Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => 30 Day Rule / Beginners Section => Topic started by: dwingrider on March 19, 2011, 01:56:44 AM
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Hey everyone,
I have been losing hair ever since I turned 18 and now that I am 25, it had become worse. I had been planning to shave my hair off for a while now and was just putting it off (didnt want to do it in winter months :P).
Anyways, tonight I decided to do it. Used a hair clipper without guard to cut my hair really close, took a shower and shaved it off! It feels good so far, a little self conscious yes but I think I will get used to it.
I came across two issues though. I used Gillete HydraGel (for sensitive skin) and it clogged my Mach3 a lot. I had to unclog my razor several times and had to take several passes on the top of my head to get a clean shave. Is there anything easily available/not too expensive on the market that wont clog my razor?
Also, I have to wear a hard hat at work. Would you guys recommend wearing a bandanna or something? I am afraid, the hard hat will end up irritating my scalp? Any suggestions are welcome.
Its good to be here on this great forum and it sure does feel like a load has been taken off my head :P
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I'm new myself, having only shaved on the 2nd, but I will say that I've been using some Gillette Fusion cream so far with a Mach 3 Fusion razor. It took me quite a bit of time to shave fully due to clogging and wanting to be sure it was done right without gouging myself. Last week, I just so happned to find a HeadBlade at my local Albertson's and it cut my time in half, at least. I still take my time compared to videos I've seen on Youtube about how to use it, but I love it.
In fact, I dig it so much I placed a $50 order tonight for some of their cream products, including their shaving cream. While you're new, I'd say grab one (I got the sport, as I trusted the wheels more than just a "nub") and take your time to learn it. I can't even compare the closeness of the shaves between a razor and the HB.
As far as the "underwear" goes, I ride a motorcycle so I read up on here and assumed I should buy a skull cap. The second day after I cut it all off, I happened to pass a Sports Authority, where I stopped and found an Under Armour skull cap for around $15. I've worn the helmet a few times with it and sometimes without it, and have yet to notice any difference other than ease of taking the helmet off and putting my sunglasses on with helmet on. I will add that the skull cap does leave imprints after a 30-45 minute ride, though. Nothing bad, same as the imprints of wearing boxers or something. It does feel pretty nice to have that cap on, though.
Congrats on the decision, and I hope you follow the 30 day rule. It gets WAY better after a week or so, promise. It's about that time that you realize "this is pretty damn cool, screw you guys."
Also, if you have some Aloe Vera or any Menthol body wash (I just bought some Dove for Men "cooling" wash that had it), it feels NICE on a shaved head.
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Good morning and welcome to the gang!
Couple of things I can relate as a realtive newbie;
After your first couple of shaves things are not quite as thick (not all hair grows at the same time) so you're razor problems should go down a bit.
Try the Headblade Sport, lots of guys really love it. Unfortunately I didn't have as good a result as most but I view it as my issue not the razor's.
Headblade products are awesome - I suggest trying one of their travel packs to decide if they work for you.
I've gotten into the traditional shaving soap, bowl and brush routine with Headblade and King of Shave stuff mixed in depending on my mood. There is a certain satisfaction/luxury derived from this approach.
So far as the skullie under your hardhat - I think it was SaintC who has talked about using one under a hardhat. I thnk it was in order to manage sweat as well as to give him a layer between his scalp and "loaner" hard hats. Try the search function and/or sending him a private.
And in general = follow through on the 30 days. It gives you the time to adjust to the change and people around you the time to get past the surprise. My guess is, like most of us, you'll love the sly look.
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A big yes on the bandanas. I have about 7 or 8 in my rotation.
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Give Headblade Headslick a try. It's the best shave cream I've used for my head, and I know a lot of guys here will swear by it. It may seem a little pricey (8.99) but my first bottle that I bought back in Sept of last year is just now empty. You definitely get your moneys worth, and it provides for a great shave. It's not too thick, and has a nice menthol feeling.
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Also, I have to wear a hard hat at work. Would you guys recommend wearing a bandanna or something? I am afraid, the hard hat will end up irritating my scalp? Any suggestions are welcome.
Welcome--and yes, get a do rag or an UnderAmour beannie http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/search?search_text=beanie , and keep it clean bc with the strapping in a hard hat, a lot of junk can rest on that dome and may cause skin issues.
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A big yes on the bandanas.
I love Bananas too ! >:D
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Thanks a lot everyone :)
I dont feel comfortable yet to use the Headblade, so gonna stick to my Mach3. I also ordered Headlube and an Underarmour skull cap for use under my hard hat.
Tomorrow is my first day at work with the new look. I am loving it so far, makes me look a lil bad-ass :D
Still a bit self conscious about it though, but that will go away soon.
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The Headblade can have a learning curve for some of us - I'm yet to master it. Personally, I think you're doing things the right way. Get used to the process an dpast the introduction phase before trying something you're unsure of. I put mine away after a few tries and am thinking about going back to give it another shot it in the next few days.
Tomorrow will go fine at work - depending on your position on the job you may get some good natured teasing. For me the best defense was a great offense - had a few remarks that I would throw out in advance (such as "there's a reason I don;t trim my beard after beer" etc) and it was fine. You'll probably be surprised how many just don;t notice - or if they do, just don't care.
Enjoy the new look, have fun with and about it.
So when are you posting an avatar picture?
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The Headblade can have a learning curve for some of us - I'm yet to master it. Personally, I think you're doing things the right way. Get used to the process an dpast the introduction phase before trying something you're unsure of. I put mine away after a few tries and am thinking about going back to give it another shot it in the next few days.
Just to counter that.. Why not start off with a HB while you're in the learning phase (as I am) and take your time to do it right? The HB isn't a straightblade that will make you bleed out and die right there. It's just another method to get the same job done, just quite a bit closer from my experience. Sure, it may not be for everyone but why say "learn your razor first" and develop those habits which may inhibit HB use? I say while you're fresh, try all you can to see what fits your style. Maybe you rush it a bit more and need to go razor or whatever the case may be. Maybe you have the...whatever...to HB it off and get super smooth the first time. I'm still new at this and have already fallen for my HB, and have yet to gouge myself with it. I just take my time and make sure the wheels are down.
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Just to counter that.. Why not start off with a HB while you're in the learning phase (as I am) and take your time to do it right?
I agree. This is day two for me, and both mornings involved my HB. Yesterday it felt like I was zipping around a golf course in a golf cart ... trying to miss obstacles like ears and moles, hitting bumps and sand taps on my not too level head. Also overdid some parts! Today it was a straight from front to back and then from back to front (as I read up last night), and then did touch-ups with an M3. Wow, what a difference. Didn't expect things to get so smooth so soon!
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I wasn't saying don't use the HB in the beginning - my intent was if you're not comfortable with it, don't push it, take your time...and try it down the road a bit.
When the HB gives someone trouble it tends to be with gouging (I know no pressure on the blades etc) and that can totally frustrate a beginner. Therefore - if someone isn't 100% confident, leave it for later.
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I wasn't saying don't use the HB in the beginning - my intent was if you're not comfortable with it, don't push it, take your time...and try it down the road a bit.
When the HB gives someone trouble it tends to be with gouging (I know no pressure on the blades etc) and that can totally frustrate a beginner. Therefore - if someone isn't 100% confident, leave it for later.
Oh yeah... Yeah, for sure.
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Another option can be found at www.headsweats.com
It's been a long while since I made my purchases, and it looks like they have even more product offerings.
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Like some others have posted try a doorag. You can pick one up at most any motorcycle shop.
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heabblade mastery in three easy steps.
1. Practice (several days)
2. time (go slowly)
3. warm skin (hot pre-shave)
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Good question about the bandanna. I am a volunteer firefighter and have a nomax hood under my fire helmut, so a shaved noggin with the helmut on never bothered me. Also, I don't wear a fire helmut for eight hours straight. Buy a bandanna, see how you like it under your hard hat and go from there. I suspect the head will be a lot less sensitive over time, once you acclimate.
Have fun with the new look and style. Accessories are part of the experience.
Ken
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So heres the update-
I bought an Under Armour skullcap and been using that under my hard hat. It really does make me feel more comfortable under that hard hat. Havnt tried the bandanna yet. Although I love trying out all the accessories I can use now.
Been using my Mach3 and headblade shave cream to shave every 2-3 days. Really like the control I have with the mach3, so gonna stick to that for a while. Although theres this one area on my head, thats extra sensitive and I bleed about a drop of blood every time I shave. It doesnt hurt or anything, but does leave a red spot there visible for a day or two. It always heals by the time I decide to shave again. Not sure what to do about that. I shower before I shave and make sure to stay in the shower for atleast 10-15 minutes, but still bleed at the same spot. Anyone have any suggestions how I can avoid that?
At work, a couple of people commented how I had the guts to go ahead n do it and how they never could dare to :D
But, I am loving my new look and I dont know if its just me, but I love the way the bones on my forehead look now. I find it kind of cool. I was looking at my old pics with very little hair and find that look rather weird now. I love the new slyyyy look. O0
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I don;t have any suggestions on getting the bleeder to heal but I can suggest a way to manage it.
For the next coupleof times you blade shave, do your usual pre-shave routine and then lather up. Take the tip of your forefinger on the hand you don't use to hold the razor - press the tip onto the spot and, starting your shave in that area, carefully shave up to your fingertip. Finish your shave and then put a bandaid over the tiny spot you've skipped. I like the Nexcare brand ones for this - they hold well and blend in decently since the adhesive portion is clear. The bandage helps the spot heal and hides the tiny unshaved spot. Leave the bandage in place until your next shave and remove it in the shower -it'll come off easier in the moisture. If the spot still hasn't adequately healed use the same shave approach. If you need to, carefully use an electric razor or close clipper to get the spot back under control but don;t push at it.
Most likely you've just got a spot that is super irritated and needs time to rest/heal. If after giving it a rest it still gives you problems have someone take a look at it.
So when do we see the sly you?
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Underarmour makes good products and glad that is working. Plus the material wicks away moisture which is a good thing. Glad the new style is working and you are getting into a routine. The tender spots will toughen up. Stick with it!