Thread: Head Shaving

I am a head shaver and like a smooth dome which is part of the reason I am considering a straight razor. Anybody have any words of wisdom before I impart on my journey to shave my head with a straight and possibly perform a scalp that would made a cherokee proud?

I believe there is a video in the "Video" sub-section of the general section. I think Jimbo is the resident expert, if I'm not mistaken.

Here's a link: http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...ng-videos.html

Originally Posted by Prometheus

I am a head shaver and like a smooth dome which is part of the reason I am considering a straight razor. Anybody have any words of wisdom before I impart on my journey to shave my head with a straight and possibly perform a scalp that would made a cherokee proud?

I'm a cue ball as well, but I'm still using a fusion, headblade, or DE on the dome.

Expert? God help us all then! Actually, there are a few of us who shave our heads with straights on here - I am just the most vocal I guess.

My best advice is to make sure you are comfortable with using a straight on your face (grips, pressure, angle and feel) before trying your head. Mainly because on the back of the head you have to go by feel as you cannot see the blade. You significantly reduce the chance of scalping if you know what the razor feels like when it shaves on skin.

You also have the choice of one or two passes. If you watch my video, you will see I choose to do a single pass (with lots of repeat strokes over the same areas). I can get pretty close to BBS that way, but it is not cue ball smooth. I know others, Junkinduck (Don) for example, also go against the grain to get really smooth head shaves. I mitigate not doing an ATG pass by shaving my head every day, and using a slightly steeper angle as I shave. I did try it a few times - the extra closeness did not outweigh the time and danger factors for me - YMMV. I cannot advise you on the best way to do an ATG pass on the head, other than to be very careful and have patience.

You must make sure your razor is as sharp as possible for head shaves too. In the places where I have hair remaining it grows fairly densely - the razor needs to be sharp so you do not apply pressure and cut yourself.

I also use a separate razor to do my head (an additional razor to the one I use on my face). If you only have one razor, make sure you strop it well before going from your face to your head.

I split my head into quadrants - (left,and right) X (front and back) - and shave those one at a time. I also relather between front and back hemispheres as it tends to dry out. You may want to relather each quadrant for your first few shaves if you are taking it slow (you should be taking it slow - speed comes with time).

It is also very handy if you are able to use both hands to shave with. I am sure you could just use your dominant hand to shave your head, but I think it is easier and more efficient in the long run if you develop a level of ambidexterity when head shaving.

It is really not that much different to shaving your face, apart from the fact that there are places where you cannot see blade touching skin. So the same basic principles apply: light pressure, stretch the skin (either with your hand, or by moving your head - NOT while the razor is on the skin!! - or both), keep it well lathered, and be careful. When the blade is touching skin, make sure it is moving and you know where it is going.

Be very systematic especially on the back of the head as no one looks good with little strips of stubble poking out. Use your other hand to feel for areas you have missed. I also use the lather as a guide - when you relather the back of your head, bring some of the lather up over the crown where you can see it. Then as you take swipes down the back of the head you know where to start your next one. But if you have been shaving your head before this anyway, you probably have your own strategies in place to give thorough shaves, so please excuse me if I am telling you how to suck eggs.

Take your time and have patience - no one looks good with a cut up head, and typically the first thing people notice about us baldies is the head. Good luck, and feel free to ask as many questions as you like - I am bound to have forgotten something.

James.

Why not link your video James?

X

Originally Posted by xman

Why not link your video James?

X

Holli already linked it for me X

James.

I have done it for a few months now.

I would humbly add...NO SPIKE POINTS!

When I am trimmin' behind my ears and stuff, a spike can get a bit dicey. I have been using a 4/8 round point for maneuverability's sake, but I may bust out a 6/8" for the next go-around. Holds more lather and all.

Then again, if you take your time, the spike point probs can be negated.

I just get a little bored, so I tend to really strip off the hair towards the middle of the shave, and that's when a safe round point shines.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Holli already linked it for me X.

heh, right ... I was just testing you.

I too shave my head with a straight. Jimbo hit all of the important points. I disagree with joke on the spike points. I perfer to use spikes on the head. I use two razors most of the time but when traveling with one I do the head first and the face second with a few passes on the strop between. I would also let your hair grow a couple of days before trying the straight. I generally shave every other day but as jimbo pointed out I go ATG for a super smooth head. By day two I have just enough stubble for tobogan (stocking cap) traction. When I started I would lay my index finger on the spine of the blade to gauge it now I just hold the handle about like I do when honing.

Don

I too finally got it after many trials & tribulations. Start by using a safety razor for most of it & just use the str8 for the easy parts, then start expanding your comfort zone.