So far I've made all the mistakes (well... many)

[soylent.plaid]

Hi everyone,

I went to a barber for the buzz. +1
I thought I would keep that for a while, and see how I liked it. +1

 so... as it starting to quickly grow, 3 days later I decided to trim it myself with my own cheap shaver -1
My head looked like freshly vacuumed carpet.
Then, my shaver ran out of juice because I didn't charge it beforehand. -1

The next day, I buzzed everything, and decided to go all the way with it. +1
I shaved with clippers, with and against the grain, then with then shaver attachment, then with a razor. -5
I did not take time to prepare my scalp. I wet my head with cold water, smeared the cream, and attacked. -2
I shaved against the grain on my neck, with all three methods. -5000

My neck is still festered, I have several ingrown hairs around the dome, and a big red sore that I hope is not infected.

I'm still not going back. I've gotten too many complements from the people who told me not to do it.
I've been warned... you're short, you'll look smaller... ...whatever. I also look healthier and thinner.
I have a fivehead, maybe six.... shaving minimizes that to a great extent. Nice plus.

Now I'm just trying to figure out how to heal up.
There is a lot of advice on this.
One problem I face, is that I take Lamictal, which lowers the immune system enough to allow for foliculitis. (I use Nizoral to combat that)

Any tips on some quick healing?

[Tyler]

Welcome to SBG!!! I can't comment on the foliculitis, but one or more of the guys should be able to help.

[soylent.plaid]

Thank you Tyler! Sly Bald Guys was a big factor in boosting my confidence to go sly.

[soylent.plaid]

I have Headblade ClearHead arriving via UPS on Thursday. I'm going to lay off the razor until then.

[Paul the Headblader]

uwm, tips for quick healing... time
and, staring now, you could just shave it on your own, (day by day so it'll be much easier).
good luck.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Keeping it clean helps keeps it clear.  Wash your head with a mild antibacterial soap and warm, not hot, water two or three times a day--& change the pillow cases often.  There's nothing between your dome and the dirt and grime of the world now. 

[tomgallagher]

A little more prep work on the dome might help. I use a hot towel on the dome just like the barbers do on your face for a shave. Helps a lot. Very soothing.

[soylent.plaid]

Last night I cleaned my neck with alcohol, applied some Neutrogena Men's Age Fighter Moisturizer, and went to bed.
This morning the redness has calmed down. I can't use that same moisturizer on my face, or I break out. Go figure.

I started washing my face and scalp twice a day. That helps quite a bit.

Thank you for all of your great advice. I hope someone catches this thread and doesn't make the same mistakes I did.

[Slynito]

Tom's advice is good...I would keep it clean with witch hazel and also use aloe vera and see what happens.

[Toulouse]

Hi & Welcome from another new head shaver.

At the moment my head is also pretty sore - especially the back down towards my neck.
But, like you, I'm not giving up.  I like the look and know that once I get past giving myself razor rash, I'll like it even more.

Oh, BTW, you look good in your pic...

[soylent.plaid]

I followed your advice (pillow case, hot towel, more prepwork).
I'm already washing my face and head twice a day, so I'm continuing with that.

I went with the grain only. It worked pretty well (not close enough)

@Slynito I'll give the witch hazel and aloe a shot.

@Toulouse Thanks!

Thank you everyone. I'll let you know how it goes.

[soylent.plaid]

This is what I've learned....

1) Clean your head often.
2) Take your time.
3) Use warm water.
4) Conditioner during the shower helps.
5) Leaving the shaving cream on for a bit is a must.
6) End with cool/cold water.

7) As far as the gash and burn, Witch Hazel with Aloe works.
I'm incorporating that after every shave.

The gash and burn isn't gone yet, but it is going away.

Thank you everyone for the great advice!