Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving => Topic started by: Bizzle on October 28, 2007, 04:41:10 PM
-
Hey Sly Guys,
Just joined up the site, pretty cool from what I've been seeing. Hope it's as great as a community as I've seen so far.
So, here's the story:
I have been bald and shaving for about a week running so far (lookin sharper than a... female dog), and it was pretty sweet for the first couple days. But, for the past couple of days, whenever I would shave my head, all of a sudden, my head would get filled with hundreds of little bleeding spots all across my skull. I hadn't been doing anything different than what I always did, and I used the same razor and shaving cream every time. If I didn't know any better, I'd say I was cursed!
Maybe I am. Eh.
They go away after a couple of minutes, but it still bothers the hell out of me, and I was wondering if you guys knew what the problem might be or what I could do to stop it. They only started appearing recently, even when I use a new blade.
Daily Routine:
1. Take shower, use soap/shampoo/body wash on head
2. Put a couple drops of baby oil mixed with water on head and rub in
3. Take Barbasol shaving cream and apply to head and rub in
4. Take BIC Comfort 3 Advance blade and shave
5. Rinse head with soap and water in shower
6. Apply 1 teaspoon Witch Hazel and 1 teaspoon vinegar to head
What do you guys make of it?
~Bizzle
-
Strange....skip step 2, re step 4 switch to a Mach 3 or Fusion razor., re step 6 skip the vinegar and increase the witch hazel. Good luck and welcome to the group.
-
Hey hey Tom,
Actually, using baby oil gives me less nicks. I remember reading before at headshavers.org that baby oil is a great shaving oil.
Ouch, really? Mach 3/Fusion? I'll check it out though, thanks.
Witch Hazel doesn't clean the bleeding as fast as Hazel + Vinegar. I'll try it though.
Thanks bro!
~Bizzle
-
Hey Bizzle, first let me welcome you to the SBG family.
Seccond, I don't recomend useing regular soap, or body wash on your head, because regular soaps can dry your skin out and leave it feeling tight. Also do you expholiate before you shave your head? If not I would recomend trying that first before you shave, it will help to get rid of dry flakey skin and maybe little ingrown hairs that cause bumps, which is what may be makeing you bleed.
I would recomend that you find yourself some Bald Guyz products, see my review by the same name in the product review section, here is a link to their web site. www.baldguyz.com (http://www.baldguyz.com) They make a Head Shampoo and Conditioner that also expholiates and work really well.
-
Ay-Yo Tom,
That makes sense. I'll check out the Bald Guyz stuff, I saw some at my local CVS. Although I'd like to find something else that could exfoliate besides Bald Guyz merchandise. Also, thanks for welcoming me. This looks like a pretty sweet place. I just might fit in well here.
With love and shrubbery,
Bizzle
-
Welcome!
For my $0.02, it's all about the blade.
Bleeding was the norm for me ... would soak a piece of paper towel in Listerine and let it soak up the bleeding spots.
No more! HeadBlade Sport with Triple blades = no more bleeding.
I wouldn't use regular shaving cream -- I've read that it's too thick and clogs the blades.
Try St. Ive's Apricot Scrub for exfoliating.
-
I know nothing about the bic but I can say that there are better brands of razors out there then the good old bic. If you are headed to the CVS then I recommend picking up the Headblade sport.
This is your head. I truly recommend taking care of you head by spending money on decent blades. I love Head Shed for ex foliating.
-
Hey guys,
Here's the thing though. I've always been using the bic blades, and the bleeding never happened when i used them until now. I replaced it and everything and it still does it. It seems a little fishy that all of a sudden a specific blade starts leaving a minefield of blood on my head for no apparent reason.
Confused,
Bizzle
-
Bizzle, welcome to Sly Bald Guys! I'm not too familiar with the Bic, but the three most popular head shaving razors are the HeadBlade, Fusion, and MachIII. My guess is the bleeding is caused by either too much pressure on the blade or a dull blade that is pulling the hair out rather than cutting it. I can't explain why a blade that you've been using successfully stopped working unless 1) you haven't changed the blade or 2) you got a bad batch of blades which can happen.
-
Exfoliating can help a lot. I started breaking out in red bumps suddenly after two years of daily shaving. Witch hazel didn't help, nor did any other topical ointment. I exfoliated, which seemed like the totally wrong thing to do since it can cause more irritation, but it really did help. I did it every day for about a week, and it made a big difference. Once it was healed, I cut back on the exfoliation.
You might also want to try a hypoallergenic shaving gel. There might be an additive in what you're currently using that's bothering you. Even though you've been using it for a while, it may have been reformulated recently or maybe it just took this long to get enough of a build-up to trigger an allergic reaction.
Good luck.
-
Hey Bizzle, welcome.
Do you shave every day? Maybe shaving every other day would relieve some of the irritation by giving your dome a chance to recoup. Are the Bic's the disposable razors with the yellow/orange handles? I know when I ever used a disposable on my face (even if the blade was new), I always nicked myself; just my experience. I think the handles are just too light.
Also, I think Tyler might be right, the amount of pressure you are applying might be a factor.
I've recently added a tiny bit of Barbasol cream to HeadBlade's Headslick for shaving. As much as I love the HeadSlick, I like something that foams up a bit more. The Barbasol is very cheap, and adds just a little bit of substance to the lather. Also, Headslick does clog the HeadBlade razor a bit, and the Barbasol actually cuts down on the clogging.
If you haven't tried the Headblade razor (Classic or Sport), it is awesome. Very easy to use, and I've only nicked myself maybe 3 or 4 times since January 2007 when I started shaving the dome, and those nicks were carelessness on my ears.
Also, are you a sink or shower shaver? I've done both, and the shower shaving actually makes for a better shave, IMHO.
Cheers,
Schro
-
i think tyler may have been right when he said you got a bad bunch of blades--that happened to me recently and i knew it immediately; actually trying to get my money back now (hey they're expensive). you probably would have noticed increased drag on your skin or something else?? otherwise, i would guess that you might have made a trivial (to you) change in your routine. whenever people break out in rashes or strangely/suddenly develop sensitive skin, it's nine times out of ten a reaction to a new shampoo/soap/detergent/perfume/whatever that causes it--and nine out of ten times when i ask them 'did you use any different whatevers?' they invariably think a second and say 'no...', then tell me two days later that yes, they in fact did, stopped using it, and the rash cleared up. think about it--did you try anything new recently? perhaps your scalp didn't like it. if not, my only guess would be that you're rushing with overconfidence or changed your shaving pattern. hope you clear it up bro.
-
bizzle.....1st of all welcome 2 the sly fraternity. glad that ya found us. well...the sly brahs have covered it pretty well. however...i do want 2 echo the use of a quality razor. like tyler mentioned.... THE BIG 3 razors of the sly fraternity is the fusion, mach3, & hb. i use the fusion (manual) & it keeps my dome the smoooothest. O0 4 the most part...u have a good routine but i would eliminate the barbasol cream (replace it with headslick) & shave in the shower. anyways...keep us posted 2 your road 2 slyness. and i'll c ya 'round the sly neighborhood. O0
WARHAWK O0
-
Welcome.
Sounds like you are re-irritating a case of razor burn by shaving over the inflamed little bumps.
I would stay away from washing your head with regular soap before shaving and either really dilute it with water first or use a small amount of a soap for your face on your head.
using a high quality shave cream and letting it sit for a minute on your head before your "dig in" will also help.
And like the others have said, good razors make all the difference. Your head is also far more sensitive than your face (especially for the first couple of months shaving).
Hang in there, it gets better and easier.
-
Yo Sly Guys,
Alright, alright, I got a lottalotta information from this topic. I'm heading out to CVS now, so I'm just gonna recap real quick to make sure I've got everything down:
First of all, I'm not too sure it's a problem with the blade, because the bleeding only started happening a couple days ago, and I've been using the Bic blades the whole time.
But, it seems the main things I should do are to:
1) Get some exfoliator (St. Ives, Bald Guyz, Head Shed) to open up my pores, and not use soap/body wash, as that would dry up and tighten my head.
2) Let the cream sink in for a minute before I start cutting, and try not to go all Freddy Kruger on my scalp.
3) It's not really needed to shave every day, every other day works as well, especially for sensitive scalps.
4) Check out other blades, especially the "HeadBlade", or whatever it's called. I think the Bics are doing fine for me, but I still should broaden my shaving... horizons, so to speak.
Wow, you guys are pretty freaking great! Thanks a million for your help, I think I just might like my new Sly jive.
Doing it Ving Rhames style,
Bizzle
-
Let us know how how it goes Bizzle.
-
Salutations Sly Guys,
Just took a shower using an exfoliating wash (CVS brand Gentle Exfoliating Wash), and I'm feeling more or less good. My head pulls a bit less when it's rubbed now, so I think it's working pretty well. I'm gonna wait till either tomorrow or in a couple of days until I shave again though.
I actually saw a HeadBlade at the CVS, and it looks slicker than a mother. But God almighty, the prices on the blades! And I'm pretty sure they didn't have the blades that the HeadBlade needs. I'm itching like a dog to get it, but I'm gonna see if I can get my money's worth with the rest of my Bic blades, and I'm gonna check to see if I can get the right blades for it.
This bald stuff is pretty hard work, here's hoping it's worth it.
Optimistic,
Bizzle
-
It is worth it
once you get the right gear and routine it will all be better O0 O0 O0
-
Salutations Sly Guys,
Just took a shower using an exfoliating wash (CVS brand Gentle Exfoliating Wash), and I'm feeling more or less good. My head pulls a bit less when it's rubbed now, so I think it's working pretty well. I'm gonna wait till either tomorrow or in a couple of days until I shave again though.
I actually saw a HeadBlade at the CVS, and it looks slicker than a mother. But God almighty, the prices on the blades! And I'm pretty sure they didn't have the blades that the HeadBlade needs. I'm itching like a dog to get it, but I'm gonna see if I can get my money's worth with the rest of my Bic blades, and I'm gonna check to see if I can get the right blades for it.
This bald stuff is pretty hard work, here's hoping it's worth it.
Optimistic,
Bizzle
Bizzle, the Headblade is compatable with either Gillette Atra or Gillette Sensor blades, which are both readily available at most places you can get razor blades. I bought a 5-pack of Sensor Excel blades today at my nearby Wal-Mart for 8 bucks, and I think the Atra's are cheaper than that. My HB is probably the best investment I've made in my headcare, I just wish I had a Sport model.
-
Damn, damn.
Just tried shaving again, and my head still came out completely bloody. Chalk one more to fate. At least it's not *as* bloody as it was before, so maybe I have to give it a while longer. Maybe it is the blade, I dunno.
Oh well. Thanks anyway for your help, guys.
Disappointed,
Bizzle
-
was it healed all the way or still bumpy?
You might have just re-injured your head.
At least its better...
-
Hey Marz,
Yeah, I think I just totally messed up my scalp here, or at least re-injured it a bunch. I threw a lot of alcohol on my head and kept wiping it down with a towel, and it burned when i put moisturizer on. it burned like crazy when I took a shower. Now it feels tight and it still hurts a bit. I'm pretty worried I might have done something.
Damn damn. I don't think I'm gonna mess with my head again for a while.
Bah,
Bizzle
-
I doubt you damaged your head, the scalp is pretty resilient.
take a break and let it heal up completely and give it a go with the latest method once it is back in good shape.
-
Hang in there my friend!!
Once you start down the Bald path...forever will it dominate your destiny!!
-
Just a suggestion to think about. This may be related to acne, so just stick to buzzing at #0 for a week or so. Once the healing has reached just red bumps, get some 10% benzoyl peroxide and use it twice a day after washing with a mild antiseptic soap or an acne soap. Then once it's healed nicely, start again, BUT after every shave use the 10% benzoyl peroxide as the first ointment after you dry your head. After it drys, some non-oily scalp treatment w/o alcohol, Nivea for example.
As I said, just a suggestion, but I've had bad skin all my life and until benzoyl peroxide came up I had pimples all the time especially in the beard area but not since using it. I've also been using it on my scalp since I started slying my head, and so far clean & clear, and it's three weeks.
-
HOLY SHITAKE
Alright, here's how it went:
I'm coming home after taking the bus, right? My bus stop is right in front of CVS, and as I'm walking home, I look back.
"Eh. You know what? I guess I will check out this 'HeadBlade' stuff everyone's talking about."
So I get a Sport HB and head home. I take my shower, exfoliate my head, use the HeadSlick that comes with the blade, pop it on my finger, and take a deep breath...
HOLY
MOTHER
OF
GOD
(pardon my language)
Absolutely no bleeding, no problems, and it was THE CLOSEST SHAVE I EVER HAD. Seriously, my head is a goddamn cueball now. Completly smooth, no irritation, no aftereffects, 100% perfect all across the board.
Try to picture a naked bald black guy running through his house screaming with joy.
actually, don't.
And I got no one to thank but you guys. Should've taken your advice in the first place. I think I'm gonna be pretty happy with this from now on. Thanks a million Sly guys! Now, I got a head to polish.
Stayin' Sly til I die,
Bizzle
-
Glad to hear that you had such an awesome experience with the HB. It truly is a great razor.
Keep it Sly!
-
I love happy endings ::)
-
I love happy endings ::)
SAP!! $@y
Hey Bizzle, congrats on the pain free Sly you.
-
HOLY sh*tAKE
Alright, here's how it went:
I'm coming home after taking the bus, right? My bus stop is right in front of CVS, and as I'm walking home, I look back.
"Eh. You know what? I guess I will check out this 'HeadBlade' stuff everyone's talking about."
So I get a Sport HB and head home. I take my shower, exfoliate my head, use the HeadSlick that comes with the blade, pop it on my finger, and take a deep breath...
HOLY
MOTHER
OF
GOD
(pardon my language)
Absolutely no bleeding, no problems, and it was THE CLOSEST SHAVE I EVER HAD. Seriously, my head is a goddamn cueball now. Completly smooth, no irritation, no aftereffects, 100% perfect all across the board.
Try to picture a naked bald black guy running through his house screaming with joy.
actually, don't.
And I got no one to thank but you guys. Should've taken your advice in the first place. I think I'm gonna be pretty happy with this from now on. Thanks a million Sly guys! Now, I got a head to polish.
Stayin' Sly til I die,
Bizzle
Nice. HB is a great product! O0
-
Bizzle, let me say welcome since I missed the earlier post.
I love your reaction in your post. its a great feeling being Sly. O:O
Just wanted to say I use the Sensor 3 blades that fit the HB Sport for replacements. I find the 3 blades do a much better job for me.
Another post that proves why this place rocks. O0
-
That's awesome Bizzle! I knew it had to be those Bic blades that were eating you up - literally! Glad you've found the painless, blood free, side of the Sly life O0
-
HeadBlade 4 Life!!!
-
You sound just like me when I first got my HB, it is definitely one of the Top 5 inventions in my life.
-
You sound just like me when I first got my HB, it is definitely one of the Top 5 inventions in my life.
You have to add a Conair Hot Lather/ Gel Machine to that list.
-
I love happy endings ::)
Kind of brings a tear to your eye. :'(
-
I love happy endings ::)
Kind of brings a tear to your eye. :'(
I'm definately getting choked up :'(
BUt on the good side you fixed your problem and got some good advise that payed off, welcome to the bloodless slyness and the HB sport. O0 ;D
-
I love happy endings ::)
Kind of brings a tear to your eye. :'(
The story is as old as time: man meets blade, man tries blade, man gets burned then finds the blade of his life.
-
Thats Awesome Bizzle! O0
Glad to hear your not slicing and dicing anymore.
-
Hey hey Sly Guys,
A bit of a problem again, but I think I know the solution now:
I'm dicing my head up again, although it's not as serious as it was before. It wasn't happening at all when I was using the blade it came with, but now that I'm using the Gillette Sensor blade, it's starting to slice up my head again. I notice only the Atra and the Sensor blades are compatible with it (besides the standard Headblade razors), but it's a bit hard to find Atra blades. Is the Atra any better than the Sensor?
In Sly we Trust,
Bizzle
-
You can order the headblade replacements on the internet or buy them at the store where you got your headblade. the wallgreens near my house has them with all the other replacement blades not near the headblade products.
I use the triples and love the result.
-
Was it the triple blade that you were using with it originally? In my opinion the Atra blades are more likely to cut you than the sensor. If it was the triples, I'd try ordering some replacement from HB.
-
Hey Bizzle have you tried giving the Sensor Excel double blade razors a try on your HB?
The trips work well for some people but for some they seem to have a tendency to irritate the skin on the scalp too much, maybe this is why you are cutting your head.
Welcome to the Sly fraternity too O0
-
Hey Biz, I agree with J. For most of the bro's, the Sensor blades are easier on the scalp than the Atra's. I use both and find I get a closer shave with the Atra, but that's just me. Each blade will have different characteristics, as will the scalp. Some people just can't use them, (check out X the Hierophant's posts in product reviews).
The HB triples also work well. You may want to stick with them eventually.
Give the Atra's a shot.
Always remember to not put any pressure on the blades themselves. As you start your stroke, pressure on the wheels and then lead with the blade, nice and smooth. It gets much easier as you gain more experience.
Keep it smooth, bro!.
-
Sup Sly Guys,
Actually, the blade I am using is the Sensor Excel, and that's the one that is slicing my head up like a glazed ham. The HB Triples were the ones that gave me no trouble at all, but they can only be bought online. But, I guess it's a nessecary trouble if I want a close shave. The atra isn't stocked at any drug stores in the area, and I don't feel like tripping over to Wal-Mart just for some razors like a schmuck. I'll try the Sensor Excels for another week, and if they're still a problem, I'll lay down the bones for some more Headblade Triples. Thanks for the help guys!
And so it goes,
Bizzle
-
Bizzle bro,
For me anything BUT the HB Triples leaves me bleeding.
I've found them at Walgreens in the shaving supplies. (the HB Triple Blades)
Peace,
WBP
-
Yo Slys,
Alright then. I guess it's settled. I gotta get the Triple Blades from HB.
Now I have to wait in the damn mail for them, while I proceed to grow a 5 o'clock shadow on my head. Lucky me.
Patience is a virtue,
Bizzle
-
Listen, I had the same problems when I first started shaving my dome. No biggie. When I first started shaving the old dome, I started out using Schick Quatro and then discovered the HeadBLade, and then the real bleeding started. I used to go to work and people would tease me, saying that I looked like I got attacked on the way to work by a blind man with a razor in each hand.
Here's what I do, some may work for you, it may not work at all: Stick the dome in the sink, get it good and soaking. Take a few drops of the scented (i.e. watered down) tea tree or olive oil and rub it in. Then take a quarter-sized portion of HeadLube or Lubriderm (with a few drops of liquid soap added into the container) and rub that into the dome. Then use the HeadBlade Sport in lines, doing the front first; then flip the HB Sport around and slowly do the back. The trick is not to apply any pressure, just drag it across the dome.
Whenver I get too many cuts, I just take a splash of hydrogen peroxide and get it gone in a second. Hydrogen peroxide will burn alright, but you'll get a beauty of a shine out of it. A few little pinprick sized cuts are nothing if you take a quarter sized portion of HB Glossy or matte finish and rub it in.