Bravely Go Bald: A Guide to Shaving Your Head
Are you considering shaving your head? Many men choose to shave their heads for a variety of reasons, but taking the leap can be daunting. Male pattern baldness, medical hair loss, and religious customs are all motivating factors for shaving your head. But whatever your reason, follow this guide to make sure you do it correctly and safely.
We'll walk you through the ins and outs of shaving your head, as well as best styling practices, beneficial aspects, and potential drawbacks - so that you can determine if this is a look that will suit you!
Why Choose Bald? The Reasons for the Big Shave
A man might want to shave his head for a number of reasons.
He may be experiencing hair loss and want to embrace his new look, he may think it looks more masculine or attractive, or he may simply be tired of dealing with hair maintenance. Whatever the reason, shaving your head can be a brave and empowering decision.
If you're thinking about shaving your head, know that you're not alone. Many men have made the same decision and have never looked back. With the right preparation and care, shaving your head can be a liberating and empowering experience.
Head Shaving Tips You Need to Read First
For those who are ready to take the plunge and shave their head, there are a few advanced techniques to consider.
First, it’s important to choose the right razor. A good quality, sharp razor will give you a clean shave and help to avoid nicks and cuts.
Second, take your time and go slowly. Shaving your head is not a race! Go over each section several times to make sure you get a close shave.
Finally, use a good quality shaving cream or gel to help reduce irritation and give your skin some extra protection.
If you’re looking for a close shave, try using a safety razor. This type of razor gives you more control and can help you avoid nicks and cuts. Just be sure to use a sharp blade and go slowly. Another option is to use an electric shaver. This can be a good choice for those with sensitive skin or who are new to shaving their head. Electric shavers can be less irritating and give you a closer shave than manual razors.
However, if you have more than just some stubble on your scalp, you need to shave it with an electric razor before you attempt to use a razor alone.
After you’ve shaved your head, it’s important to care for your skin. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to wash your scalp and apply a light moisturizer to help soothe any irritation. You may also want to try using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your scalp from the sun’s harmful rays.
How to Shave Your Head: The Basics
Before you shave your head, it is important to understand the basics. This includes understanding the different types of shaving tools available, the different techniques that can be used, and the proper safety precautions to take.
Tools
You will need an electric razor, guards (if using an electric razor), a razor blade, shaving cream or gel, a shaving brush, and aftershave.
Preparation
It is important to shave your head in a clean and well-lit area. Make sure to wash your head before beginning the process, and exfoliate your scalp to remove any dead skin. This could just be as simple as using your shampoo when washing your hair.
You also need to apply shaving cream or gel onto the scalp of your head. Make sure to use one for sensitive skin if it is your first time shaving your head. This will prevent irritation, and will also help you avoid any harsh fragrances and dyes.
Start With A Buzz Cut
When going bold and bald, you have to start with a buzz cut. This is a short, close-cropped cut that will leave your hair only a few millimeters long. Depending on the clipper guard you use, your hair can be anywhere from super short to slightly longer.
From here, you can more easily use a safety razor in order to start shaving your scalp. Start with the top of your head and move down to the sides, making sure to use short, light strokes.
Shaving: The Process
If you've never shaved your head before, the thought can be daunting. But don't worry, it's not as difficult as it seems. In fact, once you get the hang of it, it's actually quite simple.
Before: Apply shaving cream or gel to your head. Be generous - you want to make sure your scalp is well lubricated.
1. Start with a guard on the electric razor, if using one. This will help prevent you from taking off too much hair. Why? A guard helps to reduce the risk of cutting yourself, and you don't want to go directly to the skin on the first pass.
2. Use the razor in a downward motion, with the grain of your hairs. Make sure to shave in one direction and avoid going back and forth. If you go back and forth, you may cause irritation to your skin. A simple tip is to shave with the direction of your hair growth.
3. Start where the top of your head meets your forehead, and move the razor slowly down the back of your head. If you are using an electric razor, you may need to use multiple passes in order to get a clean shave.
4. When you reach the neck, use a razor blade to shave this area. This will give you a closer shave. Make sure to use light, short strokes and rinse the blade often.
5. Once you have shaved your head, rinse it with cold water. This will help reduce any irritation. Irritation can come from the razor, the shaving cream, or the heat from the electric razor.
6. Apply a post-shave balm or moisturizer to help soothe your skin and keep it hydrated. Exfoliating will help prevent ingrown hairs, but be sure to use a gentle exfoliator.
Is Shaving Your Head Right for You?
If you're considering shaving your head, there are a few things you should take into account. First, think about why you want to do it. Are you trying to make a statement, or are you simply tired of dealing with your hair? There's no right or wrong answer, but knowing your motivation can help you make a decision.
Many men who are dealing with male pattern baldness, or thinning hair, find that shaving their head is a great way to look stylish and still maintain a strong personal style. It can also be a way to start fresh and get rid of any negative associations with thinning or balding hair.
It's also important to consider your lifestyle. If you have an active lifestyle, you may want to think twice before shaving your head. The scalp can be sensitive to the sun, and it's important to choose sun protection appropriate for your head if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Finally, consider what kind of maintenance you're willing to do. Shaving your head requires regular maintenance and upkeep. This could mean weekly trips to the barber or investing in a good electric razor. If you're not willing to put in the effort and time, then shaving your head might not be the right choice for you.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.