Anyone shave their head around here?

[Tricky]

I have to start shaving my head on a regular basis in a couple of weeks, medical reasons. Nothing serious, I'm having a sort of a skin condition treated. It runs in the family, being partially genetic and partially an infection or something. A bother to explain.

So two days ago my physician informed me that it would be preferable for me to shave my head clean during those weeks. I can embrace change, but I find the thought of shaving my *entire* head a little intimidating. For one I don't use an electric razor. I have been told that electric is the way to go here, but I won't consider it. I am also used to shaving without a using a mirror, but I can see how that might become a problem.

If anyone here can give me a few personal pointers on how to get it done right, I would much appreciate it. I really have to go for the cleanest cut, eyebrows included.

[Magrus]

No, but I used to. This was when I was about 13 or so, and it was easier. I had one of those electric clippers and just shaved my head. Then, once I went through puberty and all, I had to stop due to the fact using an electric shaver on my beard was similar to using one to cut the grass in the lawn. It will work...eventually, but it will be painfully slow and horrendous.

If you have to do so for a few weeks only? I would suggest investing in one of those nice 3-4 bladed razors and a pack or two of refill razors. Do it slowly and don't cut yourself. Especially on your scalp....if you cut yourself there it will bleed like all hell.

[Sean The Owner]

id say start with an electric hair buzzer, shave it at the shortest setting, and you said you needed it really clean? id say load your head with shaving cream and finish it with a 4 blade razor, i tried doing someone elses with a 3blade razor without buzzing it off, and wow...7 blades and 1 hour later, it was done...and then to make it nicer we put a bunch of aftershave on his head(do NOT do that, it hurts like getting sacked...)

[DaemonJ]

I have been shaving my head for a little over a year now and doubt I will ever go back.

I could never get a good shave when using an electric and have been using the Gillette Mach 3 Turbo at first and switched to the Gillette Fusion when it came out.

I have never used a mirror to shave with. You can tell where you have shaved and where you haven't so it will be easy for you. The hardest thing to do is getting used to the feel of wind on your head when you are outside and it is breezy / windy.

The cleanest cut for your head is just like your beard and that is shave against the grain. My best advice is don't skimp on the shaving gel and be sure to good something good as it will save your head. If you think that a nick from standard shaving hurts wait until to get your head.

[Zelgadis]

Probably the gentlest, closest razor is the Gillette Venus, but I use the Gillette Mach 3 because I am a man . After the first shave I'd recommend shaving again every 1-2 days, but you can get away with a week if you don't mind a little discomfort. If you let it grow more than that I'd recommend going over it again with electric clippers. Also, use skin moisturizer, and remember sunblock if you're going to be in the sun very long.

[Obsidian]

Yeah, get an electric razor to buzz your hair right down, go to a barber if you don't have one.

Then, do the actual head shaving in the shower. In they army we call it bic-ing. Shaving gel for the first pass, then use conditioner, I lie not, normal hair conditioner, for the final pass. That should get your dome nice and shiney. Plus conditioner usually has nutrients and such that are good for your skin.

And yeah, gentle pressure! Cutting your scalp will bleed like you wouldn't believe.

And buy a hat. Your head gets SUPER cold.

[Magrus]

Originally Posted by Zelgadis

Probably the gentlest, closest razor is the Gillette Venus, but I use the Gillette Mach 3 because I am a man . After the first shave I'd recommend shaving again every 1-2 days, but you can get away with a week if you don't mind a little discomfort. If you let it grow more than that I'd recommend going over it again with electric clippers. Also, use skin moisturizer, and remember sunblock if you're going to be in the sun very long.

Hate to break it to you, but they are exactly the same, just a different "package". One for a man, the other for a woman.

[Tricky]

Originally Posted by Zelgadis

Probably the gentlest, closest razor is the Gillette Venus, but I use the Gillette Mach 3 because I am a man . After the first shave I'd recommend shaving again every 1-2 days, but you can get away with a week if you don't mind a little discomfort.

That's interesting. As far as my beard goes, I'm a fast grower. I pretty much had to shave it every day, I can't space more than one without looking like the caveman. Compared to most people I don't nearly have to get my hair cut as often though. I also have very light, frail and thin hair, while my stubble is very thick, dark and stubborn. I have a weird head.

[Kipi]

I used to during the last year, since military aloows only very short hair or no hair at all. But thank god it's over

For a tip, if you are living with someone (as you probably are), then the help of other may be a good idea, especially when shaving the back of your head. I know as I used to base on help of others, as did they as well.

[Luis Antonio]

Its cool to shave your head. I used to walk that way for a long long time, and not having to deal with hair is such a nice thing. So, in other words, dont worry, you'll be fine without it. And it will do good to you, of course, to stay without it.

[Magrus]

Originally Posted by Tricky

That's interesting. As far as my beard goes, I'm a fast grower. I pretty much had to shave it every day, I can't space more than one without looking like the caveman.

You're a lucky bastard. Now that I am working split shifts doing mornings for 5 hours and then evenings for 6+ hours on fridays, I need to shave twice a day. I end up with a "5 O'clock shadow" by the time 4-5 hours have gone by since I first shaved.

[BlueSky]

Eons ago, when I shaved mine, I found a good barber and let him do it...
of course that spoiled me and when I considered doing it again, it became a chore and I gave up on it...plus the fact that personally I didn't look good shaved.

[Tricky]

Originally Posted by Obsidian

And buy a hat. Your head gets SUPER cold.

Sweet, I've never gone hat-shopping before. Now what kind of hat would Captain Picard wear?

[dragon wench]

I can put in a plug for the Venus razor as being extremely gentle and giving a smooth shave. Some time ago my SO ran out of blades for his razor, and I had lots in stock, so I tossed him my Venus to use. He declared it was the best and gentlest shave he'd ever experienced. He then promptly went out and bought a Mach3....

Also, I speak from personal experience in saying that using hair conditioner is indeed very good. Just make sure you use something really rich with relatively few chemical additives, especially if you have a skin condition.

Good Luck!

[Tower_Master]

I've definately had the best luck cutting down to a stubble with an electric razor, and then finishing off with a regular one, mate. Definately wrap your head with a hot-water-soaked towel to open up the pores before applying the shaving cream - and if you're looking for a razor, check out the headblade - makes the job as easy as rolling a toy car over the old dome. Best of wishes for your treatment, Tricky - hope it goes well!