How To Shave Your Head

In years past, being bald often had a stigma of indicating a less-masculine example of the male of the species. For a time after that was a counter-argument (made mostly by bald men attempting courtship) that the opposite was true, and that baldness was due to an excess of testosterone, and therefore, virility. These days, however, baldness in men and women is understood to be usually hereditary, with a notable percentage the result of cancer treatments or any multitude of medical issues. Being bald can be symbolic to denote solidarity with those fighting cancer, it can be a fashion statement, or it can simply be a matter of pragmatism based on lifestyle or occupation.

Should I Shave My Head?

To shave or not to shave is indeed an important question. Before actually taking blade (or blades) to scalp one may wish to consider the question of why. Are you intoxicated? Does it just seem like a good idea? Will it grow back? If the answer is yes to the first two questions, you may want to wait a day or two and reconsider. Good news is, yes is the answer to the third question, and it will grow back to look almost exactly the same as it did before you shaved it. Something else to consider in the great pate debate is whether or not you are suited to a chrome dome. Do you have wavy hair? Or do you have very straight hair and a very wavy head? Any moles or scars you’re not comfortable with?
Again, it will grow back, but are you ready to enter the world freshly shorn?
Yes? Then proceed and I will do my best to guide you.

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Using Trimmers To Begin the Head Shave

Use trimmers first and get as close to the scalp as possible. Just using scissors will leave more hair than most razors can handle. Trimming will expose any moles or scars that you want to be careful to avoid grazing with a sharp object. After trimming is also an excellent time to reassess your desire to go completely bald. For some, it is much easier, and less time consuming to simply use a trimmer. It usually takes me about 5 minutes to shave my head and face together. Others prefer a different look (or, ‘lewk’) and like to leave stubble on top, possibly matching a shadow on the face and calling it “fashionable”. Some may think this could be considered “rugged” while others may just find it scruffy. For the rest of us, sleek is the new fleek (da fuq).

What Razor Should I Use To Shave My Head?

Actually, Buy a good razor handle, along with some cartridges. Which one? Razors are like pizza; everybody swears that their favorite one is the best. I personally have been shaving my skull for about 15 years now, and I have always used the Mach III by Gillette. I use the same razor to shave my skull as I do to shave my face, and I will shave them both at the same time. But of course, there are other shaving brand options such as Dollar Shave Club and Shave Mob. That being said I also don’t shave every day, but rather every other day. I have sensitive skin, so I like the lubricant strips in Gillette blades, but lots of other brands are also including similar things on their products, so it is really just about comfort and preference.

Heat Up And Lather Up Before Shaving Your Head

Except for Old Earl who has so much grit that he shaves dry with a Bowie knife, you’ll want to warm the surface of your skin before shaving. In general, treat the skin of your scalp as you would your face, and you should be fine. As such, lubricating the scalp with hand soap is fine, but it can be very drying. Consider a product designed for shaving whether it be gel, foam, or a boars hair brush whisked briskly across a creamy artisanal soap in a hand-thrown mug. Apply liberally.

Beginning The Head Shave

Do you have any scars or moles or other bumps somewhere on your head? Now is a good time to find them and clear the shaving cream from around each one with your finger in order to mark a “no shave zone”. Have you ever had a head wound? The first time you cut yourself shaving your head, you may at first think that you’ve struck an artery. Don’t panic, and treat it just like you would any other shaving nick (but it may take a little longer to stop bleeding).

How To Shave Your Head Bald

Take your time when shaving your head, especially at first. Don’t apply too much pressure, and slow down, because if you do accidentally hit a bump that you didn’t see, a jerk of the hand can lead to a bad day. Even after 15 years, I still shave my head with a slightly slower pace than I shave my face. Go with the grain to avoid rashes and ingrown hairs, and rinse the skin thoroughly when finished.

Voila! You’re slicker than grease! Both aero- and hydrodynamic! Some may think to apply oils or lotions to a freshly shorn scalp for a healthy glow, but with the right moisturizers in the shaving products you’re using, no further applications should be required for a shiny dome, and using lotions or oils could clog pores and lead to skin problems. If, however, you are finding that your skin is especially dry and flaky after shaving, more thorough exfoliation is what I recommend, rather than lotions or oils.  You will learn over time what is the best way to care for your newly shaved head.

It may take a while to get comfortable holding the razor while you shave your head. Some razors claim to be easier for shaving skulls than others. I taught myself to be ambidextrous when it comes to shaving my head and can use my left hand for shaving the left side of my skull, but some folks go for the good old reach around. Whatever floats your boat! Enjoy the looks of envy from your friends when you explain to them that you no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars getting haircuts or buying hair products, spend MUCH less time managing morning hair, and embrace the multitudes’ desire to touch your beautiful Dome. You are now a lucky Buddha to be rubbed! Cheers!

“Creator made very few perfect heads. The rest were covered by hair.”

About Our Guest Writer:

M.R. Felker, Content Writer.  M.R. Felker lives near San Diego, travels frequently with his amazing wife, and likes to live dangerously by accepting candy from strangers.

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