Printable View
I have been shaving my head for about 13 years now. Only recently have I found the joys and wonders of straight razors. I was just wondering what products/procedures/products you all use in shaving your head? I am pretty new to shaving with a straight razor but am getting pretty addicted to it and loving it. I finally got some eshave pre shave oil and used it tonight and got my best results.
There's a youtube video of a guy doing it: Straight razor head shave - YouTube
I don't use anything different to what I use for my face when I do my head.
In the early days I used to think that a wedge grind worked better for the head, but I have since disproven that theory (at least for my own shaves). I use the same prep as on the face (hot water, lather etc), same basic idea of stretching (though the head skin seems tighter, and can be stretched in some areas at the back by simply moving your head left, right, and/or forward).
Really, the biggest hurdle is the psychological one - the one where your brain tells you that it is not such a good idea to whack a straight razor on a bit of your body you cannot see. And since you are already a 13 year pro at head shaving I rather doubt you'll have that issue.
My best advice is to develop your skills with a straight on the face to the point where you feel comfortable with the grips, pressures, angles, movements etc. Then move that onto the head.
Good luck!
James.
Depending on how much time I have, either a straight or DE.
+1 to what Jimbo said, I've only ever been able to complete a full head shave with a Feather AC ss, I use DE 99% of the time. Not sure why I struggle with a regular straight.
Ya but there is a huge difference between using a mach 3 blade and holding a great big piece of razor sharp steel behind your head. I remember having my phone right next to me in case I needed to dial 911 in the chance I scalped myself! :rofl2: Also me being new to this I do not know what you mean when you are talking about a wedge grind. Could you enlighten me on that point? Thanks for the tips!Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
Josh
I completed my 3rd head shave last night and it was the first time using pre shave oil and that seemed to help quite a bit. I was even able to shave against the grain on the sides and back of my head although it was a bit scary on the back! It turned out to be the closest shave I can remember to date. Pre shave oil helped a tremendous amount.
Josh
I've shaved my head with a Schick quatro for a few years & my face with a shavette for about one year. Started the scalp with shavette a few times but never had the guts to complete it.
I have a couple of permanent scars on my face from when I first started with the straight. Nervous about what damage I would do to my head, even if only in the 'early days' while I get used to it...
Straight razors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Grind refers to the cross-sectional profile of a blade: they range from full hollow to just short of a full wedge shape (such as a knife might have). It is perhaps best explained through example pictures such as this one in our Library: Form:Straight Razor Database Submission Form - Straight Razor Place WikiQuote:
Originally Posted by buddah
Wedge grinds are typically a "stiffer" blade when compared to a full hollow, which tends to exhibit some flex. Due to the thickness of hair on the head some people suggest that a wedge is a better choice. However, I have not found that to be the case for me.
James.
+1 Me too, same prep same gear and you're right the biggest hurdle (assuming you can already effectively use a straight razor on your face) is the psychology of having to run a straight razor in the blind (i.e. on the back side of your head). I found the first couple times a bit sporty but after that it's kind of a neat Zen exercise (not to mention a great haircut.)Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
Brave. Too much roundness for me, I have enough trouble with my chin!
I've been shaving my head with a straight since 2008 I take my time prepping then I do two passes with the grain and two against the grain I very rarely cut myself I've cut myself four times since 2008 and I shave everyday it takes me about 45 minutes to shave my head the way I want it which is super smooth
Quote:
Originally Posted by buddah
When your doing the back of your head, my advice is simple. Use 2 hands to hold the blade. Especially around your ears. Use your fingers as a guard and imagine them as that rubber strip on disposeables. Try not to rely on soley on the reflection of your mirror. There is an old painters saying: "your hands can feel what your eyes cannot see.". Hope this helps.
I shaved my head for about 12 years or so, I have not done it in for about two years now. I used shave oil and a head blade, I am too chicken to even think about using a straight. I have been thinking about going back to no hair for awhile now. I was a pro with the head blade hardly needed a mirror and I could get the shave done in 5 mins or less.
I have been shaving my head with my straight razor now for several years and I have to admit it was some trial and error when it come to shaving one head. From the front too the top of the head that is the easy part because you clear view via the mirror the hard part is where you need to feel your way in the blind spot. You have to remember after you have first shaved the front-top of the head you need to remember to use your free hand to stretch the skin while you are gliding the straight razor down wards with the other hand. Not to mention being careful behind the ears I usually two maybe three shaving passes using my free had too feel any spots I may of missed. You just have to remember using warm water on you head like you do on your face before using your shaving soap/cream.
I managed a headsave with my Eiko and although it took a long time to do I ended up BBS + 2 small nicks . First time I remember getting a BBS shave fro m a striaght razor.