Sly Bald Guys Forum

Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: O2BSly on April 30, 2025, 07:58:33 AM

Title: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: O2BSly on April 30, 2025, 07:58:33 AM
Don't get me wrong, I love a totally smooth and freshly shaved head as much as everyone else.

Looking at various previous posts, most guys really dislike the sandpaper stage around 2-3 days of regrowth and can't wait to shave clean again.

I actually enjoyed the intense prickly sensation of this stage, and like how it's a contradictory surprise, as you generally still look bald but then you get this rough feeling on the scalp. Also enjoy the contrast between rubbing your fingers from mid forehead to top of the scalp just after a shave and there being barely any difference in smoothness, versus day 2-3 when sandpaper stubble comes through.

What's more, I enjoy the additional contradictory surprise you get around day 4-5 regrowth when you actually do look a bit  'hedgehog-ish' but your head feels like a lovely Persian rug!
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Razorhead on April 30, 2025, 08:07:24 AM
I actually don't mind the stubble so much. I still love massaging my head when it's like that because of the different texture. I don't like it in the winter though. It's too tough to get a knit hat over it. The stubble is like velcro.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: reddog on April 30, 2025, 11:51:25 AM
Nope, I don't like the 1 or 2 day sandpaper feel! I like it completely smooth. I have a full head of hair, but once in a while if I have 2 or 3 days growth, I'll only shave the top of my head so it feels like I have mpb.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Semi-Sly on April 30, 2025, 12:05:49 PM
Don't get me wrong, I love a totally smooth and freshly shaved head as much as everyone else.

Looking at various previous posts, most guys really dislike the sandpaper stage around 2-3 days of regrowth and can't wait to shave clean again.

I actually enjoyed the intense prickly sensation of this stage, and like how it's a contradictory surprise, as you generally still look bald but then you get this rough feeling on the scalp. Also enjoy the contrast between rubbing your fingers from mid forehead to top of the scalp just after a shave and there being barely any difference in smoothness, versus day 2-3 when sandpaper stubble comes through.

Two perhaps three days sandpaper feel is interesting.  But beyond that my hair is so baby fine that it just lays down and doesn?t have that sandpaper feel.

To be honest, I get my best shave if I wait till three days if I try to shave every day, the shave isn?t too smooth because there?s not enough air for my razor to grab



What's more, I enjoy the additional contradictory surprise you get around day 4-5 regrowth when you actually do look a bit  'hedgehog-ish' but your head feels like a lovely Persian rug!
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: chuck63 on April 30, 2025, 01:33:19 PM
I don?t like the sandpaper feel at all.  After a day of not shaving, it?s hard to pull a shirt over my head.  I normally shave every day.  The longest I?ve went without a shave over the past few years has been four days tops.  I?ll have to say that I get a smoother shave after waiting a couple of days.  It?s good to see all the recent activity on this site!
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Razorhead on April 30, 2025, 01:56:42 PM
I agree about getting the best shave with 2 or 3 days of stubble. There's more for the razor to pull on. So it's the smoothest and most thorough shave. But once the regrown hair feels soft and no longer feels like sandpaper, it's definitely time to reshave. But I typically do shave every day.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Thathawkguy001 on April 30, 2025, 08:14:15 PM
Nope, I don't like the 1 or 2 day sandpaper feel! I like it completely smooth. I have a full head of hair, but once in a while if I have 2 or 3 days growth, I'll only shave the top of my head so it feels like I have mpb.

I like doing this some time. Especially after 3-4 days growth. Especially for a few hours out.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Bencito on April 30, 2025, 10:14:55 PM
@O2BSly Great and interesting topic.

I quite enjoy the sensation of rubbing my head when my hair is growing out. It is quite a feeling when it grows out from fully shaved clean to one day of stubble, and then one to two days. Sometimes I do this because I do crave change from time to time. The longest I lasted was 6 days before I decided to shave my head clean bald again. Normally I shave daily.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Razorhead on May 01, 2025, 08:19:08 AM
@Thathawkguy001 @reddog You guys mentioned that you shave the top only sometimes. So are you just shaving your natural MPB that is appearing? I've done this and it's a bit of work to keep it symmetrical LOL.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: reddog on May 01, 2025, 10:54:32 AM
@Razorhead , I still have most of my hair, so if I only shave the top and crown, I only have the fringe on the sides and bottom of the back. I know it's weird, but it feels cool. I only keep it for a day, then shave it all.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: O2BSly on May 01, 2025, 01:47:38 PM
Thanks for the responses guys, I knew I couldn't be the only one!

Shaving the top and crown after a few days regrowth  - that's a new one to me, sounds interesting though.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: jason_greets on May 01, 2025, 05:09:33 PM
I'm definitely among those who like a smooth bald head. It might have to do with the fact that I have a bit of OCD.  I never really liked my natural hair as it was thin and limp, thus harder to style.

For me having a smooth head makes me feel "cleaner" and more well-put together just as how I like to iron my clothes every time I go out.

I just don't like how my head feels after not shaving it after a day.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Razorhead on May 02, 2025, 09:56:01 AM
@Razorhead , I still have most of my hair, so if I only shave the top and crown, I only have the fringe on the sides and bottom of the back. I know it's weird, but it feels cool. I only keep it for a day, then shave it all.

It's not so weird actually. I'll do it to clean the top out because my MPB is just getting more and more distinct. If I want some head fuzz, it just looks a little tidier with a fringe. I know a couple other guys that do it also -- just keep the top clean and have some fringe. Still owning your baldness.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: slybeard on May 02, 2025, 11:00:12 AM
duplicate
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Semi-Sly on May 02, 2025, 11:02:29 AM
@Razorhead , I still have most of my hair, so if I only shave the top and crown, I only have the fringe on the sides and bottom of the back. I know it's weird, but it feels cool. I only keep it for a day, then shave it all.

It's not so weird actually. I'll do it to clean the top out because my MPB is just getting more and more distinct. If I want some head fuzz, it just looks a little tidier with a fringe. I know a couple other guys that do it also -- just keep the top clean and have some fringe. Still owning your baldness.
I cannot do that because my totally bald spot is my crown in the surrounding area, but I still have a bit of a front hairline even though my hair is profusely thin

Also, I have SMP on my scalp so even if I shaved out the middle, it would still look like there was hair follicles under there
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: slybeard on May 02, 2025, 11:20:36 AM
@Razorhead , I still have most of my hair, so if I only shave the top and crown, I only have the fringe on the sides and bottom of the back. I know it's weird, but it feels cool. I only keep it for a day, then shave it all.

It's not so weird actually. I'll do it to clean the top out because my MPB is just getting more and more distinct. If I want some head fuzz, it just looks a little tidier with a fringe. I know a couple other guys that do it also -- just keep the top clean and have some fringe. Still owning your baldness.
I cannot do that because my totally bald spot is my crown in the surrounding area, but I still have a bit of a front hairline even though my hair is profusely thin

Also, I have SMP on my scalp so even if I shaved out the middle, it would still look like there was hair follicles under there

Semi, how does the SMP work with grey/white hair?  Does it give you a salt and pepper look?
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: slybeard on May 02, 2025, 11:25:12 AM
duplicate
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: slybeard on May 02, 2025, 11:27:35 AM
@Razorhead , I still have most of my hair, so if I only shave the top and crown, I only have the fringe on the sides and bottom of the back. I know it's weird, but it feels cool. I only keep it for a day, then shave it all.

@Thathawkguy001 , @Razorhead , @reddog , you all need to snap us a photo the next time you try the MPB shave.  I also think it would be difficult to get this shave even.  Kind of the reverse of keeping a mohawk even.

I have seen guys that have MPB, but not completely bald (just very thin on top) that keep the remaining thin hair on top shaved smooth as well.  I have never noticed anyone that shaves a MPB pattern on purpose, unless shaved so well I did not notice.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Semi-Sly on May 03, 2025, 10:31:51 AM
@Razorhead , I still have most of my hair, so if I only shave the top and crown, I only have the fringe on the sides and bottom of the back. I know it's weird, but it feels cool. I only keep it for a day, then shave it all.

It's not so weird actually. I'll do it to clean the top out because my MPB is just getting more and more distinct. If I want some head fuzz, it just looks a little tidier with a fringe. I know a couple other guys that do it also -- just keep the top clean and have some fringe. Still owning your baldness.
I cannot do that because my totally bald spot is my crown in the surrounding area, but I still have a bit of a front hairline even though my hair is profusely thin

Also, I have SMP on my scalp so even if I shaved out the middle, it would still look like there was hair follicles under there

Semi, how does the SMP work with grey/white hair?  Does it give you a salt and pepper look?

Yes, exactly. The SMP looks like I have thinning gray hair just not as thin and not as great as it really is. It is also faded so that it looks like the hair is cut into a medium high fade.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: buddha on May 03, 2025, 02:01:37 PM
I like it very much in the winter. It helps hold my stocking cap on my head.
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Thathawkguy001 on May 16, 2025, 09:41:42 PM
I need to figure out how to post photos 🤣
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Thathawkguy001 on May 23, 2025, 09:50:09 PM
@Razorhead , I still have most of my hair, so if I only shave the top and crown, I only have the fringe on the sides and bottom of the back. I know it's weird, but it feels cool. I only keep it for a day, then shave it all.

@Thathawkguy001 , @Razorhead , @reddog , you all need to snap us a photo the next time you try the MPB shave.  I also think it would be difficult to get this shave even.  Kind of the reverse of keeping a mohawk even.

I have seen guys that have MPB, but not completely bald (just very thin on top) that keep the remaining thin hair on top shaved smooth as well.  I have never noticed anyone that shaves a MPB pattern on purpose, unless shaved so well I did not notice.
I left it like this for the day, thinking of doing it again sometime 😅 the way I've been thinning lately it may be natural soon 😂
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Semi-Sly on May 24, 2025, 11:31:35 AM
@Razorhead , I still have most of my hair, so if I only shave the top and crown, I only have the fringe on the sides and bottom of the back. I know it's weird, but it feels cool. I only keep it for a day, then shave it all.

@Thathawkguy001 , @Razorhead , @reddog , you all need to snap us a photo the next time you try the MPB shave.  I also think it would be difficult to get this shave even.  Kind of the reverse of keeping a mohawk even.

I have seen guys that have MPB, but not completely bald (just very thin on top) that keep the remaining thin hair on top shaved smooth as well.  I have never noticed anyone that shaves a MPB pattern on purpose, unless shaved so well I did not notice.
I left it like this for the day, thinking of doing it again sometime 😅 the way I've been thinning lately it may be natural soon 😂
I?m gonna be honest with you, Hawk Guy, you look so much better with a fresh shave on in the photos that you posted your hair is so dark on the back sides and so much thinner on the top that really would look better with a fresh shave on in my humble opinion
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: Thathawkguy001 on May 24, 2025, 01:51:44 PM
@Razorhead , I still have most of my hair, so if I only shave the top and crown, I only have the fringe on the sides and bottom of the back. I know it's weird, but it feels cool. I only keep it for a day, then shave it all.

@Thathawkguy001 , @Razorhead , @reddog , you all need to snap us a photo the next time you try the MPB shave.  I also think it would be difficult to get this shave even.  Kind of the reverse of keeping a mohawk even.

I have seen guys that have MPB, but not completely bald (just very thin on top) that keep the remaining thin hair on top shaved smooth as well.  I have never noticed anyone that shaves a MPB pattern on purpose, unless shaved so well I did not notice.
I left it like this for the day, thinking of doing it again sometime 😅 the way I've been thinning lately it may be natural soon 😂
I?m gonna be honest with you, Hawk Guy, you look so much better with a fresh shave on in the photos that you posted your hair is so dark on the back sides and so much thinner on the top that really would look better with a fresh shave on in my humble opinion

This is my usual 😅
(https://i.postimg.cc/wB3VTb28/fc09a343-63a5-4071-af14-fc0b6130847bphoto.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VSQMKg2D)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gXrZJ7hc/Messenger-creation-E2537-A23-F954-4-C78-ADA0-050313-B635-B3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXrZJ7hc)
Title: Re: Don't shoot me, but does anyone else like the 'sandpaper' stage?
Post by: clipped on August 21, 2025, 08:13:20 PM
@Thathawkguy001 @reddog You guys mentioned that you shave the top only sometimes. So are you just shaving your natural MPB that is appearing? I've done this and it's a bit of work to keep it symmetrical LOL.

I do this sometimes when I am too lazy to do a full head shave.  But my hair is all white, so it looks like I am totally Bald all over my top, when actually I do have sparse front top (not a good hairline and very thin hair) and a large bald crown.  I've read that it is a "Barber approved" way for bald men to look neater when they maintain a grown-out fringe (i.e., not keeping a tight clipper shaved fringe on sides and back), but have sparse front hair (or an island of hair) and a bald crown.