Head Shavers Everywhere

[redshoes3118]

Hello! So I am pretty new to the forum and still fairly new in wet shaving. I am a head shaver, as well as the neck, and was curious for you guys that do the same what sort of setup you're doing?

For context, I'm using a Gillette Fatboy typically set at 4 and using Feather blades which are the only ones I have ever tried. I use a B&M Seville soap.

The issue I'm finding is that I end up typically having a few places that bleed during my shave, whether from the odd bump or mole on my head that the feather blades seem to have little patience for. Is it pretty common fare to have some bleeding places while head shaving? Should I try different blades?

I'm sure my technique isn't perfect, but I wouldn't say it's terrible. I wouldn't say that I'm really pushing down on the razor while I'm shaving, more just letting the head of the fat boy weigh itself and trying to pay attention to the angle to feel the blade.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

This long running thread should help:

Head Shaver's Check-In

OK Gents: I've seen every other kind of check-in except "Head Shavers" Shout out; let us know if you are a head shaver. Let us know your special techniques. Let us know if you are bald for real or just like to shave your head. If you are in the mood, let us see a photo of the head. Let us...

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[JoWolf]

Hello! So I am pretty new to the forum and still fairly new in wet shaving. I am a head shaver, as well as the neck, and was curious for you guys that do the same what sort of setup you're doing?

For context, I'm using a Gillette Fatboy typically set at 4 and using Feather blades which are the only ones I have ever tried. I use a B&M Seville soap.

The issue I'm finding is that I end up typically having a few places that bleed during my shave, whether from the odd bump or mole on my head that the feather blades seem to have little patience for. Is it pretty common fare to have some bleeding places while head shaving? Should I try different blades?

I'm sure my technique isn't perfect, but I wouldn't say it's terrible. I wouldn't say that I'm really pushing down on the razor while I'm shaving, more just letting the head of the fat boy weigh itself and trying to pay attention to the angle to feel the blade.

I shave both face and head weekly. I single use a Feather in an OC95 Lupo. I use Saponificio Varesino Shea Butter pre shave. It is oil based and I let it soak into the skin and whiskers for ten minutes. This softens skin and whiskers. It provides an extra amount of glide under your shave cream. The weight of the razor head is more than enough pressure for shaving. Sensitive areas even lighter. On any follow up passes or buffing re-lathering is essential. Some men with their skin and whiskers do not prefer or need the extra protection of a pre shave. If you are getting weepers this is the easiest remedy to try. Feathers are the sharpest blades an excellent choice. The pre shave conditions skin and provides extra glide protection from the blade.

 

[redshoes3118]

I shave both face and head weekly. I single use a Feather in an OC95 Lupo. I use Saponificio Varesino Shea Butter pre shave. It is oil based and I let it soak into the skin and whiskers for ten minutes. This softens skin and whiskers. It provides an extra amount of glide under your shave cream. The weight of the razor head is more than enough pressure for shaving. Sensitive areas even lighter. On any follow up passes or buffing re-lathering is essential. Some men with their skin and whiskers do not prefer or need the extra protection of a pre shave. If you are getting weepers this is the easiest remedy to try. Feathers are the sharpest blades an excellent choice. The pre shave conditions skin and provides extra glide protection from the blade.

I'll have to look into finding some sort of pre-shave product to try out. I haven't really been doing any sort of pre-shave routine beyond splashing a little hot water on the skin and then lathering down. It for sure seems to be dependent on how much of a hurry I am in as well. If I take my time I can typically get out of it with very little nicks, but if I even slightly try and hurry my shave up it seems like it's inevitable.

 

[Old Hippie]

There are some razors that not only remove hair but also provide the additional benefit of removing bug bites and skin blemishes. I have a scar that I need to trim back about twice a year. May not need it but the trim comes as part of the service.

Some things specific to my context: I'm a skinny old hippie; not much padding under my scalp. Also old, so I have harder hair (but less of it). I live in a dry place. I shave in well water that has a bit of iron and some calcium hardness. I don't really have sensitive skin, but too much warm toweling or too much buffing always brings up the irritation.

I've lately had some wonderful results with some pretty aggressive razors, but admit my preference day-to-day is for a medium-aggressive razor with a medium-sharp blade. Astra SP or Dorco Prime blades; my current razors are usually a RazoRock Superslant (L2OC, L3SB or L3OC) or a Wolfman WR3 in 0.35mm OC. I also play with shavettes and am working out a design for a shavette handle which gives me lots of fun testing my iterations -- but dangit getting a great shavette shave means I'm not enjoying great shaves with other razors. First world problems.

I think your observation about time is astute. The time it takes for shaving my head has settled on a consistent 35 minutes start to finish over the last five years. I can go quicker by A) using a razor less prone to nicks or B) using a very aggressive razor like a devette and limiting to just the WTG pass. When I started playing cautiously with shavettes I usually took an hour and a half, which put the shave firmly in the "luxury" category and led to skimping on time spent building new technique. I'm faster than that now, but I still take longer and pay a bit more attention to detail.

O.H.

 

[JoWolf]

I'll have to look into finding some sort of pre-shave product to try out. I haven't really been doing any sort of pre-shave routine beyond splashing a little hot water on the skin and then lathering down. It for sure seems to be dependent on how much of a hurry I am in as well. If I take my time I can typically get out of it with very little nicks, but if I even slightly try and hurry my shave up it seems like it's inevitable.

Rushing a shave is missing the opportunity to treat yourself and your skin to a luxurious experience. If quick shaves are a must night time application of a good skin cream to rejuvenate and enhance skin health is a good option. Healthy skin increases comfort and efficiency in your shaves.

 

[awk_m4]

I'm a daily head shaver.

Henson Razor First Use: October 14, 2021
"First ever Face and Head shave with the Henson AL 13 Mild. I had my doubts with the small blade gap but the results just blew me away! Ridiculously good!"

Henson Usage (number of shaves) through 09/26/2024
Total shave with Henson Razors: 1065
Detailed breakdown by aggression:

Henson + = 545
Henson ++ = 217
Henson +++ = 303