Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving => Topic started by: Kevin G on October 14, 2012, 02:19:11 AM
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Well I have totally gotten used to my hair being at a clipper guard #1. But I think that when it rolls around to Spring time I will probably go sly. I am waiting til then because I am a night time feed truck driver and it gets pretty darn cold on the farms during the winters here in PA. Also it will give me time to get my scalp in the best shape possible for the future shave. Plus let me get some more sun on the scalp.
So here I go with the questions. I have been reading the various threads and there is a lot of info here. But I am still not sure totally on what I should be using or what the best routine would be.(information overload O0) I see that the Gillete Fusion, Mach 3 and Headblade are very popular here. Which one would be the best one for a beginner?
I initially though that they Headblade would be very cool and simpler to use once I got the hang of it. But the stories of taking a chunk out of their scalp skin kind of scares me. On the other hand from what I am reading as long as you apply no pressure and keep the support arm on your head, you are ok. So would a Headblade be ok for a beginner?
What would be the best beginner routine and what products are best? From what I see, a lot of people seem to like the products put out by Headblade. Some mention the use of witch hazel, what exactly does this do? I though I saw something about it helping with the pores. I know that a cold rinse helps close the pores, does the witch hazel help add to this? As far as routines go, I am looking for something simple that will help minimize cuts and irritation.
As far as scalp health goes, is there anything that I could use on my head now with my real short buzz cut that would keep my scalp skin healthy and clear?
Finally I have a question about scars. I have one on my forehead. It does not look bad and is about only 1 1/2 inches in length. It is barely raised and is basically just slightly lighter then my skin color. Truthfully I think that it is highlighted by my hair and will probably look better once I am sly. While it does not bother me to have it, I would like to minimize it as much as possible being that I plan to go sly.
I just started to use something called Mederma advanced scar gel. To my wife and I, it looks like the scar has been changing even though I have not been using it that long and my scar is older. Do any of you have any experiences with Mederma? Or should I maybe just go see a dermatologist? What all could a dermatologist do for the scar and would something like that be expensive. I have good insurance but I do not know if it would be worth it to see a professional or just stick with the Mederma?
Hear is a picture of my scar, it is the vertical lighter colored line at the beginning of my hair(I think that the picture makes it look worse then it does in person)-
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1354.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq689%2Fkev3673%2FP1030665_zps296b164c.jpg&hash=a57a01908c9bce193a1881fdfbbbcf2f6447153d)
Sorry for all the questions.
Kevin
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Welcome.
I find that the best routine for me is shaving in the shower. I wash the head and face with bodywash and let that sit for a few minutes, rinse and apply whatever shave cream/gel/etc that I happen to be using. Currently I use HeadSlick but I have also been known to use Bald Guyz or King of Shaves gels.
My razor of choice is the Personna M5 Magnum. I use that on the face and skull. WalMart used to carry it but something went sour there. Now it's a hunt to find them. But whatever razor you normally use on your face at least has the potential to be effective for headshaving as well. If it ain't broke don't fix it. The option is to end up like a bunch of us in here spending 10% of our takehome pay on shaving stuff trying to find the perfect shave. Perfect is the enemy of good enough.
As for the scar why try to fix it or hide it. To me scars speak of character and they almost always have some kind of story behind them. I don't feel like scars are anything to ever be ashamed of. They're like the pictures in the book that is our life story. Be proud.
As for the cold, well, I live in Northern Wisconsin. I imagine it gets pretty much as cold here as it does in PA. Find a warm yet "cool" hat and wear that. The insulating factor of human hair is waaaay over rated.
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You're a good candidate for sly. You'll like it. You'll wonder why you waited so long ! Where have we heard that before.
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I'd avoid headblade on day one, but by day 14 you'll be ready for it.just take it easy the first week or so.
The reviews say the ATX headblade is more forgiving. I've not tried it yet.
The multi blade razors are also very forgiving.
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Shaving in winter? Not a problem. I started in January.I'd do it again, but I'm not likely to grow hair again. Winter was a non issue for me.
You don't have to wait.
You look like a good candidate for sly.I'd go for it now rather than later.
The scar will not be an issue. I suspect the hair really draws attention.
Sly looks much better than thinking hair. Go for it, Kevin
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Hey mate, they guys before me have pretty much covered all the bases. But I'll simplify it for you.
In the beginning, just start off with whatever razor you use on your face. The old style headblades have a bit of a learning curve so it's better if you get your head used to shaving already to reduce the nicks. But also starting off with a normal razor will give you time to get the feel for head shaving. I started of with the hydro 5 and now use the headblade sport.
The most basic routine, is just wash, apply cream/gel/soap shave and an after shave or moisturiser. Then you can add in all your exfoliators, ice cude rubs, witch hazel etc if you want too. my routine is exfoliate (apricot scrub), apply headslick or KoS gel, then shave and cold water splash followed by headlube (moisturiser).
As for waiting for spring, if you are already #1 buzzing you are going to be reaching for the beanie/warm hat whenever you go outside anyway, so why not just go sly now... I went sly the 2nd day of winter and don't regret it at all!
Scars, that is a common topic on this site... I have several of scars on my head, I wear them with pride. Let me tell you this though, you will be the only one that really notices the scar or the only one that will care enough to give it more then a moments thought, so don't worry about it mate!
Hope you've found all the help you need, and hopefully the next time you post will be to tell us you have gone sly accompanied by a picture of the new you O0
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Id avoid headblade unless you have got yourselv crossmatched for 3 units of blood ( exageration ) Mach 3 or Gilletter fusion , I use the gillette fusion ... you can always go sly now and wear a nice hat for the long US winter
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Your scar, IMO is barely noticeable...and going sly will diminish it's appearance even more...I see sly truck drivers all the time in all seasons....so what are you waiting for? ;D ;D
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I would agree that the scar proably shows up more now with your hair. I have quite a few on the old dome. But it doesn't bother me or anyone else. Good luck you are so close that you might as well getter done.
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Truthfully I think that it is highlighted by my hair and will probably look better once I am sly.
Think you have answered your own question. Time for you to go sly.
Welcome to the SBG forum.
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1st off welcome a little something for you
If you are going wear the bald look wet or dry
1. make sure you cut your hair down to a short length if it is not already or cut your hair all off if you prefer not to wet shave
2. wet head or wash your dome to clean up make your hair ready for the shave if wet shaving or to clean up after dry shave
3. grab your shave lube and lather up then grab your razor and shave if going for the wet
4. rinse off towel dry and apply your after shave or moisturizer
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I am sorry I should have welcomed you, so Welcome glad to have you here. I use a Fusion (not the vibrating type) I have used the head blade etc. , but with arthritis and a such , I prefer a Fusion.
Again , Welcome many great members on this board. Enjoy the botherhood.
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Luddite Ming is back again.
WHY all this angst over "What is the best blade to use"? It seems to me like asking what's the best toilet paper to use. HEY! It's just "shaving." Obsessing over micro-differences between blades, scalp-prepping, post-shave lotioning, etc., etc. gets in the way of what counts. Does your blade work or not? If it does (and since I use a primitive one, I'm sure the main difference is what comes out of your wallet, not off your head), suck it up and take it off.
No one is going to take calipers to your dome and, frowning, say, "Oh, your stubble is a nanometer longer than it should be if only you had used [product X]." BTW, I've calculated: Ming's hair grows at around 4 nanometers/sec, and yours probably does about the same--whatever SLY guy you are.
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Luddite Ming is back again.
WHY all this angst over "What is the best blade to use"? It seems to me like asking what's the best toilet paper to use. HEY! It's just "shaving." Obsessing over micro-differences between blades, scalp-prepping, post-shave lotioning, etc., etc. gets in the way of what counts. Does your blade work or not? If it does (and since I use a primitive one, I'm sure the main difference is what comes out of your wallet, not off your head), suck it up and take it off.
No one is going to take calipers to your dome and, frowning, say, "Oh, your stubble is a nanometer longer than it should be if only you had used [product X]." BTW, I've calculated: Ming's hair grows at around 4 nanometers/sec, and yours probably does about the same--whatever SLY guy you are.
Thank you LMing, how true ! Thank you! O0
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Go for it man. You will love it.
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Luddite Ming is back again.
WHY all this angst over "What is the best blade to use"? It seems to me like asking what's the best toilet paper to use. HEY! It's just "shaving." Obsessing over micro-differences between blades, scalp-prepping, post-shave lotioning, etc., etc. gets in the way of what counts. Does your blade work or not? If it does (and since I use a primitive one, I'm sure the main difference is what comes out of your wallet, not off your head), suck it up and take it off.
No one is going to take calipers to your dome and, frowning, say, "Oh, your stubble is a nanometer longer than it should be if only you had used [product X]." BTW, I've calculated: Ming's hair grows at around 4 nanometers/sec, and yours probably does about the same--whatever SLY guy you are.
Well I would not call it angst over "What is the best blade to use?" It is more like just wanting to know what would be a good blade to start with would be. I like hearing other people's opinions because you learn new things. For instance it was recommended in this thread that I not use the Headblade at first until I get used to shaving my head because I may get more nicks. Somewhere else on this forum I also read that the scalp skin toughens up after you shave it for a while. Ok these are things that I did not know.
And yes it is just shaving but there are big differences in the feel of blades and how much they will irritate your skin. Being that I have no experience shaving my head, I would like to get something that most people feel gives them the best irritation free shaving experience. I sure the hell would not use a Bic single blade to shave my head ;D! Again this is why I am asking all the good people here their opinions.
Everyone that gave advice and opinions, thank you very much. I really appreciate it.
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I started with the such hydro 5. Never had an issue with it.
Then switched to headblade. Still use them both.
Just take it easy the first few days.
We're looking forward to seeing your reactions you shaving bald.
You may not want to wait until spring.do it now.
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I am sure it seems like a lot to think about but take it one step at a time and you will succeed.
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I think it's important to be comfortable with the razor you'll be using to shave your head, so that's why I suggest you try first the razor you're using for the face; well maybe a new one so the blades will cut just fine.
Same goes for the gel/foam and everything else.
Basically, if you have a shaving routine that works great for your face start from there and apply it for shaving your head too.
Later you ca adjust it and invest more in the products, but for the first shave you already have all you need.
Enjoy the experience!
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By the way, if you already sport a #1 buzz, why postpone the shaving?
If you go sly I don't think you will feel the cold differently than now.
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By the way, if you already sport a #1 buzz, why postpone the shaving?
If you go sly I don't think you will feel the cold differently than now.
Agree.
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Good points Andrei ! Totally agree ! Badda Bing and there it is .
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Don't worry about the cold. I am heading into my first winter too.
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Don't worry about the cold. I am heading into my first winter too.
:) There ya go and we all live through it. Looks good, feels good , is good.
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Welcome Kevin.
For every sly guy here you will probably get a different opinion. You just need to consider them and trust your instinct as what is right for you.
Regarding a razor, I've been using the HeadBlade sport since Day #1 and doubt I will switch to anything else. I'm totally satisfied with it and had no issues with nicks, gashes, open wounds, etc. And, as stated above and elsewhere, use no pressure.
I did find that the biggest difference is blades - they seem to have the most significant impact (for me) on a smooth shave. I like the Wilkinson Sword Plus II - which, fortunately, are cheap (10 cartridges for $4). But you'll need to try different things to find the best match for you.
I can't offer any reliable advice regarding waiting until the Spring Thaw ... but when I lived in colder climates it didn't make much difference. Hair or no hair, cold is cold. Put on a hat.
I think you've got the itch to shave ... and you probably will not be able to postpone scratching until next year.
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Welcome Kevin.
For every sly guy here you will probably get a different opinion. You just need to consider them and trust your instinct as what is right for you.
Regarding a razor, I've been using the HeadBlade sport since Day #1 and doubt I will switch to anything else. I'm totally satisfied with it and had no issues with nicks, gashes, open wounds, etc. And, as stated above and elsewhere, use no pressure.
I did find that the biggest difference is blades - they seem to have the most significant impact (for me) on a smooth shave. I like the Wilkinson Sword Plus II - which, fortunately, are cheap (10 cartridges for $4). But you'll need to try different things to find the best match for you.
I can't offer any reliable advice regarding waiting until the Spring Thaw ... but when I lived in colder climates it didn't make much difference. Hair or no hair, cold is cold. Put on a hat.
I think you've got the itch to shave ... and you probably will not be able to postpone scratching until next year.
Yeah you are right I am definitely getting the itch to shave. I do not think that I will last the winter ;D. I have been using the time with my buzz cut to make sure my scalp looks good when I shave it off. I saw it recommended to use a good anti bacterial soap like Cuticura(thanks saintc for that tip O0). I could not find any near where I live so I bought something similar called Cetaphil. I had a few small pimples on my scalp and they are going away. I have been also changing my pillow case every week. I do not really want to go shave my head and wind up shaving pimples. Been there done that before on my face when I was younger.
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One more question and this time is about head shapes. Yeah I know everyone is probably groaning at the mention of this topic but here goes. I am pretty happy with the shape of my head. But I noticed that I have ridges on both sides of the top back of my head.(the right side seems slightly more noticable then the left) They are not bad, but they are noticeable to me. Is that kind of thing normal?
I could not really get any good pictures of me to show what I am talking about with my #1 guard buzz cut. I tried but my camera would not pick it up with my hair. The best example that I can use would be the actor Tom Hardy. A more extreme version of what I am talking about would be the famous shaolin monk in New York Shi Yan Ming. Just google him and you will see all sorts of pics of him.
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Kevin, congratulations on moving forward. Do it at your speed ... but once you finally shave your head you'll be wondering why you waited so long. Happens all the time around here.
Head shape ... ridges and dents and peaks and whatnots are all totally normal. And, truth be told, they will be so much less obvious on a shaved head. Hair, depending on color, increases the color contrasts and makes them more obvious.
You've got nothing to worry about except how to contain your delight once you cross the finish line.
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I am a new to the fraternity myself and I don't have much to say apart from this. When you start out, don't be afraid to experiment. I tried three different razors in as many days and different kinds of pre-shave methods. I find that the more number of blades you have, the higher the finish would be. IF you get any irritation, just apply an ice cube to your dome until it melts. Also, use two aspirins in as many tea spoons of water as a scrub to your dome and cleanse after 4 minutes, the rashes pimples etc will soon diminish giving you a cleaner look.
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FrontierGuy, I did not think about the hair making it more obvious. I am sure that you are right that once I shave it all off, it will be even less noticable. Plus I know that we are our own worst critic ;). Anil_Sharma I will keep your advice about the asprin and ice cubes in mind and give it a try once I go sly. I have never heard of that tip before and it sounds interesting. Thanks again everyone for all the advice and encouragement.
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Well Kevin, I didn't invent those. I found those tips on this forum only, I only just passed down the information without having you scour all over the internet O0
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Welcome.
I find that the best routine for me is shaving in the shower. I wash the head and face with bodywash and let that sit for a few minutes, rinse and apply whatever shave cream/gel/etc that I happen to be using. Currently I use HeadSlick but I have also been known to use Bald Guyz or King of Shaves gels.
My razor of choice is the Personna M5 Magnum. I use that on the face and skull. WalMart used to carry it but something went sour there. Now it's a hunt to find them. But whatever razor you normally use on your face at least has the potential to be effective for headshaving as well. If it ain't broke don't fix it. The option is to end up like a bunch of us in here spending 10% of our takehome pay on shaving stuff trying to find the perfect shave. Perfect is the enemy of good enough.
As for the scar why try to fix it or hide it. To me scars speak of character and they almost always have some kind of story behind them. I don't feel like scars are anything to ever be ashamed of. They're like the pictures in the book that is our life story. Be proud.
As for the cold, well, I live in Northern Wisconsin. I imagine it gets pretty much as cold here as it does in PA. Find a warm yet "cool" hat and wear that. The insulating factor of human hair is waaaay over rated.
I'm pretty sure Bi Mart carries the M5 Magnum (If you have one of those handy), and I'm fairly certain I saw it at either Safeway or Walgreens as well.
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Even if the scar is still noticeable, I think it would work with bald, in a BA sort of way.