Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving => Topic started by: Sparky on May 22, 2008, 12:03:49 PM
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Glad I found this site…I really need some advice from the pros. I’m losing handfuls of hair everyday due to alopecia. I’m tired of plunging the drains and having my head look like divots on a public golf course so I’m considering shaving off what’s left. The last thing I want is to end up with a sore, nicked up head. The Head Blade seems the way to go, at least once I get rid of the stragglers. It’s how to get to that point that I don’t have a clue.
So I’m looking for advice…should I go to the barber first time around? Also, should I go for a close brush cut first or take it all the way down? Anything else I should consider? About ¼ of my head is already bare scalp, the rest has thinned to the point where you can see scalp through the hair. Looking forward to your comments. Thanks!
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I would go to a barber first...that is if it is going to be cheaper than getting clippers and using no guard and trimming it as close as you can.
Everyone has different ways to go about shaving. What I do is just trim it all the way down to the scalp. Jump in the shower..let the hot water soften things up a bit. I use headslick shaving lotion..just a little dab'll do ya. Use the headbladeSP...make sure you apply pressure to the back of the wheels and not the head of the blade. Go with the grain for the first time and hten you mihgt need to re lather up and go against the grain on the second time. When you first start out it takes time and patience. Just be really careful and use a new blade. Just keep practicing you will get the hang of it.
Oh almost forgot...you need to rinse ya noggin....rinse with warm water first..then either use a cold water rinse or an ice cube across your noggin. Go ahead try it....it feels good, not going to hurt anything. I follow up with towel drying it then using a clear aloe vera gel. Just a little dab...it goes a long way. As you are massaging in the gel..you will notice how nice and slick your noggin feels and you wont want to stop rubbin it....lol..its addicting. Give it shot for about 30 days see if you like it ...but my thoughts are by the end of the 2nd week it will feel natural to you...so go for it bro
Timmay
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Hey Sparky, welcome.
Tim's idea of going to the barber first is a good one. Also, if you haven't done it already, go to www.headblade.com
There's a "how to" video in using the headblade. It may be corny, but I'd suggest practicing a few times with the guard on, just to get used to the idea of NOT applying pressure directly behind the razor blade.
Good luck and welcome to the SLY side of life.
Schro
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thanks Schro..i keep forgetting about that video. Its a good tool to use....especially for first timers.
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I agree that it would makes things easier if you go to a barber and get it buzzed off as close as possible before shaving. That's assuming you don't own your own clippers.
The HeadBlade is a great razor, but my own personal experience with their twin blade cartridge wasn't very good. I'd highly recommend a triple blade cartridge as they don't seem to nick and cut as much.
I'd also suggest getting a styptic pencil or powder to deal with any small nicks you may get. It stops the bleeding instantly.
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Hey trucker..what do you think about the wording they put on the styptic pencil package...NO STING! Bullcrap. First time I used one I didnt brace myself for the sting. I just about cracked my noggin on the edge of the sink when I went down because of the sting...lol
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Oh come on, they don't sting that bad and it only lasts for a second. Don't scare the poor guy.
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Hey Sparky, there is already good advice on the table...I just want to encourage you that if you do nic yourself don't give up. Everyone does it occasionally. If I am in a hurry or careless I do it and I have been shaved for several years.
What Tim said is very important
-Keep the back of the headblade down against your scalp --otherwise you will get cut. Read about it on their side and follow the directions
- Use a new blade, no matter what razor you choose to use the first time. The sharp new blade does the trick
-You can pick up the headblade at Walgreens,
Give it a shot and post some pics--you will be fine just take your time
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I agree that it would makes things easier if you go to a barber and get it buzzed off as close as possible before shaving. That's assuming you don't own your own clippers.
The HeadBlade is a great razor, but my own personal experience with their twin blade cartridge wasn't very good. I'd highly recommend a triple blade cartridge as they don't seem to nick and cut as much.
I'd also suggest getting a styptic pencil or powder to deal with any small nicks you may get. It stops the bleeding instantly.
I agree 100% Trucker.
The triples are where it's at with the headblade.
and a styptic pencil is a necessity.
I was in a hurry to shave up as I was going to a show with a friend of mine (Ben Harper)... I nicked my head and figured I would just slap a piece of tissue on it and remove it when we got there...
Nope.
Bled for a good hour or more... not alot, just enough. Trying to find a styptic pencil at night in downtown Seattle... yeah right.
Needless to say the next day I went out and bought one.. never had that problem again.
Good advise everybody.
I say buy some clippers, I have returned from camping trips and snowboard trips that I didnt shave on and it helps to have them around to knock back the old growth (on my face and head) and they are only like 12 bucks.
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I agree Marz, it's always good to own your own clippers. They do come in handy.
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Thanks guys!!! I'm a little aprehensive about my 'first time'. Going with a pro sounds like a good idea to get me started. The barber will have his hands full anyway getting rid of this old hippy's pony tail. And the styptic pencil, heck, I remember those from when I was a kid watching my Dad shave. I'm starting to put my shaving kit together so I'll make sure I put that on the list, along with some lubes, gels, and plenty of sharp blades for the headblade...might have to stop at Walgreens on the way home tonight to see what they have. Thanks for all the great advice and the patience with a newbie.
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barber lst; see how it goes after a shoter cut and shave, if need be. give it a few months.
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Welcome Sparky,
The only thing I can add is to not forget sun screen and to keep us posted! O0
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Welcome Sparky! These guys have given you some great advice!
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Thanks guys!!! I'm a little aprehensive about my 'first time'. Going with a pro sounds like a good idea to get me started. The barber will have his hands full anyway getting rid of this old hippy's pony tail. And the styptic pencil, heck, I remember those from when I was a kid watching my Dad shave. I'm starting to put my shaving kit together so I'll make sure I put that on the list, along with some lubes, gels, and plenty of sharp blades for the headblade...might have to stop at Walgreens on the way home tonight to see what they have. Thanks for all the great advice and the patience with a newbie.
Going from ponytail to sly!!! Thats a serious harvest.
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Welcome Sparky...like everyone says, barber 1st to get the extra hair removed. I use the headblade and love it. But also, I tend to take a 2nd pass with a Fusion razor or Schick Xtreme 3 as well, for extra slyness. Also, consider the shave gels out there as well. Head slick is awesome, as well as the Bald Guyz product line. But also, take a look at Aveeno Positively Smooth gel (light blue cap). This stuff is real nice, and can help prevent nicks and cuts. Good luck!
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Going from ponytail to sly!!! Thats a serious harvest.
Not much choice in the matter as it will happen either way. Thankfully, you guys have already cleared the road so I can rock the sly in style!!!
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Welcome to the Forum Sparky. And good luck with the new non-hairdo :*))
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someone help!! i went bald the other day, im pleased with it, however, ive got a white outline around my head, and it feels really stubbly, no matter how much i shave it, with a 5 blade razor
how do you get the truly bald, shiny top? the one that feels like skin, n not going to give you a rash if you constantly rub your head? lol
thanks :)
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Getting a little sun will of course help with the white outline there stonedpixie. As for the stubble, check out the various shave routines from the members in the Head Shaving section of the forum. But generally using an exfoliator prior to shaving, shaving with and then against the grain, and an application of HeadLube or Aloe Vera gel will slick and shine 'er up.
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Sparky
I fully understand your situation. About nine months ago I was told I have alopecia universalis which means I will have no hair on my body probably within a year or so. It has already impacted my legs, most of my arms and my head. About a week ago, the spotting on my head got to be too much. I had been wearing a zero blade to help cover the lack of hair. However, it was not enough and the patches started showing more and more. My last visit to the doctor confirmed the hair loss was no better and actually progressing. I am fortunate that my derm also has alopecia and is only six months older than I am. Anyway, he has lost all of his scape hair, most of his body hair and when I last saw him he said I was quickly moving in the same direction, probably totally hairless within twelve months or less. He suggested I shave my head if I wanted to become more comfortable with my soon to be lifestyle and start going to a support group. So that is what I did. I went to my barber who was fully aware of my situation and I had my head shaved. It took about five minutes and suddenly I realized my life as it was going to become. I did go to a support group, but honestly, I really believe I will be much happier bald. Within a day, I realized how much better life without hair really is, especially on my head. I say, go to the barber and tell him to shave you. I do not believe you will have a second thought. Besides, more than likely, within a year of so you are going to be bald anyway - why fight it. I love the smooth feeling and the look.
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Thanks guys. Baldyforlife you're right on the money. The alopecia is progressing rapidly. The biting bugs were flying sorties this weekend. Went to scratch my calf only to find that there was a smooth spot. Guess I won't have to ever worry about shaving my legs.
The smart money says that most of my scalp hair will be gone within six to a year anyway. Getting tired of the wind blown look. Hesitated to hit the barber shop over the weekend after a conversation with the folks...they're taking this harder than I am. Amazing that we still worry about what our parents think...and I'm closing in on 50.
Thought about wearing a #0 or #1 until I saw someone with AA sporting the look. Looked like a public golf course with lots of divots. Bought a headblade sport at wallyworld yesterday (~$9.50 + tax) plus some Shave Secret and Edge gel. Have to go back for either the Equate fash wash or St Ives apricot scrub...I got body checked by several women as I was trying to find them. Lots of good advice around here. Figured I'd pick up a bunch of stuff to try based upon comments from guys who are actually walking the walk. Used Shave Secret on my face this morning...sweet!
Spending time with my youngest DD tonight & tomorrow so Thursday is the day. Figured that will give me one day for everyone at work to get any comments out of their system. Buddy of mine gave me a good come back for any of the village idiots (VI) who can't help but make a stupid remark...here's the clean version:
VI: "Hey, what the heck did you do to your head?"
Me: "John said you were an idiot, I said you weren't...I lost the bet."
It's not the best come back but it will keep me from doing something stupid.
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Sparky and Baldyforlife,
I really wish to tell you both that all the guys here are with you, if you need support
and advice we are here right for that.
I realize that sometimes we are so taken by our sly hair style (we like it very much)
that we don't figure how hard it can be for the ones who don't go for it by choice...
I know it's not easy when you can't do anything about it...
Nevertheless I hope that our "bald head mania" can just let you understand that
at the end there's nothing bad in being bald, that it's a (no)hairstyle like the others,
and that many guys live with it and also are happy with it, despite the shocked
reactions you will get for sure at first, but just be strong for few days until everybody
see you for the first time and that won't be an issue anymore!
Guess the last advice is mostly for Sparky as I read that Baldyforlife alredy went
for the sly look and seems quite happy with it now! O0
Just another advice: no matter how far your hair loss will get you will realize that
it will no longer be a problem for you when you will be able not to care about others'
reaction/opinion/comment... listen to everybody, but then do what you wish/can
without letting them put you down about the things you decide or the things you
cannot control... learn to live on yours feeling only and you will be much happier!
Last thing for Sparky: don't use that rude come back... you won't feel better after
it, and it would show the comment hit you... just be superior, get over it, explain
things... this way you will show that you manage it, and who did the stupid remark
will feel stupid by himself! ;)
And for the first shave don't use the HeadBlade: it can work great but while you
are not experienced I would use the Fusion as it's much safer (almost impossible
to cut yourself and almost no irritaion at all), instead the HeadBlade is not so easy
to manage at first... and being your first time better not to put more difficult than
necessary and to reduce risks to the min so that it can be an enjoyable experience
for you.
Good luck to both of you and if you need support you know us sly guys will be here
for you! O0 Keep us updated on your progress!
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Zetaeffe,
Thanks for the advice. You're right about the comment. Life is a little frustrating right now...I shouldn't let it get the better of me. Time to focus on the positive aspects...thanks for helping get my feet back on the ground.
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Zetaeffe,
Thanks for the advice. You're right about the comment. Life is a little frustrating right now...I shouldn't let it get the better of me. Time to focus on the positive aspects...thanks for helping get my feet back on the ground.
Glad to be of help! ;)
When you go for the sly dome take a pic and use it for your avatar here.
I know you can get a bit nervous the first time you have to show yourself
around completely bald, so better to start here where you will surely
get positive comments! O0
Another advice (I know... they are getting more and more... ): don't hide
your bald head, don't wear hats! No need to hide yourself, if somebody
don't like you bald well that's their problem, not yours! There's nothing
to be ashamed of!
PS: baldyforlife, you said you already went for the sly look... well, this applies
to you too: get a pic for your avatar and show yourself to the sly guys! ;)