Headshaving

Hi, I'm new to the forums here, but I've been using straights (exclusively) for about 9 months now. I like to shave my head down to the wood periodically, and I intend to start doing that with a straight as well. Even back when I used Schicks & Gilettes, I found shaving my head to be technically easier than most parts of my face. I don't see why this would be any different with a straight.

Eventually, I would like to own a whole set of equipment (razor, brush, etc) specifically for this purpose, that would be best suited to do this type of job. I was thinking about different features such a blade would ideally have. Here are some things I came up with:

Blade Type - My first thought would be to steer away from a spike point...a lot of the work takes place out of sight, and those tips should be kept in view at all times.

Blade Shape - Possibly a curved (smiling) blade? I've heard these give a little more freedom to do some different types of strokes, such as rotating the blade in a scything motion. I could see this being useful.

Size - I think something a little on the heavier side would do well for a job like this. Maybe a 7/8 or 8/8 with a nice thick spine. My logic is that the heavier blade would result in a more deliberate stroke that could be "felt" more easily. That is, at times where you can't see it, the fact that it is heavy would help keep it moving straight without wobbling or moving laterally.

I would be interested in getting some input from anyone who has experience headshaving with a straight. Has anyone found a particular brand or model of razor that works well for this?

I've been head shaving for four years but just recently with a SER. I just use the razor of the day. The point type makes no difference for me. To treat myself, some days I will redo my scuttle for more heat but other then that I find it pretty easy.

No experience head-shaving whatsoever here - just wanted to say that I also think if / when I start - I will try to use a round point and a smiling blade (although this particular combination I have not seen yet; there are smilies + barber's notch or spanish point, stuff like this). I would also probably go for a heavier grind and a shorter blade.

I am amazed that someone finds head-shaving easier. More power to you!

Cheers
Ivo

Any blade type will do, although I prefer the heavier grinds like wedges or larger (8/8) sizes. The type of point is only really an issue around the ears, and that's the area I'm always most careful with (look pretty stupid without ears :) ).

You're right, using a straight on your head is easier than on the face. Not being able to see the blade when you do the back of your head is not as big an issue as people think - it's all in your head (sorry, bad pun)!

After trying both front-to-back and back-to-front passess early on, I now only do front-to-back, and do my head every second day to keep it smooth. I've also found it very beneficial to be able to use either hand, although I guess you could use one hand.

Good luck with the dome chroming!

James.

What you guys are describing is pretty much exactly what I was thinking. Something heavy and shorter. A wedge would help cut through the denser hair growth I think. The other thing I foresee having trouble with is dropping the thing. I've had problems with this with my cheesegraters when holding them at weird angles behind my head (especially when my hands are full of lather). Is there such thing as a tang that curls all the way round at the end, so you can keep it on your finger like a ring?

Jimbo Van Gogh

LMFAO!!

Not Van Gogh (yet). Maybe Jimbo Scissorhands....

Don't worry about blade length too much - when you do the unisghted parts of your head you'll probably find that you use the middle 2/3 of the blade as opposed to the whole anyway.

Can't help you with the razor dropping part except to say that if you use two hands and just go front-to-back you should be able to keep your standard grip at the back of the head.

James.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dangles

...Is there such thing as a tang that curls all the way round at the end, so you can keep it on your finger like a ring?

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Yes, there is, and it's very rare. I have seen a few of these, like a key ring. FWIW, I am talking about the tail here. There are also tangs that have an oval to fit the thumb better - these are not so rare. (I myself love this in a razor, especially with jimps, which improve comfort grip & control even more, lather or no lather on hands)

I am sure you can also order a custom like this :D

Or, and this will be cheaper - you can devise some kind of a wrist band holding the razor, more or less, in place - even if dropped.

Cheers
Ivo

Yes, I meant the tail...not the tang. Though that would work too I suppose. I'll keep an eye out for something like this.

Heh, I know pretty much any razor would work for this...I think I'm just looking for excuses to buy more.

I do agree with Jimbo about the grip though. Makes sense that you can just go straight back and forth...as opposed to a cartridge where you're turning it every which way to get the full coverage. I doubt I would have issues dropping a straight because (a) I care, and (b) When I use the cartridge, I hold it very near the blade when I shave my head...which means the handle is dangling out in the air and is harder to hold steady. This is a non-issue with a straight.

The only area I've found that requires a bit of tricky manoeuvering is behind the ears. I need to use the point of the blade to get those hairs that grow right behind the top of the ears. But this is more a matter of shoulder flexibility than anything else, and also might be some weird genetic mutation - I've never looked closely behind anyone else's ears to see if they have similar hair growth there....maybe I'm a freak! :eek:

James.

Yoga for straight shavers!

(The next big thing around here :D )

Cheers
Ivo

That's a great idea Ivo! :tu I've been wondering, and getting a little concerned, about how I'm going to hold up into my old age - a bit of yoga/stretching designed for straight users could be just the ticket.

James.

Yah, I am starting a waiting list for orders of my soon to-be-released "Yoga for Straights" DVD

Paypal me and mark your calendars :D

Also accepting ideas on talent you would like to see in it (e.g. Lynn, Lou - whoever :roflmao )

Cheers
Ivo

Quote:

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Originally Posted by izlat

Yah, I am starting a waiting list for orders of my soon to-be-released "Yoga for Straights" DVD

Paypal me and mark your calendars :D

Also accepting ideas on talent you would like to see in it (e.g. Lynn, Lou - whoever :roflmao )

Cheers
Ivo

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I'm not sure you could afford Lou. I hear Jane Fonda's going cheap nowadays....:D

James.

Jane who? Now Demi Moore might be a bit more interesting.
Y'all makin' such a big deal out of the head stuff. :nono: What's a bit of blood anyway? :shrug: There is a reason the 19th century barbers were the surgeons.
If you are afraid of the blade it won't work. Just work into with it very slowly with no pressure. Plan on taking a long time and I suggest you don't do it in the shower or naked. The only time I nick myself is when I sneeze. (just kidding). Be brave grasshopper, let your mind be one with the blade.

Just did the ol gord for the first time. It turned out well. Used a 5/8 Dovo special. I think I will look for a little heavier blade. I only drew blood once on the back of the head. Found if you look down to streach the skin and guide the blade from the spine with the nonshaving hand. Don't hold the spine just lay a finger between the head and spine to help keep the angle.
Don

Nice one Don.:tu

James.

Cool! I bet the aftershave was a wakeup!:eek:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kenrup

Cool! I bet the aftershave was a wakeup!:eek:

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Moisturising cream is great for the freshly shaved head, and it doesn't sting :). I don't know how much hair you sported before, or how sunny it is at your place, but a moisturising cream with sun block in it is sometimes worth a go too.

James.