Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: Catch_22 on August 14, 2012, 08:43:25 AM
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Note: Not sure if this is the ideal place for this thread, if not a moderator can move it or whatever.
First of all I'd like to say that this is a great community and I'm glad to have finally made an account after lurking for awhile. I've been cutting my hair using a normal clipper with no guard (called a 0 I guess) since I was about 15 since I liked the look and think I look good with my hair that short. I used to cut my hair like that about once every week and a half, but since I've been getting older (now 23) and my hair on top has been getting a bit thinner I've been cutting it more frequently. I now cut every 3 days or so, basically as soon as I can notice a difference between the hair on top and on the sides. I know I'll have to start shaving sly sooner or later, and I'm perfectly fine with that as I don't think it will look that different to my current look which I think suits me pretty well. Basically this thread is for a few different questions I have. Rather than asking in a bunch of other places I thought I'd ask here!
1. What is considered the best razor to use in terms of price vs quality?
2. I'm most worried about razor bumps, even though I'm not sure I'll get them. What can be used to prevent/treat bumps?
3. What are some good things to use for pre shave, during the actual shave, and post shave?
I guess that's it for now, but feel free to give a newbie any other advice you vets feel I need.
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welcome. I suggest you to try headblade. about the bumps, don't worry, you'll get the hang of it,
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Welcome, Catch 22! After looking at your pics, you already look (essentially) Sly....One rule that many preach about here is the "30-day rule" which is to razor shave your head for 30 days straight to see if you like it and to give your scalp some time to adjust. But, given that most of us "brothas" tend to get razor bumps a lot, you can make it every other day if needed. Given that you already have cut your hair short for almost a decade, you shouldn't have any problem adjusting to frequent razor shaving. Many of us swear by the HeadBlade, but if you want to start with a more traditional razor, I recommend one with at least two blades if not more. I would get a shaving gel over a shaving cream, and I would invest in some Witch Hazel and Bump Stopper/Bump Patrol to minimize any razor bumps you may get...As you get into the world of full-time head shaving, you can learn and experiment with the various products and methods and you will eventually discover what methods and products work best for you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and one of us will be more than willing to help. Check out the threads, enjoy, and post often!
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Hey Catch: 1st of all welcome 2 the sly fraternity. Glad that ya joined us. I would suggest a safety razor but since you are new to head shaving I would suggest the regular Fusion (manual) or Hydro5. Once you get the hang of shaving your dome... you should try using a safety razor.
The best razor is always YMMV (your miles may vary) or (your mileage may vary)...meaning what is good for one is not good for another. So razors or any other shaving items are very subjective.
Since you are worried about bumps... preparation is the key. Wash your face and dome with a facial wash such as Nivea for Men Facial Wash or Neutrogenia For Men Facial Wash. Use a shaving brush and shave soap, cream, or gel. The shaving brush will exfoliate your skin and also the lather you get will create protection when shaving.
After you complete your shave.... perform a cold water rinse, ice cube rube until it melts, pat dry, and use witch hazel (keep it in fridge) The cold water rinse, ice cube rub, and witch hazel will help eliminate razor burn and razor bumps. After you apply the witch hazel... allow it to air dry and apply Hydrocortizone 10 Lotion or Bump Patrol.
There are many more suggestions but I'm gonna keep it short so I don't confuse you or bore you. Again...if you are brave enough to try safety razors, there is a safety razor section of the forum. I have been using safety razors for both face and dome since April 2012 and I have gotten the smoooooooothest shaves ever. Keep us posted to your road to slyness.
WARHAWK O0
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Welcome Catch. SlyHarry covered all the bases I think.
I endorse the HeadBlade quite strongly. Great product that works well for me.
And, I think once you start shaving you'll probably shave regularly just because the slick feel is so rewarding.
Welcome again.
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Welcome dude. Another one here for the HeadBlade, just a fantastic tool. All there products are brilliant, check there website out www.headblade.com
All you need is a HB razor, HeadShed, HeadSlick and ClearHead and your good to go.
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Thanks to all that have given advice so far.
Another question though, are there any problems with using some of the more commonly found razors, for example the schick quatro?
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You can use any razor you like Catch. I use the Gilette Fusion Pro Glide.
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Welcome!
I also love the HeadBlade for shaving my head. I have always used HeadSlick but I recently fell in love with higher end shave soaps. I love the RazoRock line and I'm about to order some item's from Mike's Shave Soaps.
I say "higher end" but these soaps are higher end because of quality, not price. A 5 oz. tub of RazoRock cost me $7 and has already lasted as long as a can of commercial shave goo. I probably have another month of shaves from that tub.
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welcome!
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Welcome Marty!
Let us know how it went with shaving.
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Hi there Marty and welcome.
The good advice had already been dispensed. I highly recommend the HeadBlade Sport. There are cheaper generic blades that fit so you don't have to buy the HeadBlade triple blades if price is an issue. The HB makes shaving the dome quick and easy.
Just keep it simple in the beginning, as you learn and gain experience you will soon know what products are and are not for you.
Personally, I prefer the "Wet Shaving" method with a badger brush and shaving soap as opposed to canned shaving foam and gels. (Commonly referred to as 'Canned Goo’.)
Witch Hazel is an excellent product to apply after a shave and it is cheap, but you don't have to rush into all of that now. Bump Patrol is also very effective at fighting the dreaded bumps.
Good luck and keep us posted with your journey.
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Just realized this should actually be in the introductions forum, my mistake.
Thanks for all of the advice guys, it should really help me when the time comes. I think I'll stick to using clippers with no guard for now, but I imagine I'll start using a razor by next summer.
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Another question though, are there any problems with using some of the more commonly found razors, for example the schick quatro?
No.
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Another question though, are there any problems with using some of the more commonly found razors, for example the schick quatro?
No.
+1. I've been using the tried and true Mach 3 since I started shaving my noggin 5 years ago. Aside from the first 2 times I ever tried it (which is obviously user error), it's given me zero problems.
Btw, welcome to the forums, Catch 22! Sorry to hear you won't be taking a razor to your noggin anytime soon (it's worth at least 1 shot), but zero guard is as close as you're gonna get otherwise. 8)
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I'll definitely be making the plunge soon enough haha.
Another question, what is the difference between using the headblade over a more traditional razor?
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what is the difference between using the headblade over a more traditional razor?
There are a lot of guys who swear by the HB, but there are others, such as myself, that feel they get the best, most nick free, smooth shave with a traditional stick, for me at this time the Hydro 5. Then there are the guys who have gone to the classic double edge razors. You'll probably try several "tools" before you settle on the one that fits your dome and technique best.
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Another question though, are there any problems with using some of the more commonly found razors, for example the schick quatro?
No.
+1. I've been using the tried and true Mach 3 since I started shaving my noggin 5 years ago. Aside from the first 2 times I ever tried it (which is obviously user error), it's given me zero problems.
Btw, welcome to the forums, Catch 22! Sorry to hear you won't be taking a razor to your noggin anytime soon (it's worth at least 1 shot), but zero guard is as close as you're gonna get otherwise. 8)
I'm a Mach III as well. I've been shaving my head for almost nine years and I've tried a lot of different razors but I keep coming back to the Mach III.
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I'll definitely be making the plunge soon enough haha.
Another question, what is the difference between using the headblade over a more traditional razor?
The HeadBlade is designed for the head, giving the best possible shave IMO. Only thing that comes close is a DE but that takes more time so I tend to use that at the weekend. It's all about personal preference, some people don't like the HeadBlade (probably because there using it wrong)
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Recommend the HeadBlade, too. Designed for long smooth passes over the head. Though can be tricky behind the ears.
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What shaves closer, the headblade or something like a Mach III?
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What shaves closer, the headblade or something like a Mach III?
Catch: That answer is very subjective. It is YMMV (your mileage may vary) which means what is good for one is not good for another. We have many SBGs fans of the HB, Fusion, Mach3, Hydro5, Magnum5 or M5, Hydro3, and safety razors. One thing about head shaving or shaving period is that it is fun experimenting with many razors and find out what works for ya. I have been head shaving for 5 years and most of the regular SBGs here knew that I was a very big fan of the Fusion.
Since April 2012... I have been a big fan of safety razors. It gives me the smoothest shaves. It is also more challenging and fun and more bad azz to shave the traditional way.
So... U must find out for yourself in what works for you. You can gather all the info and advice from us but it is up to you to find that go to razor. Good luck and keep us posted.
WARHAWK O0
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Like a lot of things in life, the answer is "it depends". I've tried the HeadBlade alone, a Panasonic electric followed by a HeadBlade, a fusion, and recently a DE (safety razor). I now alternate between the last two and both give very close, comfortable shaves.
My advice is to try different razors until you find one you are happy with and then stick with it.
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Sounds good guys. I think I'll start with a normal razor, either a Mach III or Fusion. Then I'll try the headblade.
Another question, what do you guys wash your heads with in the shower? I'm assuming that normal shampoo/conditioner are a no go? I use head and shoulders and conditioner, but only right after I cut my hair with the 0 guard. Only water on days in-between cuts.
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What shaves closer, the headblade or something like a Mach III?
HeadBlade.
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Note: Not sure if this is the ideal place for this thread, if not a moderator can move it or whatever.
First of all I'd like to say that this is a great community and I'm glad to have finally made an account after lurking for awhile. I've been cutting my hair using a normal clipper with no guard (called a 0 I guess) since I was about 15 since I liked the look and think I look good with my hair that short. I used to cut my hair like that about once every week and a half, but since I've been getting older (now 23) and my hair on top has been getting a bit thinner I've been cutting it more frequently. I now cut every 3 days or so, basically as soon as I can notice a difference between the hair on top and on the sides. I know I'll have to start shaving sly sooner or later, and I'm perfectly fine with that as I don't think it will look that different to my current look which I think suits me pretty well. Basically this thread is for a few different questions I have. Rather than asking in a bunch of other places I thought I'd ask here!
1. What is considered the best razor to use in terms of price vs quality?
2. I'm most worried about razor bumps, even though I'm not sure I'll get them. What can be used to prevent/treat bumps?
3. What are some good things to use for pre shave, during the actual shave, and post shave?
I guess that's it for now, but feel free to give a newbie any other advice you vets feel I need.
Edit: Links to a couple pics of me below:
http://i50.tinypic.com/9b8zlk.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/1zgtixv.jpg
I see nothing wrong with your current photos you look very handsome.
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Dude just do it you already look bald
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Thanks silverking and I will soon enough Emann lol, no pressure eh?
Tell me about this witch hazel stuff guys. What does it do exactly? When should it be applied and how?
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Witch Hazel is sold in most drugstores, It's easier to find, in fact, I found some on the shelf in what has to be the WORST WalMart in Louisiana....It can be applied to the scalp before or after, but most people do it after. It's a nice alternative to traditional aftershaves and rubbing alcohol which both can sting after a shave...Witch hazel does not sting, but the stale vinegar smell is a nice tradeoff for the burning sensation that you may get from aftershave or rubbing alcohol.