Thread: Head shave with a straght?

anyone who shaves the head with a straght give me some pointers. The good Lord took care of the top I need to do the sides and back to complete the job. I wear a hard hat every day and what hair that is left just gets in the way.
Don

I shave my head with the HeadBlade. I haven't had the nerve to try the straight up top yet. I'm just not comfortable with it yet.
Donald

If I were to try shaving my head, the biggest issues that I'd have would be the C1 area. I might try it out of morbid curiosity, one day. There's a 13/16 W&B wedge in my rotation that could tackle the job without any issues.

I do my head with a straight every second day. Things I do are:

1. Split my head into shave areas - top, back, behind ears;
2. Reapply lather regularly;
3. The top of the head is pretty easy as you can see it in the mirror, so start there;
4. Be careful around the top of the ears. Your head skin stretches, so pull the skin up and away from your ears when you shave there;
5. For the back of the head I use feel. Be careful and don't force the blade through the stubble. Initially it's easier to start the stroke on the crown of the head and go down the back of the head. This way you can see where the blade is at the start of the stroke;
6. Be really, really careful when shaving hair behind the ears. Any cuts I've had have always been there;
7. You don't need to go against the grain - I've tried a couple of times but it's not worth the extra effort;
8. Be systematic and try to make your strokes overlap to avoid little thin strips of unshaven hair on the back of your head.

I shave my head so regularly mainly because I don't go against the grain and I like to keep the dome smooth. After a while you can get pretty quick, so it's no bother to do it more regularly.

I've also found a "stiffer" blade is better for the head too - a wedge or heavier grind (or my 8/8 Friodur) works really well. Also a larger blade (6/8 or above) seems better too.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

James.

Jimbo I was about to say you are one brave man but I stopped when I realized that is what people say to me when I tell them I use a straight. I guess it's what we get used to. Anyway I still think you are one brave man.

Yes indeed, one brave man...I'm with Donald on this. I think I'll just keep using my Headblade in the shower and save the straight for the face afterwards.

-Pary

Originally Posted by RichZ

Jimbo I was about to say you are one brave man but I stopped when I realized that is what people say to me when I tell them I use a straight. I guess it's what we get used to. Anyway I still think you are one brave man.

Stubborn is more the word I'd use - when I first started using straights I swore I'd never use anything else ever again.

Seriously, in a lot of ways shaving your head is easier than shaving your face with a straight. The skin's already a bit more taut, and there's generally no sharp direction changes (like the jawline) on your head. And shaving where you can't see is not that bad - you can feel what's going on.

Actually, I've been wanting to make a video of a head shave for a while now, but my wife refuses to hold the camera for me.... maybe I can rig something up. Tell you what Rich, I'll do a head shave video if you do a commando video!

James.

Well out of curiosity I had to give the head shave a try. I will post that the operation was a success. I was surprised at just how easy the whole procedure went. No cut's or nicks and very smooth. If I can get comfortable with it and am able to get the shave done in a reasonable amount of time I won't ever have to buy any cartrige blades again, and I can retire the headblade.
We'll see!
Donald

Thanks for the advice. I havn't got the nerve to try yet. I need to go the barbershop and let him run the #0 over me then I will try. I guess if my head is ugly it will grow back. besides this is another excuse to use the razor and a reason to buy a new one.
Don

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Stubborn is more the word I'd use - when I first started using straights I swore I'd never use anything else ever again.

Seriously, in a lot of ways shaving your head is easier than shaving your face with a straight. The skin's already a bit more taut, and there's generally no sharp direction changes (like the jawline) on your head. And shaving where you can't see is not that bad - you can feel what's going on.

Actually, I've been wanting to make a video of a head shave for a while now, but my wife refuses to hold the camera for me.... maybe I can rig something up. Tell you what Rich, I'll do a head shave video if you do a commando video!

James.

Jimbo,

With the weight I've gained I'd have to go out and buy a wide angle lens.. It wouldn't be a pretty sight