Thread: Shaving the head

Does anyone here use a straight to shave their head, and if yes, can you give some tips please?

Thanks,
John

There's a few of us. Jimbo gives good advice here (second post). Once you get the idea it's not so difficult and, I found, a lot less irritating than a multiblade.

Originally Posted by johnvan

Does anyone here use a straight to shave their head, and if yes, can you give some tips please?

Thanks,
John

I started shaving it entirely, using a straight, about a month ago. Prior to that I used electric clippers with no guard.

I do my normal pre-shave routine and I put a bit of olive oil on my head before lathering. I lather in four parts because I'm still cautious and don't want the lather to dry: first I do the crown of my head, then the two sides individually, and finally the back which is defined by anyplace I need a second mirror to see.

I go once down the center of my crown from forehead back (like a mohawk). From that spot I shave down the side of my head towards my ear, as if you were combing hair with a part in the center. I shave this direction on the sides as well -- I find it easier and more natural to move the razor this way.

Around the ear and behind it are the trickiest spots for me. I usually scoop directly behind my ear in the same manner you shave the spot right under your nose.

For the back of my head I use two mirrors and use my right hand exclusively (I'm a two-handed shaver) because I'm still getting used to watching the razor in two mirrors. I go from the top of my head down towards my neck. The occipital ridge, where spine meets skull, is similar to shaving your chin. I'll go once over looking with both mirrors and then on my second pass I'll put my head down to stretch it and carefully go back over so that it's even.

I do two passes then put my head in the shower with cold water to clean it up. Finish with Thayer's witch hazel.

Keep a styptic handy because head nicks can bleed like crazy. I strop 5 linen and 15-to-20 leather laps between each of my four sections, or whenever I feel the slightest tug. I also have a container of warm water (a larger plastic cup would suffice) by my sink for when I wipe my blade after a few strokes. I shave every few days so there's a good amount of growth and it's too much hair to put down the drain or wipe on a towel. I'll dump that cup out in the bushes outside when I'm done.

Be sure to stretch the skin and be very aware of the blade angle. It takes some time to get comfortable shaving the back; I've finally gotten to the point where I can go ATG with my left (non-dominant) hand in the back but I go slowly and carefully. I don't use a second mirror but it would probably be helpful, esp. just starting. Styptic pencil = excellent idea. The worst cut I've gotten while shaving with a straight was on the back of my head - bled like holy hell.

WOW!!!

It must take some talent to shave the head.

Great job!

I would give it a go if I was going to shave the head.

I've been shaving my head with my straight and find it fairly easy apart from round the back. I cut myself really badly once and it bled a LOT. I find that I have to kind of lead with my fingers first when shaving the back of my head, pulling the skin taught and letting the blade follow.

John, I do not know how useful it is as a tutorial, but I have a video of my headshave in the videos sub-forum somewhere. Take a look, it might be useful to you.

Just take things nice and slowly - it is eminently doable (if I can do it, anyone can! ), but you need patience and practice.

Good luck!

James.

I do, I recommend getting a nice large hand mirror to supplement your other mirror.

I use water only, but my scalp is getting a little...sparse.

I am a head shaver also. The first time I did it, I tried to do it by feel- that was a mistake. I started using two mirrors, which works very well once you get the hang of it. When I am using both mirrors, I turn around and face away from the large mirror, then sit on the edge of the sink and lean back to get a great view. Obviously, this technique requires a good bit of caution, but the view is excellent.

I also shave my head in sections to avoid drying the lather, but I do the right side, then the left. My hair is thin on top, so the top is easy to do, but around the ears is very tricky. I have a nice little 4/8 that I use exclusively for around the ears.

I have also found that I get much better results with a straight when I shave every day. Since I get a far superior shave with my Mach 3, I can go a couple of days between shaves, not so with a straight.

If I am in the mood for BBS, I will shave everything with the straight, then finish with the Mach 3. I am still developing my techniques, so don't let that discourage you- most folks on here claim that they get better straight shaves.