Can You Pull Off a Shaved Head?

For many men of all different styles, a shaved head can be a cool and attractive new look. This is especially a good opportunity for those that are suffering from hair loss and balding. Shaved heads can make you look masculine, dominant, and even younger. Although, it’s important to first figure out if the shaved head look is right for you. An easy first step is to go to your local barber who can help assess whether you have the right head shape to pull off this style. Unfortunately, the shaved head look is not right for everyone, so if shaved prematurely, you might be finding ways to cover it up until your hair grows back. Once you’ve gotten the thumbs up about shaving your head, it’s recommended that you shave it a few days before you debut your new look in public. This way you’ll have some time to adjust to the new style and your head will be able to recover.

Get the Right Products

It’s key that you begin the process with clippers. You need to get the hair as short as possible, so you can get the closest possible shave, this will also help prevent irritation, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. If you plan on maintaining the shaved head look, just go to a barber for the first time, this way you can bypass the purchase of clippers altogether.

The next step is to find the best razor for the job. There are a variety of razors to choose from including electric razor, safety razor, traditional cartridge razor, and straight-edge razor. The choice of razor depends on how close a shave you want and how much effort you want to put into shaving your head. For your first time, it’s suggested that you use a traditional three-blade cartridge razor such as Mach3 or Fusion, then once you’ve gotten a little bit of experience, move on to a safety razor. If the safety razor is not right for you, there are many different razors that are specifically designed for shaving heads.

For an easy, close shave that avoids irritation, it’s essential to get the right shaving cream and pre-shave products. These products will soften up the skin to reduce irritation and make for a smoother shave. If the skin on your head is tender, I recommend using a shaving gel or a shaving cream specially designed for sensitive skin.

Finally, it’s crucial that you get aftershave or moisturizer as these products will help prevent razor burn or dry skin. It’s important to note that your bald head is now going to be consistently exposed to the sun, so it’s essential to apply sunscreen. Many bald men’s heads have a shiny complexion, so depending upon your desired look, you can purchase a traditional sunscreen or one with a matte finish.

Get Your Head Ready for Shaving

Before prepping your head for shaving, you should find the right spot to perform this procedure, many men say they prefer to shave in the shower. For the first time, some people have found it easier to shave sitting down. Now that you’re all set up, the first thing you want to do is use clippers to buzz your hair. Once you’ve buzzed your head, wash your hair to clean off all excess hair and soothe the scalp for a closer, better shave. After you’ve buzzed your head, try going outside for a little while and tan your head while there is still some hair left. This will ensure that your head will not look pale after your first shave and that you will look great throughout the entire process. Once this is complete, apply pre-shave oil to your entire head using your hand or a washcloth. Lastly, apply the shaving cream and let it soak in for a couple minutes to soften the hair and scalp.

Shave Your Head

At last, you’re at the final step, it’s time to shave your head. It’s key that you shave the hair with the grain, for whatever type of razor you choose to shave your head. Begin from near the back of the top of your head and slide the blade towards your forehead using minimal pressure. After completing the top, shave the sides and the back moving from a top to bottom direction. I would suggest using a hand mirror so that you make sure that the back and sides of your head are shaved with precision. Apply more shaving cream and re-shave any spots that were initially missed, for the first few times it’s important to shave with the grain until your scalp gets tougher and adapts to the shaving process. Once you’re happy with the finished product, wash your head clean and apply aftershave oils and moisturizers to smooth and tone your scalp. There you go, that’s all you need to know to begin shaving your head and creating a cool and attractive new look.