Thread: Shaving my head with a straight razor.

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.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

, 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.

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! 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!

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...

Originally Posted by buddah

...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!

Josh

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 Wiki

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.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

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.

+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.)