Shaving the head takes a lot of courage, especially when you are doing it for the first time. It would be advisable to go to the barber’s when getting a shave. Sometimes, however, you may lack the time to, or feel like you can shave it on your own. Shaving the head is not any different from shaving your chin and face. The head is only different in that you do not see the whole of it. Even more, the scalp tends to be a bit sensitive and with tender skin, so proper care needs to be taken.
See also:
What to Use When Shaving the Head
There are 3 basic tools that are used in shaving. These are the electric shavers, a cartridge razor and a traditional safety razor. The electric shaver is easier to use and is highly recommended for beginners. For a much closer shave, all you have to do is adjust the length settings. A safety razor should be used for sensitive skins, because it avoids friction and rubbing, and so less skin irritation. Safety razor have double edged blades that are usually cheaper and readily available. Cartridge razors are what our fathers mostly used. Unlike the safety that uses a single blade, this one has 3 or 5 blades placed with distance between them.
With razors, you have to ensure that you have prepared your head first to get a clean shave. Which is usually a warm shower to moisten the hair and skin. When using the electric shaver, you should first consider if you are doing a dry or a wet shaver before you continue.
How to Shave Your Head
First, make sure that you have clipped you hair to a manageable length so you do not strain.
Take a warm shower to moisten the remaining hairs, to make it easy for the razor to cut through. This is the second swipe. For this stage, I make sure to shave according to the direction my hair is growing to avoid skin irritation and razor burns.
After, lather up your whole head to provide a better cushion for your razor. This will also further moisten the hairs that are left on the head. Personally, I shave from the front to the middle, starting with the side that is closer to the hand I am using. So if you are left-handed, you start with the left side.
Move to the back, starting with the neck area and working your way up, to the middle part of the head. For the left handed person, the right side will strain your muscles. Do not look in the mirror when shaving the backside, otherwise you will shave in a different direction.
Finally, rinse out and apply a moisturizer with sunscreen.
You are going to miss a few hairs especially in the back corners of your head. To deal with this, dry your hair after the first pass and feel around to remove hairs left behind.
What to Consider When Shaving Your Head
These are items that you should have, and guidelines to follow. Each, I think is equally important to get that shave you want.
Get a Bew Razor
whatever you will be using to shave, make sure it is in the optimum functioning state, if not new. This will help to give you a closer clean shave. Also, you will only require a few passes. If using a razor, change it weekly if possible, especially if you do a regular shaving.
Use a Shaving Cream or Gel
for a smooth finish, it is advisable to use a shaving cream or gel. This will help to avoid irritation as well as soften hair follicles. The result is an effortless shave. For men with sensitive skin, choose a product that will be gentle for you. You could also go for the same shaving cream you use for your face. However, remember that the scalp tend to be a bit sensitive and what works for your face might not work for the scalp.
You can also dampen your head with warm water in case you run out of your shaving cream.
Use a Mirror
especially if you are new to shaving. Start with areas you can see, the front. Make sure you are comfortable, for shaving the back takes a bit more effort. Not that all heads have bumps and curves, and a razor will not conform to all the places.
Do Not Rush
rushing will definitely give you razor cuts, burns and nicks. Take your time and get comfortable. Shaving requires time, especially when you reach the back of the head. Not even a mirror can help you here.
Buy an After Shave
shaving will leave you with cuts and burns. An after shave will soothe skin irritation as well as moisturize the skin. Aftershaves come as balms or lotions.
Best Head Shaving Items for You
We have helped you research an item for each category to give you a rough idea, as well as guide you on what to buy. Here are a few items we have reviewed for you, so that you can start preparing yourself for that shave.
MERKUR Classic 3-piece Double Edge Safety Razor
This razor is durable and covers you for more than a year without having to break your wallet. A safety razor works to ensure a close shave, with minimal to no skin irritation. It is lightweight, with a long handle, featuring a straight-head closed comb head. Has a chrome finish. The handle is perfectly designed to be non-slip for a better grip. This Germany made razor can be used by men with sensitive skins. You will enjoy shaving with this tool which also eliminates in-grown hairs.
The razor is a value item around the house. You can also use it as a beard trimmer or shaver. Even more, women can also use it for the legs as the properties offer a much comfortable shave, free of nicks. Whats is even better is that the blades are replaceable. So you can dispose blade after a week of use and replace with another. The razor metal in non-corrosive and sturdy, and will last a lifetime.
Micro Touch Triple-Blade Razor
You buy this razor and cover yourself for a year of effortless shaving. This cartridge razor comes with 12 replaceable cartridges. Each cartridge contains 3 blades which were made with German precision technology, to last 4 times longer than normal blades. Blades have been further coated with a thin layer of stainless steel so that they do not rust. Grip handle, with slip resistant design, ensures total control and comfort, to contour through curves easily.
The 3 blade is so that the first blade lifts, second cuts, and third finishes; so you have a clean shave with just one swipe. Cartridge clips are however so flimsy, you will need to be extra careful when replacing. The blades too only stand a certain amount of moisture, so properly store the extra cartridges, preferably out of the bathroom.
SweetLF 3D Rechargeable Waterproof Electric Shaver IPX7
With an electric shaver. You can shave as many times as you want even in a day. Electric shavers have shortened the time needed in shaving. It has also made the whole process very easy. This rotary shaver charges for only an hour, giving you 120 minutes shaving run-time. The gadget features an LED 5 level charge display that indicated the remaining charge, so you see what is left before another recharge. The 4 direction rotary heads automatically fit the curves on the head giving you a smooth shave.
Even more. This shaver is ideal to use on your face, neck and along jaw bones. Comes with a pop-up trimmer, making this a win item for bald heads with beards. This shaver is equipped with a premium motor that offers a quiet shave. It is favorable for a dry shave, but this cordless shaver can be used on the shower, or with creams and shaving gels. This shaver can be carried around when traveling, so that it saves you time when preparing yourself.
Nivea Post Shave Balm for Sensitive Skin
Nivea products can be found almost everywhere worldwide. Continued use repairs skin leaving it looking smooth and healthy. Post shave balms offer relief to irritations that come with shaving, which are itching, redness, burns and cuts. This Nivea balm does just that, as well as improving the condition or the skin with time. It is lightly fragranced, and has no drying alcohol.
A good product for people with sensitive, or damaged, and dry skin. Balm is fortified with Vitamin E, and natural extracts of Chamomile and Witch Hazel. Nivea post shaves comes in Sensitive Regular and Cooling, and Replenishing Original as well as Energy Double Action balms. The price is reasonably fair. Dear women, you can use this as a makeup primer.
Cremo Cooling Shave Cream
A tubed cooling shaving cream designed to cover you for 90 days. Shaving creams give a smooth shave, but also fighting nicks and burns. The slick molecules present in this formula, allow your razor to glide smoothly giving you an effortless shave. Ingredients include macadamia seed oil, aloe vera, calendula extract, lemon extract, papaya extract and olive leaf extract.
This particular tube has a refreshing mint scent. The same also comes in a coconut mango, sandalwood, sage & citrus, silver water & birch, skin clearing unscented, and classic scents, to ensure that no man is left out due to smells. Heals even extreme situations. The cream is easy to clean up and does not lather up much, which is unlike traditional shaving creams. Packaging makes it perfect for traveling, as it will fit well into luggage.
King of Shapes Alpha Shaving gel
When shaving, most men are used to creams and soaps. Well, gels also offer almost the same, to more close shaves. This particular shaving gel contains aloe and tea tree oils which have skin repairing properties. Product is unscented, and has been tested dermatologically to prevent rashes and irritation. The formula contains low foam. Unlike the cream, this gel remains clear even after application, so you clearly see what you are shaving. This feature makes it suitable for those who shave to style their beards.
This also makes shaving less messy. The Alpha gel has three fragrance scents, this product, sensitive Super Cooling, and a Super-gel Charged for manly men. Product is expensive, but a little amount does a great job. You can carry this Alpha gel along as you travel. Comes properly packaged to preserve the quality. The scent however, might be too overpowering for the scented gels, as they come out a little stronger.
Conclusion
Deciding to give yourself a head shave at home can be a tricky affair at fist. But once you get the hang of it, things will be easy.
With the right tools and items, you can give yourself a professional shave once you know how to have total control of your hand. It is not science. This is something you can learn after just one experience. Aftershaves work to relieve irritations that come after shaving. In addition, they also form a protective layer over your scalp, so that your scalp is not damaged by extreme weather conditions.
When it comes to using a cream or a gel, you are the only one who can choose. Shaving creams are traditional and have been used for centuries. Gels are not as old, and it would take some courage for someone to get this. Even so, gels are less messy and show you the progress as you shave through. Razors are small-sized and fit into every luggage. Safety and cartridge do not require any charging, and are hygienic that you dispose the blades after use.
The best advise you can get is to take your time. You do not rush through shaving. Even professionals do not. Shave your head when you have the time to, otherwise seek assistance. Rushing through will leave you with cuts and burns.
