Shaving your head is a firm but classy way to avoid the boredom of styling your hair every morning and to stop using shampoo, conditioner and gel. It is also a great solution for those who are starting to suffer from baldness or just want a more mature look. Learn how to prepare your head, shave it and keep it looking “smooth”.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Buy the necessary materials
If you can afford it, buy quality tools; this way you will get a close shave while minimizing cuts and scratches. You'll save money on shampoo and conditioner, so spend it on these products:
- An electric hair clipper with which you can cut your hair to the minimum length before shaving it with the blade razor. A good clipper saves you a lot of time and makes razor work easier and more effective.
- A good quality razor. The cheap ones will leave you with plenty of cuts if you're not more than careful while shaving. Some manufacturers make their own hair razors.
- A shaving cream or oil. A well-lubricated head is the key to getting a great shave. You can use a specific cream or oil for shaving your beard or legs, or look for a product designed for the head. Make sure it has moisturizing properties.
- An aftershave. Again, you can rely on an emollient for the face, legs or a specific one for the scalp.
Step 2. Consider getting help from a friend or shave yourself
There are advantages and disadvantages in both cases. Keep these factors in mind:
- Thanks to a helper you will be sure that the back of the head and other areas that you cannot see will be perfectly shaved.
- If you like this look and want to keep it indefinitely, it's not at all practical to ask a friend to help you every time. The sooner you start "practicing" shaving, the sooner you will be able to achieve excellent results without anyone's help.
Step 3. Prepare your bathroom as if it were a barber shop
Spread a tarp or sheet on the ground to protect it and make sure the sink drain is closed. Shaving your hair is an operation that generates a bit of confusion, especially if it is long.
Step 4. Cut the hair to about 6mm
The final stage of preparation is to shorten the hair to a minimum size, so it will not get tangled in the razor blades. Set the electric hair clipper to the minimum size and smooth the hair to a length of 6 mm.
Part 2 of 3: Shaving
Step 1. Wet your head and apply a shaving lubricant product
Wet your hair with hot water in the shower for a minute or two. This will soften them and make the scalp more elastic. Rub your head with oil or another shaving lubricant. Keep the pack handy to reapply if necessary.
Step 2. Start shaving from the front of your head
In this area the hair is thinner and lighter making the task easier. Wait to cut the thicker hair on the back of your head so the lube will have had time to soften it.
- Shave the head from the forehead to the nape of the neck in even strips.
- Make steady, steady movements. Do not press too hard, use only the necessary force to get a cut flush with the skin.
- Rinse the blade with water and remove the hair whenever necessary.
Step 3. Shave the sides of the head
Now proceed with upward movements from the neck towards the top of the head, eliminating the hair on the sides.
- Be very careful when cutting behind the ears: with one hand hold the auricle down so as not to hurt it with the razor.
- If you encounter a "rose" do your best to cut it against the grain.
Step 4. Now shave the hair on the back of the head
Work with a steady hand and tackle areas you can't see. Perform movements from the bottom up, starting from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head.
- Be very careful and don't rush at this point. Let the blade slide effortlessly over any hollow or bump in your skull to avoid cutting yourself.
- Check the work with the help of a mirror; if necessary, apply more oil or cream to finish the shave.
Step 5. Rinse off
Wash away lube residue and hair. Check the head on all sides.
- If you have forgotten a spot, apply more cream / oil and razor it over.
- Don't shave the same area twice unless absolutely necessary. If you are using a good quality razor, one stroke should be enough to remove the hair, a second cut would only irritate the scalp.
Step 6. Use an aftershave
When you are satisfied with the result, rinse the skin, pat it dry and moisturize it. This operation relieves any irritation from shaving and protects the now exposed skin from dehydration.
Part 3 of 3: Maintenance
Step 1. Wash yourself with a mild soap or shampoo
No expensive shampoos are needed to wash the shaved head, a good shower gel or a not too expensive shampoo is enough. Just make sure it doesn't make the skin too dry, as the scalp is very sensitive compared to the rest of the body.
Step 2. Hydrate your head often
It is very important to continue to protect the skin with a good lotion, as it has lost the natural screen of the hair that protected it from dryness and other elements.
Step 3. Apply sunscreen or use a hat
The scalp, now exposed, is susceptible to bad burns, especially if you have shaved it for the first time. Smear lots of UV protection or wear a hat especially if you live in a very sunny area.
Step 4. Shave often
If you want to keep your look, it's best to trim the new growth once a week. This makes the process quicker than with the first shave.
Advice
- If this is your first time shaving, know that your skin will be lighter than the rest of your face. One way to avoid color differences is to first cut your hair very short, a few millimeters in length. In any case, a few weeks in the sun will also make the skin tanned on the head.
- To make the razor last longer, clean the blade from your hair and pour a drop of oil on the blades and the frictional parts each time before storing the razor.
- If small pimples appear after shaving, they can usually be solved with benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) creams or gels, to be applied before the moisturizing cream or lotion.
- Find the right frequency. Shaving daily can increase the chances of irritating the skin, while shaving infrequently (every two weeks or more) may require the use of an electric razor before using the blade razor.
- It is better to proceed with shaving after a shower, because the soap and hot water have softened the hair. Remember to rinse your face and head well with hot water just before you get out of the shower without wasting time drying your hair.
Warnings
- Do not use depilatory creams based on chemicals, they are too aggressive on the skin and even dangerous if they come into contact with the eyes.
- Keep a towel handy, if the shaving cream or gel slips on your face, remove them immediately!
