Shaving the dome in 3 weeks. Need advice :-)

• Shaving the dome in 3 weeks. Need advice :-) by coloradodano on 02 Feb, 2013 12:08
• Hello all!
  
  I committed to shaving my head if my company raised $50k for Relay For Life... well, we did it!
  
  I am going to be shaving my head at a company function on Feb 21. (I'll just have someone get it clipper-close and I'll do the shaving later).
  
  I know there is a ton of good info on this forum about products, shaving techniques, etc and I'll take some time to get into that, but I hoped some folks might have some specific advice for me.
  
  My 'issue' is that the following Monday the 25th and the subsequent couple of days, I'll be in front of around 800 people on stage at a conference. Esp given the circumstances surrounding me 'going Sly,' I shouldn't be so concerned about looks, but what can I say... I'm vain. LOL.
  
  Do you have any suggestions on how I can get looking my bald-headed best in that short amount of time? Can I use self Tanner? Other product recommendations for shaving/for the skin in general? Fav Razors?
  
  Any and all advice would be great! I may just stick with this look for a while... we'll see :-)
  
  Dan
  
   
• #1 by Ming the Merciless on 02 Feb, 2013 12:28
• When the hair is gone you are already looking "at your bald-headed best."  No further improvement is possible.
  
  Do not slather fake tan on the dome.  It will look even more artificial than a pale scalp will--and in February, what are you doing with a tan elsewhere, anyway?
  
  As to a public display of SLY--"Never explain; never apologize." 
  
  Rise above comments and obloquy--then a chilly glance and change of topic should someone be impertinent to bring the subject up is the best strategy.
  
  I, of course, consign such folk to my dungeons.
• #2 by Mikekoz13 on 02 Feb, 2013 14:08
• Oh Dan... you first response was from the Almighty Ming. He speaks the truth but let me explain in terms that common folk like us can understand.
  Dont' sweat what other people think because you WILL look great, you WILL feel great, and most people won't give a rats rear end anyway. Props to you for supporting such a great cause.
  
  As for goods to use.... There is a big HeadBlade crowd here but it can be tricky for beginners. Many Fusion and Mach 3 guys here too.
  
  I prefer GOOD quality shave soaps over anything marketed in a can or on TV. Check out ItalianBarber.com and look at the RazoRock shave soaps. Excellent products at very good prices. Also consider "Cella" shave soap.  You'll need a nice brush to whip up a lather and for application. I recommend a badger brush but you can buy a cheap boar brush at Wally World. I have both a boar and a badger brush and like them both.
  
  Don't be put off by the fact that ItalianBarber is in Canada. Their service is EXCELLENT and prices are VERY good. Excellent products.
• #3 by Lynchy on 02 Feb, 2013 14:41
• Good job Dan.
  
  You never know you might dig the look and keep it!
  
  I wouldn't use fake tan, but keeping it matte instead of shiny looked better for me in the early days.
  
  Good luck and don't forget some pics.
• #4 by Frontier Guy on 02 Feb, 2013 15:18
• Dan, the shaving is on Thursday and your conference isn't until Monday.
  
  I suggest spending as much time between Thursday and Monday out in the public so you can become "comfortable" with the new you.
  
  One question which is key ... do these 800 people at the conference know you? If not, they're seeing you for the first time and it won't even register that you've gone sly (unless it's part of the introduction). And to that, I would avoid any reference until the end of your presentation (if then).
  
  Personally, I think it's going to be a great experience for you all around.
• #5 by slyjoe on 02 Feb, 2013 15:40
• Welcome, and good luck on your shave
• #6 by nuts on 02 Feb, 2013 17:43
• A great challenge and if the experience here is anything to go by you will love your new look.  30 day rule applies.  And yes some pics before and after.
• #7 by greatnessinc on 02 Feb, 2013 19:47
• It's 2013 bro, the stigma of being sly is dead/buried.
  Your scalp is going to need some time adjusting to shaving, so for a few weeks shave with the grain.
• #8 by Gary~ on 03 Feb, 2013 00:05
• Quote from: Frontier Guy on 02 Feb, 2013 15:18

  Dan, the shaving is on Thursday and your conference isn't until Monday.
  
  I suggest spending as much time between Thursday and Monday out in the public so you can become "comfortable" with the new you.
  
  One question which is key ... do these 800 people at the conference know you? If not, they're seeing you for the first time and it won't even register that you've gone sly (unless it's part of the introduction). And to that, I would avoid any reference until the end of your presentation (if then).
  
  Personally, I think it's going to be a great experience for you all around.
  

  
  +1 to the above -- get out and about and I notice how people you don't know react to your bald head -- they won't react or care at all.
  
  Go with the grain -- forget about getting it super smooth against the grain for now. Don't use any shaving lubrication that creates lather -- it is drying and unnecessary although traditional. I suggest using King of Shaves Alphagel sensitive shaving get with a HeadBlade sport.
• #9 by Beardman on 03 Feb, 2013 01:44
• Don't stress it mate, you don't need to look like you've been head shaving for ages straight away.
  
  For the most part you're favourite face razor should do the job. Although you might like to try out the Headblade, but initially as Mike said it can be a bit tricky to use for teh novice head shaver. But many people of only used the HB and have done quite well.
• #10 by bbcguytom on 05 Feb, 2013 21:58
• I have used slf-tanners & let me tell you that they all leave an 'orange glow' to the appearance. At first ibe t may not be noticeable, but after awhile you do (and others will too). If I were you, I would have your wife or woman-friend help you to pick-out some liquid foundation that would match your facial skin & blend it in on your head. If you'd rather not do that, I would just get as much sun as possible leading up to the event. Good luck!
• #11 by bbcguytom on 05 Feb, 2013 22:04
• Any 3-bladed disposable would  use do for shaving, I use Target brand 3-bladed w/unscentrd shaving cream or Noxzema for Sensitive Skin. I also use any facial-scrub on my head too. Afterwards, Aloe Vera Gel is very healing.
• #12 by eric79 on 07 Feb, 2013 19:44
• Cool I love the adding shaving your head for relay for life. I have participated in the event many times. I would not worry about the presentation much and if anyone asked I would be up front and tell why you are sly. Most people will give you credit for doing it. Anyone that doesn't is a very insecure person and I wouldn't worry about them.
  
  Eric   
• #13 by clarinetguy on 17 Feb, 2013 17:35
• Dan, Fantastic that your company raised such a great amount! Shaving is a great idea and yes you may find that you love it. In fact I would almost guarantee it- I agree that using a Fusion for your first time will be easier. Just take your time and be sure that you soften the stubble up. Cold water rinse helps at the end. Enjoy and post a pic for us.