How to Shave Your Head

Going Bald By Choice - Professional Advice

By Dave Alexander, About.com

A shaved head is a good option for guys with thinning hair or for any man with a great looking head who wants to make a bold statement. Before attempting to shave your head for the first time, I strongly recommend consulting your barber or stylist who can help determine if the style will work well with your face and head shape and show you how to shave your head.

If this is a first time shave for you, I suggest that you take the plunge at the beginning of the weekend or start of a vacation. This will give you time to get used to your dramatically new look and allow you to get some color on your scalp before you reveal your new style to friends and coworkers.

The three steps below will help you get the best result possible. Allow a good half hour for the first shave. After a few days of shaving, you should have the routine down to five minutes or less.

Step 1: Prep.

Always shave your head at the end of a warm shower which softens the hair, cleans the skin and open the pores. During showering, rub a soapy wash cloth with slight pressure against the growth pattern of the hair to lift the hair for easier shaving. Next, apply a good shave cream and allow to stand for a few minutes to further soften the hair. Stay away from gels or products which contain menthol, which will close the pores and desensitize the skin. You'll want to be able to feel the razor glide over your scalp. Never skimp on preparation. This is vital to a good shave.

Note: If this is your first time shaving your head, use a hair clipper with no guard to remove as much hair as possible and exfoliate the scalp with a facial scrub prior to shaving.

Step 2: Shave.

It is helpful to have a hand mirror available so you can check your work from all angles. You don't want to miss anything. It's also important to shave in a room with bright lighting.

Use a clean, sharp razor (a three-blade razor works best) and start by shaving with the grain (the direction the hair grows). This will help minimize cuts, irritation, and ingrown hairs. Glide the razor gently down the sides and back and from back to front on top. Avoid applying pressure, rinse the razor often, and take it slow. If this is your first time, do not shave against the grain for a few weeks to give your scalp time to adjust to being shaved.

After completing the shave, apply a small amount of lather to your hands and rub your entire head, checking for rough spots that need to be re-shaved. Pay special attention to the areas behind the ears and the back of the neck. If you cut yourself, apply a moist alum block to stop the bleeding. Follow the shave with a splash of cool water to close the pores.

Step 3: Repair and Protect.

After shaving, gently pat the head dry with a soft cloth and apply a good aftershave balm. I recommend the use of products that are free of alcohol which can cause unnecessary drying of the skin. The right aftershave balm will help promote quicker healing and moisturize the skin. Before going out in the sun, apply a light sunscreen to prevent burning.

Shaving your head daily or every other day will make it easier to maintain the results and keep you looking fresh. Once you and your friends and coworkers adjust to your new look, you'll find a bald head will set you apart from the pack.