Howdy!

My name is Michael.  Thanks to a massive stroke in Dec. 2005 at age 38, my right side is mostly paralyzed and I'm now in a wheelchair 24/7.  At the age of 43 now, I live alone, doing my own cooking, cleaning and shopping, mainly due to my stubborness.  I still date and enjoy life each day to the fullest.  My favorite phrase is, "Life goes on".

My hair started thinning in my late 20's, then it stopped.  It recently started thinning again about 2 years ago.  After finding this site and lurking for about a week, I finally decided to take the plunge and the challenge.   My first idea was to go the close-clipped route, buying http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015K9BXQ/ref=oss_product at someone else's recommendation on the site.  The fact that I could closely-trim the back without being required to use a mirror was major, as I don't have another hand for that.  After reading others' swearing by the sly look, I decided to give it a try.  My hair stylist buzzed me to start me off two days ago.  That night I carefully shaved myself.  

Overall it was a good experience.  I started slowly using Edge gel and a double bladed razor.  I was able to avoid using a hand mirror by simply feeling of the back on occasion to tell the areas I'd missed.  After awhile, I think I got a bit overconfident and started shaving faster.  I quickly learned that that was a major no-no since 1) I nicked myself pretty good as I went faster, and 2) that going fast led to worse razor burn.  But I learned, I lived, and I used some Nivea post-shave balm on my scalp, then Neosporin on the nick.  I must say, feeling the difference after shaving made it worthwhile, going from the "velcro" effect to smooth skin.  I also learned that Aloe lotion helped tremendously to ease the razor burn. Jose Cuervo might be some folks' best friend, but Aloe is mine right now!  


I'm still waiting on the clippers to arrive, as they will be handy when I'm not in the mood for shaving,  but I'm sold on the shaved feel and look.  And as I told my cute former hair stylist, "You weren't my first (stylist), but you'll get to be my last!".  

Thanks for all the encouraging tips and hints on the site.  

Welcome aboard TM. Great to have you here. Let us know what you think of the Remington when it arrives.

Welcome, Twisted.
As you begin your journey as an SBG, you'll learn what's best for you in as a shaving routine through trial & error.

Glad to have you on board!

Welcome to the forum, Michael!  You're a great positive inspiration!  Many people have a set back or two in their lives, but not all rebound as you have!  Congrats!    
As for shaving without a second mirror and feeling the smoothness goes, you are spot on!  I did that this morning and it works fine!    Of course it's always nice to have a 2nd mirror available or set up, so you can see your handiwork 

Welcome Michael! Great first post!

Glad to have you aboard my friend.

A very warm welcome!

Welcome aboard bro, glad you found us!