Newbie Here, Could Use Some Advice! - page 1 -

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Newbie Here, Could Use Some Advice! by Catch_22 on 14 Aug, 2012 08:43
Note: Not sure if this is the ideal place for this thread, if not a moderator can move it or whatever.

First of all I'd like to say that this is a great community and I'm glad to have finally made an account after lurking for awhile. I've been cutting my hair using a normal clipper with no guard (called a 0 I guess) since I was about 15 since I liked the look and think I look good with my hair that short. I used to cut my hair like that about once every week and a half, but since I've been getting older (now 23) and my hair on top has been getting a bit thinner I've been cutting it more frequently. I now cut every 3 days or so, basically as soon as I can notice a difference between the hair on top and on the sides. I know I'll have to start shaving sly sooner or later, and I'm perfectly fine with that as I don't think it will look that different to my current look which I think suits me pretty well. Basically this thread is for a few different questions I have. Rather than asking in a bunch of other places I thought I'd ask here!

1. What is considered the best razor to use in terms of price vs quality?

2. I'm most worried about razor bumps, even though I'm not sure I'll get them. What can be used to prevent/treat bumps?

3. What are some good things to use for pre shave, during the actual shave, and post shave?

I guess that's it for now, but feel free to give a newbie any other advice you vets feel I need.
#1 by Paul the Headblader on 14 Aug, 2012 08:47
welcome. I suggest you to try headblade. about the bumps, don't worry, you'll get the hang of it,
#2 by Sir Harry on 14 Aug, 2012 08:52
Welcome, Catch 22! After looking at your pics, you already look (essentially) Sly....One rule that many preach about here is the "30-day rule" which is to razor shave your head for 30 days straight to see if you like it and to give your scalp some time to adjust. But, given that most of us "brothas" tend to get razor bumps a lot, you can make it every other day if needed. Given that you already have cut your hair short for almost a decade, you shouldn't have any problem adjusting to frequent razor shaving. Many of us swear by the HeadBlade, but if you want to start with a more traditional razor, I recommend one with at least two blades if not more. I would get a shaving gel over a shaving cream, and I would invest in some Witch Hazel and Bump Stopper/Bump Patrol to minimize any razor bumps you may get...As you get into the world of full-time head shaving, you can learn and experiment with the various products and methods and you will eventually discover what methods and products work best for you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and one of us will be more than willing to help. Check out the threads, enjoy, and post often!
#3 by warhawk on 14 Aug, 2012 09:06
Hey Catch: 1st of all welcome 2 the sly fraternity. Glad that ya joined us. I would suggest a safety razor but since you are new to head shaving I would suggest the regular Fusion (manual) or Hydro5. Once you get the hang of shaving your dome... you should try using a safety razor.

The best razor is always YMMV (your miles may vary) or (your mileage may vary)...meaning what is good for one is not good for another. So razors or any other shaving items are very subjective.

Since you are worried about bumps... preparation is the key. Wash your face and dome with a facial wash such as Nivea for Men Facial Wash or Neutrogenia For Men Facial Wash. Use a shaving brush and shave soap, cream, or gel. The shaving brush will exfoliate your skin and also the lather you get will create protection when shaving.

After you complete your shave.... perform a cold water rinse, ice cube rube until it melts, pat dry, and use witch hazel (keep it in fridge) The cold water rinse, ice cube rub, and witch hazel will help eliminate razor burn and razor bumps. After you apply the witch hazel... allow it to air dry and apply Hydrocortizone 10 Lotion or Bump Patrol.

There are many more suggestions but I'm gonna keep it short so I don't confuse you or bore you. Again...if you are brave enough to try safety razors, there is a safety razor section of the forum. I have been using safety razors for both face and dome since April 2012 and I have gotten the smoooooooothest shaves ever. Keep us posted to your road to slyness.

WARHAWK

#4 by Frontier Guy on 14 Aug, 2012 14:24
Welcome Catch. SlyHarry covered all the bases I think.

I endorse the HeadBlade quite strongly. Great product that works well for me.

And, I think once you start shaving you'll probably shave regularly just because the slick feel is so rewarding.

Welcome again.
#5 by mahaw90 on 14 Aug, 2012 14:43
Welcome dude. Another one here for the HeadBlade, just a fantastic tool. All there products are brilliant, check there website out www.headblade.com

All you need is a HB razor, HeadShed, HeadSlick and ClearHead and your good to go.
#6 by Catch_22 on 14 Aug, 2012 16:04
Thanks to all that have given advice so far.

Another question though, are there any problems with using some of the more commonly found razors, for example the schick quatro?
#7 by tomgallagher on 14 Aug, 2012 16:15
You can use any razor you like Catch. I use the Gilette Fusion Pro Glide.
#8 by Mikekoz13 on 14 Aug, 2012 16:19
Welcome!

I also love the HeadBlade for shaving my head. I have always used HeadSlick but I recently fell in love with higher end shave soaps. I love the RazoRock line and I'm about to order some item's from Mike's Shave Soaps.

I say "higher end" but these soaps are higher end because of quality, not price. A 5 oz. tub of RazoRock cost me $7 and has already lasted as long as a can of commercial shave goo. I probably have another month of shaves from that tub.
#9 by marty22 on 14 Aug, 2012 17:19
welcome!
#10 by Andrei on 14 Aug, 2012 23:47
Welcome Marty!
Let us know how it went with shaving.
#11 by waine on 15 Aug, 2012 00:58
Hi there Marty and welcome.

The good advice had already been dispensed. I highly recommend the HeadBlade Sport. There are cheaper generic blades that fit so you don't have to buy the HeadBlade triple blades if price is an issue. The HB makes shaving the dome quick and easy.

Just keep it simple in the beginning, as you learn and gain experience you will soon know what products are and are not for you.

Personally, I prefer the "Wet Shaving" method with a badger brush and shaving soap as opposed to canned shaving foam and gels. (Commonly referred to as 'Canned Goo’.)

Witch Hazel is an excellent product to apply after a shave and it is cheap, but you don't have to rush into all of that now. Bump Patrol is also very effective at fighting the dreaded bumps.

Good luck and keep us posted with your journey.

#12 by Catch_22 on 15 Aug, 2012 07:12
Just realized this should actually be in the introductions forum, my mistake.

Thanks for all of the advice guys, it should really help me when the time comes. I think I'll stick to using clippers with no guard for now, but I imagine I'll start using a razor by next summer.
#13 by Razor X on 15 Aug, 2012 08:51
Quote from: Catch_22 on 14 Aug, 2012 16:04

Another question though, are there any problems with using some of the more commonly found razors, for example the schick quatro?

No.
#14 by Natedawg on 15 Aug, 2012 09:44
Quote from: Razor X on 15 Aug, 2012 08:51
Quote from: Catch_22 on 14 Aug, 2012 16:04

Another question though, are there any problems with using some of the more commonly found razors, for example the schick quatro?

No.

+1. I've been using the tried and true Mach 3 since I started shaving my noggin 5 years ago. Aside from the first 2 times I ever tried it (which is obviously user error), it's given me zero problems.

Btw, welcome to the forums, Catch 22! Sorry to hear you won't be taking a razor to your noggin anytime soon (it's worth at least 1 shot), but zero guard is as close as you're gonna get otherwise.