How to Shave Your Head Like a Pro [8 Easy to Follow Steps]

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You might be wondering how you’ll shave your head for a couple of reasons. Probably you are inspired by Michael Jordan’s look. Or probably a recent change in routine has you searching for a ‘low-maintenance’ hairstyle. Or maybe it’s a strategic move to counter balding. Whichever the case, you are in the right place.

Shaving your head for the first time can be a daunting process. After all, it’s hard enough to shave your facial hair without irritation, burns, redness, nicks, or cuts. And this is despite having full vantage on your face and cheeks. When shaving your head, you’ll mainly rely on feel. As such, it’ll take some getting used to.

With that said, even on your first try, you can achieve a smooth head that The Rock can be proud of. Just take it slow and follow our easy-to-follow steps.

But first,

Is a Shaved Head Right For You?

It’s true; a shaved head can be a perfect look for many celebrity men. It’s also a perfect solution for men with thinning hair – especially those who have advanced balding and don’t look great in other hairstyles.

Generally, it gives you a confident, younger, and dominant look.

But before you get down to business, you should assess if a bald look will work for you. Your decision will depend on the shape and size of your face and head.

Before going bald, consider a brush cut or a buzz cut fade if you are unsure of your final bald look. Keep in mind that achieving a buzz cutter hairline is not a walk in the park. You should first learn to buzz your head.

But even before this, it’s prudent (and it’ll save you a lot of time) to inquire from a local barber about the shape of your face and head and if it’s right for a bald look. If not, you might have to wear hats and beanies for a month before your hair grows back.

What is the best way to shave your head?

Below is a quick step-by-step guide on how to shave your head.

1. Buzz your hair

The first order of business is to buzz your hair on the sides and back to a sizable length. Use a hair clipper at this stage. Wielding a hair clipper, some men prefer removing the guards to reduce the hair size they’ll drag. This will also reduce blade resistance. On the other hand, some men attach the smallest guard so that their hair is short enough for a quick shave but still long enough to notice when they’ve missed a spot.

2. Rinse off with a warm shower

Just like when shaving your face, the best way to soften the skin is with warm water. Warm water will open the pores, soften the hair, and minimize razor burn and friction. In your case, this step washes away freshly trimmed hairs.

3. Exfoliate

As you shower, you can grab a gritty scrub, slather it on your head and exfoliate. The scrub will get rid of dead skin, which might later clog your pores and cause ingrown hairs. Sure, some experts consider actual shaving like an exfoliating process, but even then, it helps to get rid of excess dead cells to reduce the chances of running into problems post the main event.

4. Apply pre-shave oil

We recommend applying pre-shave oil on your head to help the razor glide easily and protect your scalp. The oil creates a protective barrier between the skin and the blade. Think of using the pre-shave oil like having a janitor. If it does the job right, you will never notice a difference. But if you don’t use it, you might experience irritation and burn later.

5. Lather up

The shaving cream you use on your head depends on your preference. However, as a beginner, we recommend that you stick with a transparent type. This way, you’ll get to see your scalp as you shave. You’ll notice any moles and contours on your head. Here is the best shaving cream for head shaving.

Rub your favorite shave cream, shaving soap, or gel in your palm and apply it to your scalp with a little force. Work it into the scalp to guarantee closeness and comfort during the shave.

6. Get to shaving head bald

Think of your head like an apple. You should start shaving where the stem should be. You should shave downward from this point and work around the dome while shaving with the grain. Don’t use a lot of pressure, and be sure to use steady and short strokes.

Go slow with the strokes and wash out your blade with every stroke to clear the hair. It helps to pull the skin with the free hand, especially at the back of the head as it gathers close to the neck. Though you might not have a mirror, you can spot-check as you proceed. You can feel progress with your free hand.

After the initial pass, wash out your head with some warm water, feel around for spots you might have missed, re-apply shave cream, and clean things up. For a super close shave, re-apply the shaving cream and oil. On your second pass, shave against the grain. If you are a man with sensitive skin, beware of this step.

7. Rinse with cool water

Once you are satisfied with the passes, rinse your scalp with some cool water. This will close the pores, firm the skin and prevent blockage as you rinse off dead skin and hair.

8. Soothe your scalp

Like your cheeks, the scalp needs to be calmed down after shaving. Using a great aftershave balm will have your skin scream ‘aah,’ prevent burns and irritation while neutralizing bacteria that might want to invade skin pores.

If you have nicks and cuts, this is the perfect time to take care of them with an alum block or a styptic pencil before using a post-shave product. Learn more about post-shaving routines.

Note: if you don’t have the patience for the above process, you can opt for the best electric shaver for the head like rotary and foil shavers to get a near-closer shave. Using these tools will not nick or cut your skin even when you are in a hurry. You’ll also experience lesser in-grown hairs and irritations. However, the skin doesn’t stay smooth for long, like when using the best razor for head shaving.

How do you shave your head for the first time?

Whether you are getting a clean head shave for the first time or the ‘nth time, the process will be the same as the above ‘how to shave your head’ process, albeit with slight variations from person to person. However, as a newbie, below are some grooming tips to help the process go even more smoothly.

• Shave after a shower – your hair is softest at this time, meaning you’ll use less pressure.
• Use clear unscented shaving gel – this way, you get to see where you are shaving and the process. The unscented gel is also best for sensitive skin.
• Get a hand mirror – nicking your skin isn’t fun. Though you are prone to cuts, when you are in good lighting, and there are lots of mirrors, you’ll see the back of your head and reduce nicks and cuts.
• Shave with the grain – this reduces the chances of getting a razor burn.
• Use a moisturizer with SPF – this hydrates the skin and protects it from UV rays.

Do you shave your head wet or dry?

This boils down to personal preference. When wet shaving, you’ll use safety razors and blades while dry shaving; you’ll use electric shavers (though some high-tech electric shavers have dry and wet shaving features).

However, it’s worth noting that wet shaving requires some skill and achieves a closer shave than an electric shaver. As such, the close shave with a blade will last longer than with an electric shaver.

Is it good to shave your head?

After you get used to shaving your head, you’ll learn that the process isn’t complex and head shaving has several benefits. These include:

• Dealing with hair loss

Hair loss affects both females and males. If you experience a receding growth pattern, thinning hair, receding hairline, or alopecia you can opt for a bald look.

• Time-saving

Shaving your head saves time as it requires minimal maintenance. There’s no need for a blow dryer or a comb. Consequently, you might take shorter showers.

• Saves money

You can cross off hair products from your shopping list. And since the shaving process we’ve described above is mostly a DIY process, you are likely to save on barbershop or salon costs.

Conclusion

At this point, you are well prepared to shave your head. If you follow the above ‘how to shave your head’ tips, you should have a great experience. But being your first time, be ready for some interesting comments from friends and family about your bald head and look.