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Hey, guys! by Sc00teR on 09 Apr, 2011 19:42
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VERY glad I stumbled into SBG!
I've been cast as Daddy Warbucks in a local community theater's production of "Annie." So, yeah, that means I'm going bald. The big day for shaving is a week away.
Not that it will be a radical change. I started losing my hair when I was 18 (I'm in my mid 40s now). What I have left I already keep cut pretty short, though I've grown a Van Dyke to balance out my face. In fact, I've worn some kind of facial hair since I was 18 as well. Upper lip? What's that?
Before auditioning for the role, I checked with my wife. I was surprised that she was a bit hesitant about how I would look totally shaved -- top and chin. I didn't think it would make much of a difference 'cause there's so little there to begin with. So a few months ago, while she was away at a retreat, I shaved my face. Not the top, just the whiskers. When I went to pick her up, she walked right by me without even noticing. Ha ha ha! In fact, a lot of people there didn't recognize me at first. They thought I looked familiar, and some thought I must be my own younger brother (hmm... cleanshaven = younger, eh?). My wife finally let me know her true feelings about my shaved face with this phrase: "Hmm. Well, I still love you."
Yeah. It wasn't the most popular look.
I posted a pic on Facebook and got a lot of feedback from friends who've known me for many years. It was a mixed bag. Several folks said they liked it and thought I looked younger (there's that word again), but a lot also said they like the silver streaks in my chin fuzz and thought it makes me look more distinguished.
But, in a week, it won't matter. It's all coming off for the show. And, for the first time, I'm gonna shave my scalp as well.
After reading a zillion reviews, watching a bunch of videos, and pouring through forums (yay SBG!), I've already ordered a Headblade and some high quality lotions & potions for the job. I'm actually looking forward to shaving... a lot. I can hardly wait. Since I don't have much hair to begin with, the thought of doing something to change my look a bit sounds fun for the novelty of it if nothing else.
I've promised myself to stay totally cleanshaven for at least 60 days. That'll carry me through the show and a few weeks beyond. I just want to try it.
So thanks for all the advice I've already browsed here, and thanks for welcoming me aboard.
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#1 by Nonick on 09 Apr, 2011 21:02
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Scooter, welcome to the best bald forum on the Internet
If you've been reading a lot of the threads on here, you know some of the perils that guys tend to have with the headblade; especially if they aren't the most coordinated...when it comes to doing things while looking in a mirror
Like many guys, my transition included a buzz, a hot shower to loosen up the folicles and relax the skin, and my favorite razor d'jour, with a fresh blade. If you are heck-bent on using the headblade, please be careful not to go from Daddy Warbucks to Van Gogh, and decapitate your left ear, or anything like that (or was it the right). Regardless, I think you have the mind picture.
By the way, congrats on landing the part in the theater. I guess it could be lots of fun.
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#2 by sailor61 on 09 Apr, 2011 21:58
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Welcome!
I'm another one of those who have been unable to master the Headblade (though I think their "lotions/potions" are great).
My advice is to take it slow - you might want to try the Headblade just on the sides/top to get the feel for it and then do the back with a regualr razor for a few days.
Also I'm a firm believer in the "touch" method - I use a small supposedly fog free mirror in the shower to watch what I'm doing on the top and sides. The back of my head is done strictly by feel, attempting to use 2 mirrors just makes it way too complicated - and the one time I tried is the only time I gouged with a regular razor.
As with any shave, it's all about the prep work. Buzz it down short, hot shower, a good facial wash, exfoliate, lay on the lather and let it sit for a few minutes. Then let the razor do the work, don't press ....remember your scalp has been protected by your hair and will be a bit on the tender side.
Good luck - I all but guarantee you're going to love Sly and never want to go back. -
#3 by banmuir on 09 Apr, 2011 23:47
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Welcome.
I buzzed with no guard, then used my Gillette Fusion (since I was familiar with it). Take it slow the first time ... I gave myself 2 hours (with pics along the way). I used the Headblade from the next day onwards (and really, really like it) and have now given up the Fusion (for my head).
Just before you get to the razor it's helpful to spend a bit of time getting used to those pasts of your head you never really knew. Run your fingers in the way you think you will shave and get a feel for the topography and direction of the hair. I still do that occasionally when I struggling with trouble areas (I find it works best with my eyes closed).
My initial mistake was to try and go after every microscopic bit of stubble you can find. Your skin gets a bit raw under an onslaught like that! Surprisingly, a lot of what you can feel others can't see.
I've also just been through several days of people not recognising me at all - some worked it out when I spoke, others did a process of elimination knowing I had to be there somewhere!! Currently on day 22. -
#4 by tomgallagher on 10 Apr, 2011 08:03
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Welcome to the group.
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#5 by BaldHDbiker on 10 Apr, 2011 08:13
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Welcome. I primarially use the Conair Cleanhead. Works very well and no bleeding on the dome
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#6 by The Noggin on 10 Apr, 2011 13:50
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Welcome scooter!
I'm sure you're going to love the sly feeling.
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#7 by D.A.L.U.I. on 10 Apr, 2011 14:30
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VERY glad I stumbled into SBG!
Great intro, welcome. You seem to have the right plans, especially that 60 days
I've been cast as Daddy Warbucks in a local community theater's production of "Annie." So, yeah, that means I'm going bald. The big day for shaving is a week away.
It's all coming off for the show. And, for the first time, I'm gonna shave my scalp as well.
I'm actually looking forward to shaving... a lot. I can hardly wait.
I've promised myself to stay totally cleanshaven for at least 60 days. That'll carry me through the show and a few weeks beyond. I just want to try it. Another vote here for TAKE IT SLOW, and yet another for although the Headslick is the tops, just never got into the HB--to much messing around since for whatever reason the stick razor with a cartridge does a great job. I think the standard salutation for a budding thespian is "Break a leg!" Enjoy the freedom of Sly. Can't wait to read the reviews.
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#8 by Mikekoz13 on 10 Apr, 2011 15:36
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Welcome to the Forum, Scooter!
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#9 by Chromeo on 11 Apr, 2011 14:35
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Welcome! I've never tried the HeadBlade Razor, all I know is that the Fusion does a great job! Enjoy it and hope you stick with it for more than 60 days. By that time, your wife should be used to it.
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#10 by wpruitt on 11 Apr, 2011 20:19
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Welcome Scooter
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#11 by LatinCoffee on 11 Apr, 2011 20:52
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Welcome
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#12 by Arnie on 11 Apr, 2011 23:28
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Welcome to SBGs!!!
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#13 by xnewyawka on 12 Apr, 2011 08:13
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Welcome scooter, you're making a good choice and I'm sure you're going to love it. Sixty days is plenty of time to get used to the nuances of shaving the dome.
Great choice in trying the HeadBlade, and take the advice from the guys. Give yourself time and go slow and easy, follow the instructions and you'll be fine. After my initial shave I started using the HB, and never had a problem (been shaving since '07). It's made to do it's job well, and it certainly does.
Anyway, when you first start, there's so much to experience and products to try, it's a lot of fun, as I'm sure most of the guys will agree. Enjoy it and good luck! -
#14 by TheSlyBear on 12 Apr, 2011 13:55
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Welcome!
I'm another who will caution you about the HeadBlade. Personally, I'd advise against it until you've become accustomed to shaving with a more traditional razor.