Thread: First head shave with a straight attempt

Made my first attempts at shaving my head with a straight. Did the sides…touch wood no problem then got a little cocky went to the top and ..ouch ...

Carried on with a safety razor


Anyone super confident and doing the whole head ?
Any advice ?

Originally Posted by rowdi

Made my first attempts at shaving my head with a straight. Did the sides…touch wood no problem then got a little cocky went to the top and ..ouch ...

Carried on with a safety razor


Anyone super confident and doing the whole head ?
Any advice ?

Long time head shaver,No way in hell I would use a SR.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Long time head shaver,No way in hell I would use a SR.

on a serious note, if i were to try it would definitely be one section at a time and a very shallow angle

If you want to use a straight on your head you do have to be prepared to take a few cuts here and there - I had some 3 inch cuts early on in the piece, mainly at the back of the head and mainly due to inattention more than anything else.

How experienced are you with using straights in general terms? My advice to anyone wanting to shave their head with a straight is to have complete and utter command of (or at least a basic competence with) the facial shave first. You really don't want to be learning the initial mechanics of straight razor shaving on your head if at all possible.

The other piece of advice I'd give is no large movements - keep the strokes short and made with the wrist only. I know I contradict that advice in my headshave video, but that was made after a reasonable amount of experience at it. You can still cut yourself with a wrist-only stroke but it is less likely and, if it does happen, usually less severe than a whole-of-arm cut.

Finally, don't give up! Rather than use a cut as an excuse to stop trying (not saying that is what you are doing, this is just generic advice) try to use it as a way to learn what not to do next time. Sometimes they are the best teacher, if you view them in the right way. This is also why I think it's important to have experience with shaving your face with a straight. Many inexperienced people don't have enough knowledge to fully reflect upon, understand and correct the events leading up to a cut or nick, and so the opportunity to learn from them is mitigated somewhat.

Anyway, good luck. Shaving your head is most definitely possible with a straight razor with patience and persistence (and practice). I, for example, do it daily (during the working week, at least).

James.

I've used a Feather SS Kamisori style w/ disposable blades several times and I nick myself every time. I found that shallow, short strokes in circles helps prevent blood loss. I do this once in a blue moon to see if I can, but as I said I nick myself and I'm not cool with that plus I'm slow and as Sweet Brown Said "I ain't got time for that" if you never seen this YouTube it.

I believe Birnando uses a SR on his noggin each day. Should I attempt such a feat, a transfusion would probably be in order.

My coconut is bare on top all the way back out of frontal mirror sight. I use a straight like I use to comb my hair. Once a week, sometimes more often, I need to clean up the dome, behind my ears and neck. A hand held mirror shows me the parts I can't see. Piece of cake. Simply pay attention.

Chasmo

Originally Posted by Chasmo

My coconut is bare.

Chasmo

Never heard that one before but I like it!

Started with the straight about 2 months ago with the mindset of never buying another razorblade, I have been head shaving for about 5 yrs so I have left my self no choice but to learn to do it with the straight. I can shave the front and sides with no problems but the back of my head looks like Edward Scissorhands has gotten a hold of it, lol.

I still use a de to clean up the back, can't figure out a good way to do it yet with a straight, I'm shaving by feel don't won't to use a mirror anyone have any tips or idea how long it will take to learn to shave the back of the head.

I spent many years shaving me head with a straight until arthritis took the flex out of my hands and shoulders. It just takes practice and more practice. Do not depend on the mirror to help you, do it all by feel. You should be able to do it all with your eyes closed, know where your edge is at all times and use short sure strokes. I still use a straight on my chin every day but have to use an EverReady SE to clean my skull. Good luck and have fun.