First Head Shave with DE Safety

[Liberty_2112]

I recently made the switch from disposable razors to traditional wet shaving, but only for my face. I've been using DE, SE and SR. I am a daily "whole head" shaver as well, but up until today I had been sticking with disposable razors for my head.

I just completed my first whole head shave using a DE Safety Razor. Specifically I used an I1 Gillette Slim loaded up with a Derby Extra blade. There were a few firsts associated with this shave. First time using my Gillette Slim (arrived yesterday, sterilized today!) and my first time using a Derby Blade. I was very pleased with both. I did a single WTG pass over the entire head. I used Proraso shave soap. My Gillette Slim was set on 3.

Overall, I am very happy with the shave. No nicks, cuts or irritation. This was by far the closest single pass shave that my head has received.

One thing that I would change for next time: I covered my head and face with lather. As I was working on my head, the lather on my face began to dry out and shed. Next time I will wait to lather my face until my head shave is complete.

I have used disposable razors, cartridge razors, HeadBlade, electrics and now this. By far, I was most pleased with tonights total head shave.

Any suggestions, tips tricks from any other head shavers on the board? I am new here and any and all feedback is always appreciated.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[DICE]

Outstanding

 

[celestino]

Congratulations, Rob! i can not give you any pointers with head-shaving as i do not do it....yet. Hee hee.
Continued success!

 

[fivespdcat]

You're right on the separating the lather stages. I shave my face completely before moving to my head. For some reason I like my head to be extra clean so I go against the grain and then do the "feel" test to check for any touch up spots. Other than that I don't find it to be exceptionally difficult to shave your head with a DE.

 

[A28]

I shave my head as well.... yet everytime ive decided to use a DE on my head I pull out lol just dont feel comfortable with it yet congrats

 

[Liberty_2112]

Another thing that I did which seemed to help: I shaved my head in the morning with my disposable and then did my first DE shave that same evening. I didn't want too much growth on my first go round.

 

[Liberty_2112]

How often are you replacing your blades? With Derby Extra at 8c a piece, I assume I will use a new one for each go.

 

[fivespdcat]

I get about three shaves out of a feather, sometimes I push it to 4. I also find that the DE will cut longer hair than a multi blade and not clog.

 

[jeff_C]

Interesting post and timing!

I too shave my head, but even though I have been converted to traditional DE shaving for my face, I have not made the switch for my head.

As a matter of fact until last week I was still using foam in a can for my head. Just last week I thought (why not try some nice soap and a brush for my head! It was a GREAT shave and left my head even smoother and softer than normal.

I still havent tried the blade switch for my noggin though. Maybe soon. I like the ease of cartridge shaving because i can take longer strokes than I think I could with a DE.

The double shave was a good idea. I have done that when learning/trying a straight razor.. DE in the morning then straight in the evening. (face)

 

[craig94yj]

Welcome to DE head shaving. I was a little more bold and just dove in shaving my head and face with a DE. My first head shave was with a Gillette Black Beauty. It was a fantastic shave. I too learned that you have to separate the head and face lathering or it dries out. I start with 4 passes on my face and 2 passes on my head. As you settle in you might want to give open combs a try. My daily shaver now is an R41 with a Cadet TP-26 handle and a Feather blade, but I would recommend a vintage Gillette for an introduction to OC razors. I think you will like the results. I am getting ready to give straights a try and this means shaving my head with one. You have to love the journey. Good luck with yours and good shaves to you.

 

[Liberty_2112]

Welcome to DE head shaving. I was a little more bold and just dove in shaving my head and face with a DE. My first head shave was with a Gillette Black Beauty. It was a fantastic shave. I too learned that you have to separate the head and face lathering or it dries out. I start with 4 passes on my face and 2 passes on my head. As you settle in you might want to give open combs a try. My daily shaver now is an R41 with a Cadet TP-26 handle and a Feather blade, but I would recommend a vintage Gillette for an introduction to OC razors. I think you will like the results. I am getting ready to give straights a try and this means shaving my head with one. You have to love the journey. Good luck with yours and good shaves to you.

Thanks for the reply. I've got an OC Gillete that I will try. I'm also waiting on blades to arrive for an OC Gem Micromatic that I purchased. I'm thinking about giving that a go as well.

I'm interested to hear how your transition to SR head shaving turns out. I'm still practicing and trying to get a good SR Face shave!

 

[cdhumiston]

I use a new blade every shave. I do my face first and then use the blade for my head. After that it gets disposed of. Also I do my head in 4 sections, one side then the other, then the back in two sections. This helps keep the lather moist.

 

[Curly]

Glad another took the plunge! I also stuck with a cartridge until my ability improved; the largest factor I have found is being able to make a consistently good lather. As an example, I got a new soap stick (Speick, first stick ever) and due to unfamiliarity I made a dry lather on my head and suffered the consequences. For me about 2-3 days growth, or at the length which a t-shirt will stick like velcro, will result in an extremely close shave; I also am using a Gillette adjustable and will usually keep it up around 8 or 9. As far as routine goes I shave my face then freshen up the brush on the puck and a quick dip of water then lather up for a one pass aggressive shave, followed with a dunk of the hand in soapy water to feel for missed spots and finish up with an E/W pass to get the thinner neck hairs.

On blades, I use Feathers and shave thrice a week, changing out blades after that third shave and have experienced no ill effects.

 

[craig94yj]

Thanks for the reply. I've got an OC Gillete that I will try. I'm also waiting on blades to arrive for an OC Gem Micromatic that I purchased. I'm thinking about giving that a go as well.

I'm interested to hear how your transition to SR head shaving turns out. I'm still practicing and trying to get a good SR Face shave!

I'm still researching and gearing up. I will let you know.