The first time I shaved my head, I cut myself numerous times, having to place small daubs of shaving cream on my scalp, and wondering if it would always be this way.
Fortunately, my head shaving got better with time, experience and a better quality shaver.
I decided to shave my head for the first time around Christmas time in 1995. I figured if things didn’t turn out well, I’d have a few weeks off work for my hair to grow back.
As it turns out, the head shaving turned out quite well. I still do it today.
What would I do differently the first time I shaved my head?
The First Time I Shaved My Head…
I used a cheap disposable razor
That was mistake number 1.
I used a brand new razor which was good but because it was new and sharp.
The bad news was that I picked the cheap BIC Sensitive Shaver to use. The one with the orange handle, orange protective cover with white shaving head.
I cut myself in a number of places. I remember feeling each cut with each blade stroke.
The second time I shaved my head a few days later, I didn’t cut myself so I chalked it up to lack of experience the first time. Shortly afterwards, I switched to a different razor brand too.
I shaved in front of a mirror
The first time I shaved my head, I trimmed my hair first with clippers and then shaved it in front of the bathroom mirror.
With hindsight I probably didn’t wet my hair enough. I should have had a shower first to wet my hair and scalp and then shave my head. I didn’t do that though.
Nowaways, I shave in the shower because I don’t need a mirror anymore and know my way around, so to speak. I also have less hair now so the wetting the head part isn’t as important anymore.
I shaved in the direction of hair growth
Mostly.
I had read that you should only shave in the direction of hair growth. So for the back of my head, I shaved downwards only.
On the side of my head, I shaved from front to back on an angle.
The top of my head I shaved from front to back. This is where I was balding the most so I had less hair here already.
But I noticed that the back of my head wasn’t entirely smooth. So I tried shaving from bottom to top, against the grain.
That’s where the cuts first occurred.
I still remember the feeling (pain) of the blade cutting my skin each time. I didn’t give up! I kept doing it because other than the cut(s) I was getting a closer shave.
I probably should have stopped shaving against the grain after the first cut on that day.
As a result, I stopped shaving against the grain completely and didn’t try again for quite some time.
But I never liked the fact that shaving against the grain produced better results ie. a closer shave.
These days, I shave both my face and head in both directions and have little trouble with cuts, irritation or ingrown hairs.
I used aftershave
I was on holiday and only had a few things with me. Aftershave was one of them. So I splashed a bit on my head and felt the stinging the moment it hit the cuts.
Didn’t do that again.
These days, I don’t use any aftershave and generally don’t use cream or moisturizer either. I have fairly soft skin that doesn’t get dry. Perhaps you might need a moisturizer depending on your skin type.
Conclusion
- Give your head a break from shaving for a few days if you cut frequently. If you run a razor over a cut, or course you’re going to open up the cut and bleed more.
- Use moisturizer if you have dry skin or notice irritation after shaving.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth. At least to start. (see my comments above)
- Make sure you use a decent quality razor. Try different brands to see what you like.
- Try shaving cream and gel and see what works better for you. Some cheap creams foam up big in your hand with air but once it’s applied to your skin, goes thin.
- These days, people shave their head for charity in addition to the style benefits!
If you’re having issues with shaving your head, let me know in the comments below and I’ll make some suggestions to help!