel ANY stubble. it must be smooth all over!
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I'll say both. However today I finally got both ways smooth and boy it was a proud feeling.
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I get razor burn when I shave with the grain (I have really straight hair), so I only shave against. Beyond that, if I shave "with" the grain, it's just going to be the same as clipper shaved within a few hours.
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I can't vote on this topic, simply because as I said in another thread, that my shave routine is all over, first I go with the grain ( if I was lazy and didn't shave for a couple of days ), then I go against the grain, then accross the grain, then I wet one hand and rub my head in a circular motion to find any sand paper patches, and follow my finger tips whith the HeadBlade to eraticate them all!! :/O :/O :D :/O :/O
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Like most everyone else, I shave with the grain, then finish by going against. Just more thorough that way.
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- When I have 2 days growth: against the grain, gets it really smooth
- When I have </= 1 days growth: with the grain, otherwise I get too many burns.
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I would have to say that against the grain is the only way to fly in most situations... Due to the fact that it delivers a smoother shave, with less passes. Keeps the Velcro Effect at bay.
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Against first and then in any directions till my fingers cannot detect any stubble.
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I shave with the grain, then finish by going against.
my head is totally smooth
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As I've mentioned before, my hair is really thin to begin with...so keeping my dome smooth going against the grain comes naturally and very easy to me. O:O
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Head and face against the grain. It has to be smooth. Whatever it takes.
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with the grain first, then against ....with headblade, gets it nice and smooth
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I shave with the grain first, and then against it. The blades get less clogged, easier to clean, and seem to last me a bit longer.
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My blades seemed to wear out quicker going with then against the grain.
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I go with the grain, against is def smoother, but it seems to irritate my sides more...
I have MPB, but my horseshoe is thick and grows fast, figure that out.
Does going against the grain make the shadow even less visible?
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Does going against the grain make the shadow even less visible?
Just like with any other area you shave, my bet would be yes!
In my opinion...you haven't experienced a truly "bald" shave head until you go against the grain...
it's always against the grain for this sly dude! ;)
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Does going against the grain make the shadow even less visible?
I would say yes. For some reason I didn't feel like shaving against the grain this morning, and to me, it doesn't look as good. Of course it could just be my imagination too. But I'll have to agree with Andre since he is the 'man.'
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But I'll have to agree with Andre since he is the 'man.'
Now, THAT'S funny :*))
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Shaved against the grain and it feels great, was nervous because of my sensitive skin that my head would look like a fruitcake but its not that bad, I think it will improve over time. Have to say taking your time is a definite plus...
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Against the grain is the only way to fly for this SBG!
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I shave with the grain first, then against the grain and then whatever direction i need to go to get rid of ALL the stubble
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I shave every other day against the grain only once. If I go with then against it irritates my dome too much.
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I'm against the grain man-entire head. Use my free hand to stretch my scalp tight getting even closer. I'm one slick skinhead after a good shave.
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Shaved against the grain and it feels great, was nervous because of my sensitive skin that my head would look like a fruitcake but its not that bad, I think it will improve over time. Have to say taking your time is a definite plus...
I can't recommend more if you shave against the grain to make sure that you use a good moisturizer after, or pick up the after shave alcohol routine. I shaved the sides of my head against the grain at first, and I found that I would have a lot of irritation. It calmed down when i started using HeadLube.
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from my 1st shave it's always been against the grain..
never tried with the grain..
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I started "against the grain" and have never even tried "with the grain" I want it so close and smooth that it looks and feels like I've NEVER had hair! :*))
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rubbing alchohol and a match gets me super sly. aloe vera helps with the burning sensation. >:D
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rubbing alchohol and a match gets me super sly. aloe vera helps with the burning sensation. >:D
How soon after you apply the alcohol do you torch it? ???
J/K... don't try this at home! We're professionals!
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I'm a bit different than the rest of you...go figure..LOL. I used to shave against the grain my first few years of baldness but have switched and now shave with the grain. After shaving against the grain I always noticed that my skin looked and felt very oily. When I switched my technique the oily look and feel were gone. Shaving with the grain also allows me to shave more often without fear of irritation.
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rubbing alchohol and a match gets me super sly. aloe vera helps with the burning sensation. >:D
:*)) Thanks, but no thanks. I'll pass on the "extra crispy" look. :)
I shave with, then against. Yesterday I did a "with the grain only" just to try it out. Nope. I like the totally smooth feeling. So this AM I went back to shaving with and then against.
Darrell
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I started "against the grain" and have never even tried "with the grain" I want it so close and smooth that it looks and feels like I've NEVER had hair! :*))
Couldn't agree more. I shave with the grain so it looks and feels like I never had hair. Want it as smooth as possible.
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With the grain here...
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what works 4 me is against the grain..... it keeps me super sly
WARHAWK O0
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My hair grows back so fast that I don't get to enjoy the super smoothness long enough to risk the bumps and problems of poss in grown hairs.
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I have been shaving for 4 mos. now, and have only attempted against the grain 3X. The first 2 were earlier on in my beginning shaving stages and I experienced a lot of irritation, yesterday was the 3rd. I loved the way it felt and I had no irritation. I also think this helped with the shadow as well.
Question?...I shaved with the grain 1st, and then relathered and against. Is this the best way, or just go straight to against the grain???
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Question?...I shaved with the grain 1st, and then relathered and against. Is this the best way, or just go straight to against the grain???
Personally I think if you shave against straight out of the shoot, it will help "pull" the hairs first to shave them off, it's a bit rougher, but since you're more seasoned now, i would stick to going against the grain..
yea, it does help with both smoothness and shadow.
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I have been shaving for 4 mos. now, and have only attempted against the grain 3X. The first 2 were earlier on in my beginning shaving stages and I experienced a lot of irritation, yesterday was the 3rd. I loved the way it felt and I had no irritation. I also think this helped with the shadow as well.
Question?...I shaved with the grain 1st, and then relathered and against. Is this the best way, or just go straight to against the grain???
That's the way that I do it YOSP, with and then against. I rarely have any irritation.
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I usually go all over the place. I have a weird hair growth pattern.. But it is always against the grain.
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In the short time I've been shaving I've found that I like it totally smooth, and that the only way to do this is by going against the grain (and sometimes sideways too), as so many of you guys have said. But clarify this for me --- if you shave daily, do you recommend doing the WHOLE shave against the grain? What I usually do is a once over "with the grain" then again against. Just doing it once, against the grain would save time, no?
John
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In the short time I've been shaving I've found that I like it totally smooth, and that the only way to do this is by going against the grain (and sometimes sideways too), as so many of you guys have said. But clarify this for me --- if you shave daily, do you recommend doing the WHOLE shave against the grain? What I usually do is a once over "with the grain" then again against. Just doing it once, against the grain would save time, no?
John
I begin with going against the grain John, but like Timm I seem to have a weird growth pattern so I go in all directions. This means I actually go on the diagonal sometimes, sometimes back to front, whichever way works against the grain. It is the only way I can assure total and longer lastiing smoothness. BTW John, ever given consideration to Just For Men for the beard?
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When I first started I would go against the grain and with...and just go all over the place. I kinda refined it down to just going against the grain since going with the grain didn't add any smoothness. Still would like to find something to help keep the stubble away for longer than half a day. I guess the only answer is a lunch times shave????
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I once read somewhere that if you just go against the grain alone that it will help get your dome smoother because the longer the hairs are the more the razor has to grab on to to cut. Or something like that. But who knows for sure. I myself have never went with then against. I have always just went against. I do understand why some may go with then against because it will cause less drag and irritation. But if you just take it slow when shaving against the grain it doesn't pull too bad at all and rarely has caused me irritation. I use to be a shower shaver but now I've went back to the sink for different reasons. I just fill the sink up with real hot water and take it against the grain real slow. I make sure to rinse the blade with every pass.
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I have never shaved with the grain, always against. Can never get a truly smooth shiny dome with going against the grain.
Sometimes however if I have a dull blade and no new ones it helps to shave with the grain at first to cut the hair down and reapply lube and then shave against.
A good trick I learned was using clean and clear wipes which gives your head mini goosebumps and allows the finer smaller hairs to be shaved clean off allowing even a smoother shave.
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. BTW John, ever given consideration to Just For Men for the beard?
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Sounds like 'against the grain' is the way to go. Thanks, guys. I hear ya, SlyKC , about the midday stubble. I am still finding it amazing that my head feels like sandpaper in the afternoon if I shave in the morning.
About the 'just for men' thing. .... I kind of have a philosophical objection to men dying their hair. I 've been prematurly grey since 35 (am 53 now, so I'm pretty used to it). Just seems like it would be really vain to start coloring now (and I'm vain enuf as it is! )
John
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Good Morning Guys,
John, I absoluteley agree with you on the dyeing thing.
I have been partially gray for the last 4-5 years I'd say.
I have an aversion to any sort of coloring, I think it doesn't look natural and seems futile.( almost like combover , horseshoe ponytail?)
I would rather just shave it off or leave it all gray. It looks much neater and cleaner if it's trimmed well.
By the way John, Did you shave it all clean yet?
Joe
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John, I absoluteley agree with you on the dyeing thing.
I have been partially gray for the last 4-5 years I'd say.
I have an aversion to any sort of coloring, I think it doesn't look natural and seems futile.( almost like combover , horseshoe ponytail?)
I would rather just shave it off or leave it all gray. It looks much neater and cleaner if it's trimmed well.
By the way John, Did you shave it all clean yet?
Joe
Not yet. I did trimm it down a bit though. here's what it looks like now
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,
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By the way John, Did you shave it all clean yet?
Joe
Not yet. I did trimm it down a bit though. here's what it looks like now
You almost there!!! going to look great!! give it a try!!
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John,
Wow, looks awesome, I think you are rocking it like a natural!
I am going to be joining you and the other sly fella's (I bought the Headblade Sport today!, check my other post in headshavng).
Keep it the way you have it now, like I said it looks much better trimmed down neat.
I will let you know how it goes for me.
Joe
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I am new at this, but ever since my first shave a week and a half ago I have been going against the grain. I don't even bother doing with the grain. I just headlube up, and start against the grain with the headblade. If you're going to shave it I figure against will make it more smooth.
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X, that sounds good. I am 3 days into this now, and so far I have mostly stayed with the grain. I am worried that I may cause too much irritation.
But so far I can't believe how easy it's becoming. I am currrently using headslick,which seems to work well. Shaving with the HB sport in the shower; then clean up with my Mach III while I shave the face.
Maybe some of the fellas' can give a little input on the difference between headslick and headlube?
Joe
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X, that sounds good. I am 3 days into this now, and so far I have mostly stayed with the grain. I am worried that I may cause too much irritation.
But so far I can't believe how easy it's becoming. I am currrently using headslick,which seems to work well. Shaving with the HB sport in the shower; then clean up with my Mach III while I shave the face.
Maybe some of the fellas' can give a little input on the difference between headslick and headlube?
Joe
I was worried about irritation too, but so far no nicks and no serious razor burn (I get some minor burn on my third shave with the same razor ... but it goes away within 30 minutes). I also use headslick and a HB Sport and clean up and shave my face with a Mach 3. I've been using the mach 3 on my face for a long while.
As for the difference between the headslick and headlube ... headslick is shaving cream and headlube is lotion. I love the headlube (I apply about 5 minutes after my head dries off).
Also, I have a bottle of headshed at home, and while I like it I'm not sure I will buy it again. It's just not essential. I mean isn't a razor a pretty good exfoliant?
Headslick and Headlube is a must though... I love that stuff.
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I've been shaving with and then against the grain all this week, and you can't beat the look and feel...plus the irritation that I was afraid of has been virtually non-existent. Not to mention the shadow went virtually away which is even better. I'm just hoping that the irritation stays at-bay. Against the grain is def the way to go.
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I shave strictly against the grain for my head. On my face I start with the grain, and go against on the second pass. I finish both head and face with a dry shave against the grain for anyplaces I miss. I am not happy unless I am baby smooth when done. Even if that means passing over the same spot 5 or 6 times.
Don
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both... first pass with, then re rather and against. gotta be smoooooooooooooooth