I really want to shave my own head.

[cobainngc]

however, I'm not sure how to go about it. I can't find a barber shop around here that does that. They just shave me with clippers and no guard. Anyway, I had this done yesterday but really want it shaved like the time I went to the AoS and they did it for me (AoS is about 1 and a half hours away so I can't do this frequently). It is hard to imagine being able to shave ones own head without having eyes in the back of it. I guess I just figure I'll have a bunch of missed areas and/or cut myself. Do all headshavers have this thought starting out? Any advice on getting this done properly? Also, I am thinking I should start with one of my old cart razors (fusion) b/c I can't quite get a perfect shave on my face with a DE much less my cranium.

 

[temjeito]

It's not that hard once you get used to it. I would suggest you start with your Fusion, and then you can try your DE when you feel more comfortable. Personally, I prefer a cartridge to a DE when shaving my head (though I prefer a SE to a cart, and a straight to a SE). Make sure you have a good, hydrated lather. The HeadBlade mentholated stuff, I think it is called HeadSlick, is also very good, and if you're not 100% certain of your lather yet, I would recommend using that instead.

You can use a small, hand-held mirror to see the back of your head in a larger mirror, but especially with a cart I find it pretty easy to do by feel. I start at the hairline on my forehead and take strokes toward the back, following my razor with my hand to feel where I do and don't have stubble. Frequent reapplication of cream/lather is a must. When I used carts I did this in the shower to cut down on mess and make sure I had plenty of lubrication. Then I would go from the nape of my neck up. Occasionally this ATG would cause irritation and razor bumps, so sometimes I go WTG on the back. Cleanup on top and around the ears, again by feel, and you're good to go!

 

[Hunter]

Well When I shave my head I just go with the grain at all points. I lather up one side and shave, then do the other side. Then I do the top. Then the back, the hardest part about the back is that you can't really see but I just feel my way around. When I'm done I just feel my head going ATG on all sides to see where there is left over and then go over it again in those areas. Around the crown it helps to go XTG in some spots.

Happy Shaving,

 

[watchiekong]

I've been head shaving for about 10 years now.

I prefer baby oil instead of shaving soap/cream: I use one hand exclusively to oil the head and feel for stubble, the other to hold the razor and shave. I dab my oily hand lightly in water to feel for stubble and relubricate the head simultaneously as I go over with the razor. In the past I've used olive oil, massage oil, grapeseed oil...

My approach is very similar to face shaving final touch ups - I feel for where I might have missed the finer details/stubble and use the razor to clean up. I only have a frontal mirror, but believe me you'll get used to your head and simply rely on your leading hand to guide you where to shave.

I'd recommend for a beginner to use a Mach 3 or Fusion cartridge razor before going over to DE razors as for me you get less nicks (practically none if you use baby oil). Once you get use to DE razors and their angle of approach etc then feel free to use it on your head. I tend to prefer adjustable razors simply because I can use just one razor in the morning for face and head. Also with cartridge razors you dont really need to rely so much on technique (IMHO). In full agreement with temjeito - go WTG initially (especially if the stubble is high) and as you get confident go ATG. With my leading oily hand I can feel direction of stubble and identify by feel to go XTG.

The above works for me as I have prefer a totally clean and stubble free head. I head shave about every 3 days. I rub shea butter to buff up after shaving, as the head absorbs it and within half hour its totally absorbed (ie no greasy head).

 

[CraigarTA]

Or when I shaved my head I used a Headblade with a Atra cart. Now I see they have a much improved model. Not sure of the price on blades
But from what I have read guys are using atra blades with the new ATX

 

[cobainngc]

Well, I did it. Just finished. I shaved in the shower since it was the first time I had tried shaving my head. I have to say, I think I did fairly well for my first try. Took a long time though, the hot water ran out on me. Anyway, a few touch ups after the shower and I feel good to go. Thanks for the advice guys. BTW, I went with my fusion as not to kill myself.

 

[temjeito]

 

[cobainngc]

Do many gentlemen here use the Headblade? I have heard of the headslick lotion but didn't know about the Headblade. I guess they go hand in hand. Is this an electric device of some kind? Sorry for the dumb question, but I just haven't heard about it.

 

[Newcastle Neil]

I just use whatever soap or cream i'm using at the time and use one of these on my head

you can normally pick up a pack for around £2

 

[Lamar]

Well, I did it. Just finished. I shaved in the shower since it was the first time I had tried shaving my head. I have to say, I think I did fairly well for my first try. Took a long time though, the hot water ran out on me. Anyway, a few touch ups after the shower and I feel good to go. Thanks for the advice guys. BTW, I went with my fusion as not to kill myself.

Don't be too afraid to taking a DE or SE up there. It isn't that hard if you have a mirror handy. The back side can be done by touch. I've been doing my head with mostly a DE for almost a year now and I've only cut myself once by being careless and shaved off a pimple only twice (2nd time being today).

 

[Snuff-Belgium]

Well done, with practice it will become second nature. I have tried the head blade but it's not for me (others might love it), I use a DE or straight razor once in a while but 95 % of the time it's a Feather Artist Club DX, gives me the best results in one pass (but if you never shaved your face with one I wouldn't recommend to try it). The most difficult is probably the mirror, when you look in a hand mirror to see the back of your head in a big mirror the movements you make are awkward but you will get used to it.

 

[Member357]

I just use whatever soap or cream i'm using at the time and use one of these on my head
View attachment 349866
you can normally pick up a pack for around £2

Yep. These are the easiest of all razors I've tried to use on my head, and depending how much hair you have to shave you can make them last a good while!

 

[bmilcs]

I shave my head daily and use a variety of SEs and DEs.
The best tool for headshaves is the Merkur 37C SLANT. It's super smooth and feels mild yet shaves aggressively. Longer strokes allow this razor to really work it's magic.

So far the best product for headshaves is MWF. Super rich custard lather .

I recommend a preshave oil as well and a hot shower with Nivea scrub too

 

[jbo99]

I have been head shaving for 12 years now, I won't lie, I can do a two pass BBS with a fusion in about 4 minutes, you can't cut yourself with the fusion.

I do like a nice slow DE head shave though. but in a hurry, fusion or even disposable if I have too, disposable does take longer in my hands though.

I use co bigelow head lathered with a brush in the shower to do this.

You will get the hang of it, do it a few more times and it will be second nature.

 

[bmilcs]

I have been head shaving for 12 years now, I won't lie, I can do a two pass BBS with a fusion in about 4 minutes, you can't cut yourself with the fusion.

I do like a nice slow DE head shave though. but in a hurry, fusion or even disposable if I have too, disposable does take longer in my hands though.

I use co bigelow head lathered with a brush in the shower to do this.

You will get the hang of it, do it a few more times and it will be second nature.

I loved Mach 3s when I used carts. You like the fusion more?

 

[jbo99]

I loved Mach 3s when I used carts. You like the fusion more?

Either one, I have the fusion now but used the mach 3 up until 3 years ago. Only started with a DE on my face 4 months ago, done a few head shaves with in hopes to transition to all DE. I really like the fusion on my head but really don't want to pay for cart anymore.

 

[temjeito]

Do many gentlemen here use the Headblade? I have heard of the headslick lotion but didn't know about the Headblade. I guess they go hand in hand. Is this an electric device of some kind? Sorry for the dumb question, but I just haven't heard about it.

It's not electric. It's basically a cartridge razor on wheels that you hold in the palm of your hand (your finger fits through the round hook at the top-see pic posted by CraigarTA). I used one for a long time, but ended up going back to the Mach 3 because I was able to get a quicker, closer shave. I just prefer, and am more adept at, handling a razor by the handle. But the Headslick is great stuff.

 

[Dirk-Lerxst-Pratt]

I've used carts, DE, SE and even a straight once. I figured out the reason cartridges are superior in ease of use. It's their flexibility. They simply conform better to the real estate. You will cut more area cleaner, faster. I can usually do a second pass with a cart without lather.

Have fun, mess around, and don't be afraid to do it without a mirror. With a little practice it can be done just by feel.

 

[Lockedin]

I started a few years ago with a Mach III - and like others, I could get it to DFS very quickly.
Now I'm using a couple of different DEs and learning to use straights.

The parts I can see are obvious, and for the parts I can't see I use wet fingers as a guide - sounds weird, but this is EASIER to me and really advanced my DE techniques fast.Just go slow & easy, IMHO start shaving at night when you don't have a work / school schedule to keep and you can relax and take your time.

Your scalp is different than your face - Try different razors - I started with a Mach III on my scalp at first, then was afraid to use my heirloom Flare Tip Super Speed; now I rotate it with a Slim on a high setting. I'm still a bit nervous with my straights, but learning quickly.

Try different soaps & oils until you find what works for you. I used to use baby oil, then Avon Skin So Soft (still use it as pre-shave when I need it), now I'm using QCS, Taylor of Old Bond Street (St. James), and Mama Bear's Spellbound Woods.

Above all, get comfortable with whatever gear you choose and enjoy the experience.



Welcome to the shiny side!

 

[KipNoxzema]

Cobain, join the other brothers over in the Head Shavers Forum, for some really good tips and advice. In the meantime, I can tell you how I started out. I used a cart (Huh? Wha?) and got used to shaving behind my head and mapped out the direction. Then I took the leap of faith and used a DE. It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected because I was already familiar with the method.
See ya over there.