The most helpful advice I was given when I started was, don't give up. I've never shaved a balloon. They don't bleed. They don't get razor burn. They don't have stubble left after you think you've done a great job. Your face does and that's where it can become discouraging. Pay attention to what you're doing an to what works so you can repeat the good moves and abandon what didn't dot for you. By all means, shave the balloon. But you're absolutely right about getting teh best experience by actually shaving. And welcome.