Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => 30 Day Rule / Beginners Section => Topic started by: JayBJJ on May 17, 2014, 10:23:47 AM
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Hi Guys!
My name is Jay. 31, and I've started to get a nice "Sunroof" on my scalp. A few days back I decided to just go ahead and take it all off. My barber used Wahl 5 Star Clippers to shave me bald (he used these http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-Professional-8061-5-star-Rechargeable/dp/B000FJ2I2O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400343389&sr=8-1&keywords=wahl+shaver (http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-Professional-8061-5-star-Rechargeable/dp/B000FJ2I2O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400343389&sr=8-1&keywords=wahl+shaver)). Since then, i've gotten alot of compliments, and most people have even said I look alot younger with my new look. So because of that, i've decided I want to go bald, and im talking COMPLETELY shiny skin bald.
So far, i've purchased the following:
1. Panasonic ES-LA63
2. Headblade Headslick
3. Headblade Clear Head
Is there a razor that you guys would suggest? Im thinking it's going to be between the Fusion Pro Glide, or the Headblade Sport.
Is there anything else you guys feel I should add to my list of things to get?
Thanks for having a forum like this!
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Welcome, Jay! When you get a chance, check out some of the other threads on what the other members do. I personally recommend down the road once you get used to shaving the head, invest in a shaving brush and some Shave Secret preshave oil to apply a nice lather to your head...In most cases, it will give you a smoother shave...In the beginning, the tools to shave your head may become a little pricey, but once you get your technique down, you will discover ways that it's cheaper in the long run. Good luck!
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Welcome to SBG Jay! First of all, you won't regret your decision to go shiny bald. You're about there anyway. If you're getting compliments with a no guard buzz, you'll get even more after you shave it clean bald with a razor. I'm only a few years younger at 28 and it's one of the greatest decisions I've made to better myself. I've been completely sly for over a month now and am still getting compliments on my look.
I use Mach 3. I used that on my face for many years and thought it'd be good to shave my head with. So far I'm very pleased. I've always been partial to that razor but the ones you mentioned are well-liked by many. The brand of razors I seriously don't recommend you using is Bic.
As far as applying shaving cream/gel goes, I start out by putting a layer of baby oil on my scalp. Up until a couple of days ago I was using Edge Sensitive Skin Gel. It's decent but I recommend Fusion Proglide Clear Shave Gel in a plastic tube. It helps give me a baby butt SMOOTH head. Your local store may have that or the new Gillette Body Shave Gel also in a plastic tube. From what I've seen, they're similar. It's easy to apply and doesn't foam up very big.
For aftershave, I apply Sea Breeze Sensitive Skin astringent with a cotton ball after rubbing my head down with an ice cube. The ice cube idea came from Sir Harry. Just make sure you pat your head down with a towel before applying Sea Breeze. Many on here use witch hazel but I prefer Sea Breeze. After that's set in probably for a good 10-15 minutes, I apply 100% aloe vera gel to my head before I head out the door. The aloe vera gives the head a good shine.
Let us know how things go!
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Guys I'd like to thank you so much for the guidance so far, its very much appreciated! With that being said, I have a couple more questions if you guys wouldnt mind me asking:
1. Sir Harry mentioned that I should check out some other threads, are there any threads in particular that you'd suggest? There's so much information here it'd be great if I could have a little bit of direction as to where to begin looking (although you've given some good advice below).
2. My current list of acquired goods are:
a. Panasonic EA-LA63 (arrived today)
b. Headblade Headslick (arrived today)
c. Headblade Clearhead (arrived today)
d. Gilette Fusion Pro Glide (got it today)
e. Shave Brush (arrives Tuesday)
f. Shave Secret (arrives Tuesday)
Where does Headslick, Clearhead, and Shave Secret all fit in? I believe Headslick is the pre-shave, with Clearhead being the after shave, will blending things with Shave Secret (or Fusion Proglide Clear Gel) be wise? Did I purchase the wrong stuff, or should I make do with what I have? Im a bit confused here as to whats the best to use for pre-shave (which is why I bought Headslick), and what to use afterwards (what I thought Clearhead was for).
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HeadSlick is shaving cream - use it like you would any other gel or cream (your Panasonic can be used wet or dry, so lather up with HeadSlick and go to it). ClearHead is for after you've shaved and rinsed. It will help heal any razor burn (it can also leave your head feeling a bit sticky, so use it sparingly)
Try this routine:
Wash your head well and keep it wet
Lather up with HeadSlick
Shave with the Panasonic
Re-lather and shave with the fusion
Rinse with warm water, the rinse again with cold water to close the pores and soothe the scalp
Apply a very small amount of ClearHead
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Alright guys, thank you so much for all of the help and guidance, everything that's been said thus far has been taken note of. I've done some searching around the web (as well as this site) and have learned quite a bit. Just to update this thread a bit on where i am now:
1. Electric Razor: Panasonic ES-LA63 arrived in the mail! Happy to have it. I'll be using this for a wet shave on my head to get as close to a smooth scalp cut as possible.
2. Headslick: As was mentioned in the post prior to this, this is shaving cream. I've purchased the "Shave Secret" pre-shave oil to apply to my scalp (and face) prior to using the shave cream.
3. Shaving Kit: I bought a shave kit from Amazon consisting of a Shave Brush, Shave Stand, Shave Bowl, and DE Razor (although I have absolutely no intentions of getting started with using a DE Razor yet, it just came with the kit).
4. Gilette Fusion Pro Glide: Will use this after the pre-shave process done with the Electric razor.
5. For the after-shave process im going to use an alum block, clear head, and possibly aloe vera or witch hazel. Not sure if this is overkill or not, but its what i've acquired.
Does everything sound good so far? I think as far as accessorizing is concerned I've covered the beginner bases, and now its time to just get in there and get it done.
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Wow, Jay, sounds like a winner to me! I would leave the DE alone (for now), but the key is that we have to do some experimenting...The part of the fun of head shaving is that you may discover something that may work for you and you want to share. Sounds good, let us know how you get on!
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Jay, as Sir Harry wrote ... experimenting is a good thing.
You may want to experiment mixing several drops of Shave Secret with your HeadSlick. That made my initial months of shaving much easier -- eventually I exhausted my supply of Shave Secret and no longer need it.
Good luck. Don't make it too complicated :-)
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Alright guys, just an update, shaved my head for the first time (by myself) today. Used like 8-10 drops of Shave Secret (lol), and used the Head Slick as the shaving cream. Created a nice bowl lather using the Badger Brush, then lathered my head (which had a bit of hair on that grew back since going to the barbershop). I then cut it down as far as I could using the Panasonic, then ran a hot towel over my head. After that, did a 2nd pass and I've got to say that the Panasonic got VERY close. After that, I lathered up my head for the third time, and ran the Gilette Fusion over my head (for 2 passes). Having never used a razor before I was a bit afraid, but I went through my first shave with no cuts! I then ran the alum block over my head, followed by Clear head, then some witch hazel. To cap it all off I rinsed with some really cold water (got that tip from here).
All in all, VERY close shave. Im experiencing mild "itchiness" on certain areas of my scalp, and some minor razor burn. Im not sure if this had to do with my technique, as I shaved both with the grain (first pass), and against the grain (2nd pass). Hopefully my technique will improve over time, or maybe there is some advice you guys can give?
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Just go with the grain for the first few shaves. Your scalp still needs to get accustomed to being shaved. Also be sure to not bear down on the razor. That can easily give you razor burn. This is advice I've taken from my fellow sly guys and it's very useful. Congrats on your first self-shave!
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Welcome aboard JayBJJ! Is it safe to assume that your either a fan of or practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from your name?
Good luck with your shave process. My only advice would be to keep it simple. If you're shaving daily, then you only need to go through once or twice. Hot towel to open the pores, shave oil with shaving cream, and a nice gentle shave should do the trick, lessening any irritation. The more passes you go through, the more irritated your scalp can become.
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Like you, I'm fairly new to razor shaving my head. I recently went sly for the first time with a Gillette Fusion ProGlide, and I also ran it across twice: with the grain and against the grain. I know a lot of people recommend starting just with the grain, but my skin has always been rather impervious to razors (I never even used shaving cream on my face before starting with my head), and I haven't had any bad reactions so far. Plus, I really enjoy getting it as smooth as I can.
From everything I can tell the Fusion is a great choice. Keep it up!
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You are doing it the right way. Remember, take your time and enjoy it. Dont put any pressure on the razor. Welcome aboard the Sly ship!
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Ok Sly Gurus, im in DESPERATE need of some help! Its been a few days now and the hair is beginning to grow back, but now small bumps are growing back with the hair. My skin is very agitated/sensitive (so sensitive i wouldnt dare shave again for at least a week). Did I do anything wrong? Am I supposed to be using the after-shave on my face regularly even on days that I dont shave? What should my routine be on days that I dont shave? I feel like i've left something that that ordinarily prevent what im experiencing but dont know what that something is.
Thanks for all of the help.
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Jay, what I do when I get bumps (not very often since I started DE shaving) I invest in Bump Patrol (sold in a blue bottle at Wal Mart). I rub my head with an ice cube immediately after shaving, and it works wonders for me..
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You are aggravating the skin. Dont apply any pressure with the razor and try to shave with the grain next time and accross the grain. Leave against the grain for a while. Make sure you lather for ever pass and dont shave over the same spot twice. Only shave over that spot when you have re lathered. Take your time and when finished splash cold water on your head for several mins and then apply 'Bump Patrol'
Alum block is good too
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Just wanted to update this thread. Per Sir Harry's suggestion i've picked up some Bump Patrol and gave shaving my head a second try (my face is still inflamed and bumpy so I havent shaved that again). The Bump Patrol has done a WONDERFUL job. My head has not been irritated with razor burn, there are no bumps, no nothing, just a smooth scalp. So my process was/is as follows:
1. Wash scalp (im using Neutrogena deep cleanse)
2. Place hot towel over head
3. Rub head down with Shave Secret
4. Mix more shave secret (about 3-5 drops) with Headslick (credit goes to Frontier Guy for this idea)
5. Lather head
6. Shave WITH THE GRAIN
7. Do additional passes as needed
I think that part of the reason why I didnt get bumps or razor burn this time is because I cut out the use of the Electric Panasonic. It sucks that i've used it and cant return it.
So now whenever my face inflammation has gone down, I will shave again using only the non-electric razor and see what kind of results I get.
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Just wanted to update this thread. Per Sir Harry's suggestion i've picked up some Bump Patrol and gave shaving my head a second try (my face is still inflamed and bumpy so I havent shaved that again). The Bump Patrol has done a WONDERFUL job. My head has not been irritated with razor burn, there are no bumps, no nothing, just a smooth scalp. So my process was/is as follows:
1. Wash scalp (im using Neutrogena deep cleanse)
2. Place hot towel over head
3. Rub head down with Shave Secret
4. Mix more shave secret (about 3-5 drops) with Headslick (credit goes to Frontier Guy for this idea)
5. Lather head
6. Shave WITH THE GRAIN
7. Do additional passes as needed
I think that part of the reason why I didnt get bumps or razor burn this time is because I cut out the use of the Electric Panasonic. It sucks that i've used it and cant return it.
So now whenever my face inflammation has gone down, I will shave again using only the non-electric razor and see what kind of results I get.
This goes to prove that not all works for everyone because using a Panasonic electric razor first to get the majority of my head shaved then moving on to Wet shaving has helped my irritation considerably. I also do this on my face some days.
Roger
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Considering that the Panasonic was such a hefty investment, Im going to make a second effort in using it once ive gotten more experience. I think what may possibly have been the problem was me shaving against the grain with the Panasonic (I was shaving both with and against the grain in a circular fashion like on the commercials). I think that if I possibly would have shaved with the grain with it first, then followed up with the Gillette (also going with the grain), then this may have prevented the irritation that im experiencing now.
I'd really like to be able to use the Panasonic considering what it cost me.