Sly Bald Guys Forum

Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving => Topic started by: Paul the Headblader on August 14, 2012, 09:59:02 PM

Title: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Paul the Headblader on August 14, 2012, 09:59:02 PM
Hey.
I was watching youtube videos about headshaving ( bored to death ). I've seen that most guys shave it against the grain, so I was like " mkay, 11 months of shaving my head, I've got to have the skills to try it" ( as far, I was shaving against the grain the top of my head only, the back always went with the grain ). Tried it this morning, and I could do it without nicking myself. I do not feel any irritation or so, so it went well. It took me like 5 minutes extra from the shaving time, no problem, within two weeks it will cut down to one minute, practice makes it perfect.
About the feeling ..... auch! best of my bald life! can't stop touching my head! all of it! Not to mention when it was wet!
If you do have some shaving experience, I do recommend you try shaving it against the grain.
Thanks for reading
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: warhawk on August 14, 2012, 10:09:19 PM
Hi Paul:  All this time U have been with SBGs and I already thought you shaved ATG.   I always go against the grain to achieve that BBS shave on dome and face. O0

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Andrei on August 14, 2012, 11:23:21 PM
That's cool Paul!
Any shadow left or is it less visible now?
I'm still shaving WTG... maybe I should go ATG too
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Paul the Headblader on August 14, 2012, 11:38:54 PM
That's cool Paul!
Any shadow left or is it less visible now?
I'm still shaving WTG... maybe I should go ATG too
i never cared about the shadow effect. let it be, bald is awesomw anyways. and yes, i'd suggest you to try atg, it sincerely rocks.

and, warhawk, i was kind of afraid, or maybe too lazy to try something new....glad i did it now. gonna do it daily, till i fully get the hang of it.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: mahaw90 on August 14, 2012, 11:39:11 PM
ATG is so much better! Love it
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Trac3 on August 15, 2012, 01:59:18 AM
Can't wait to get more experienced in shaving head so I could do ATG too. Maybe you can show us pictures before and after? or it isn't visible like that? :)
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Paul the Headblader on August 15, 2012, 02:36:36 AM
Can't wait to get more experienced in shaving head so I could do ATG too. Maybe you can show us pictures before and after? or it isn't visible like that? :)
it is indeed diffrent, i can fell it by touch. dunno if it looks diffrent, though. must be the same... looking forward for the headblade to arrive, though.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: mrzed on August 15, 2012, 02:46:35 AM
That's cool Paul!
Any shadow left or is it less visible now?
I'm still shaving WTG... maybe I should go ATG too
I've done both wtg and atg from day 1. Atg is necessary for a really smooth dome. Just feels too gritty or sandpapery if I don't.  
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: waine on August 15, 2012, 02:48:00 AM
If you read the Headblade instructions on the website, they tell you that before using the HB you must first decide if you want to be a WTG shaver or an ATG shaver.  Right up front I decided to be a ATG shaver, and I am happy as this gives me the best shave with little or no irritation, every time.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: christencs on August 15, 2012, 03:39:03 AM
 :Shaving against grain is best - for feeling & looks- to finish with a cold shower and you feel "regenerated" - baldy biker
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Beardman on August 15, 2012, 03:49:40 AM
I have been ATG from the get go, I can't stand not being completely slick after a shave!
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Slyfive on August 15, 2012, 04:09:48 AM
ATG is the only way to satisfy my need for a slick dome.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: xabydaddy on August 15, 2012, 01:36:32 PM
ATG is much more efficient for me especially since I have started shaving every day.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: -Doug- on August 15, 2012, 01:57:31 PM
ATG is the only way to fly!
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: BillOnBass on August 15, 2012, 02:33:43 PM
ATG FTW IMO.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Slynito on August 15, 2012, 02:53:10 PM
ATG really makes a big difference...I remember the first time I used a Fusion ATG, I just couldn't believe it...slicker than a pigs snout.

 O0
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Natedawg on August 15, 2012, 03:50:40 PM
I have been ATG from the get go, I can't stand not being completely slick after a shave!

Same for me. ATG all the way! WTG just ends up feeling like a half-ass shave to me. ;)
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Paul the Headblader on August 15, 2012, 09:25:50 PM
I agree with those that say that ATG is better. It's been 24 hours since I've shaved it, and the back of my head is still smooth:D
EDIT: just shaved and it kind of ...burns :D...seems like I still need to get the hang of it. rinsed with ice cold water, and used a revitalising aftershave..... I guess I will first shave it WTG, then ATG, till my scalp gets used to it
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: kalbo on August 16, 2012, 01:21:26 AM
You don't feel bald until you have tried shaving against the grain Paul. Don't worry, your scalp will toughen up in due time.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Paul the Headblader on August 16, 2012, 01:38:31 AM
You don't feel bald until you have tried shaving against the grain Paul. Don't worry, your scalp will toughen up in due time.
i know how it works, lol :d
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: waine on August 16, 2012, 07:31:37 AM
Paul, if you have relatively thick, course hair, go WTG first and then ATG.  If you hair is on the thinner side (like mine) go ATG straight.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: valldo on August 16, 2012, 08:35:06 AM
WTG vs ATG is no game at all
I have shaved ATG from almost day one and never ever shaved WTG again. The difference is huuuuge
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Mikekoz13 on August 16, 2012, 08:38:14 AM
ATG is the ONLY way to get the best shave! WTG and then ATG for me every time!
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: bigstosh on August 16, 2012, 09:32:01 AM
ATG for me.  Also helps if you pull/stretch the skin as you go along, not the easiest thing to do.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Bald Kahuna on August 16, 2012, 10:18:46 AM
Yes...I agree, ATG is the only way to go and I, like many, did not start out doing it but after only a few weeks I discovered it did not irritate me and the smooth feeling was so satisfying, No one has mentioned the distinct difference of the SOUNDS that resonate through the "Head Bones" when one WTG vs ATG. I experience different levels from lower to higher...how about you Sly Guys?
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Laser Man on August 16, 2012, 11:55:40 AM
I go against the grain and then finish off by going diagonally across the grain (for example: right front to left rear on the top of my head).  It's unorthodox, but it assures virtually no missed spots and a very smooth dome.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Beardman on August 17, 2012, 01:58:38 AM
I go against the grain and then finish off by going diagonally across the grain (for example: right front to left rear on the top of my head).  It's unorthodox, but it assures virtually no missed spots and a very smooth dome.

I do something very similar to that myself.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: clarinetguy on September 03, 2012, 09:44:32 PM
ATG since day one here also. Being BBC I would have tons of stubble left if I went with the grain. ATG really gives me the smooth finish I want. Keep it up and good luck.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Bald Weasel on September 06, 2012, 02:40:10 PM
ATG from the start also.
I every time I step into the shower after a shave, I find myself mentally singing,
"They call him Flipper, Flipper faster than lightning"
Only way to go for that Flipper-head!!
Hmmm.....can I change my forum nic to that!?!?
   
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: mrzed on September 06, 2012, 04:18:22 PM
Guess I have too much hair. I find it uncomfortable to shave ATG FIRST.  I always go over my head WITH the grain first. But then always go over again AGAINST the grain.

There's LOTS of hair shavings in the sink each morning after the FIRST pass.  Second pass, not so much.  But ATG FIRST is really uncomfortable unless the blades are SUPER sharp.

Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Paul the Headblader on September 06, 2012, 10:10:32 PM
Guess I have too much hair. I find it uncomfortable to shave ATG FIRST.  I always go over my head WITH the grain first. But then always go over again AGAINST the grain.

There's LOTS of hair shavings in the sink each morning after the FIRST pass.  Second pass, not so much.  But ATG FIRST is really uncomfortable unless the blades are SUPER sharp.


I also have trouble atg, even with a new blade. nicked the hell out of my head on wednesday...guess I'm just gonna skip that part, I'm happy with wtg..
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Adam Black on September 07, 2012, 07:52:44 AM
In another forum post someone suggested going WTG, then exfoliating with St. Ives and then going ATG.
I have been doing it for a few weeks now and really like it.
Less nicks, and super smooth scalp.
Worth the extra minute of two, I think.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Bigdawg078 on September 08, 2012, 10:26:45 AM
Have been shaving my head daily for 2 months.  Went WTG until about a week ago.

Have never nicked or cut myself but when going ATG, I continue to get ingrown hairs (red bumps) but only on back of head and hair line on back of neck.

Using a Mach3, My usual shave routine is:  Stand with head under hot water for a minute or so (focusing mainly on back of head where I know I get ingrown hairs), use shaving cream, go WTG first pass, then ATG.  Stand iwth head under cold water for abouta minute, use Dickensons witch hazel or if I'm out rubbing alcohol, then finish it off with Nivea Shave Balm.

I have just recently purchased Shave Secret in hopes this will help with the ingrown hairs/red bumps.

Any advice you guys could give me to help reduce the ingrown hairs?   I have had a problem with them for awhile now (especially when going ATG)
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Frontier Guy on September 08, 2012, 04:00:43 PM
Welcome bigdawg ... can't help you with the bumps, but I know other guys will respond. Also, take a look at the topics which have 'bumps' in their titles because this issue comes up regularly.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: mahaw90 on September 08, 2012, 04:22:01 PM
HeadBlade, HeadShed, HeadSlick, ClearHead cleared up my problems on the back of my head, can shave ATG all over now. I'm sure its down to the HeadBlade mainly, the way it cuts the hair etc
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: mahaw90 on September 08, 2012, 04:22:25 PM
Bump patrol is very good also.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Paul the Headblader on September 08, 2012, 10:09:20 PM
Bump patrol is very good also.
thanks
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: alaskandave on September 09, 2012, 04:03:01 AM
Always ATG!
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: mrzed on September 09, 2012, 04:46:28 AM
I've never had issues with ingrown hairs on my head.

But I'm going to try the with the grain in the shower, exfoliate scrub, then against the grain at the sink. See if that makes a difference. Always new ideas to try.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: clarinetguy on September 16, 2012, 09:50:19 PM
Totally ATG here too since day one. I find it is the closest shave with HB. Being BBC I need to be sure I reduce the shadow as much as I can. Love ATG.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: silverking on September 17, 2012, 01:28:16 AM
English is not my first language, what does against the grain mean? and with the grain, I tried google to no help.
Title: Re: Against the grain! - WOW -
Post by: Paul the Headblader on September 17, 2012, 02:32:39 AM
English is not my first language, what does against the grain mean? and with the grain, I tried google to no help.
it means going against the way that hair grows.