Shaving your head – whether for the first or hundredth time – can feel like a big undertaking. It’s surprisingly difficult to get it just right, and it’s important that you have as many tips and tricks on your side as possible. By breaking it down into easily manageable steps, we reckon this guide will allow you to shave your head in the best style possible.
Decide on a length
First off, you’ll need to decide on a length. If you still want to have a bit of hair up there, then you’ll also need to consider whether you want different lengths, and how you’re going to achieve a nice fade – if that’s the look you’re going for.
If you’re going right down to the skin, then you’ll want to consider how frequently you’re willing to shave your head, how the look will suit the rest of your aesthetic, and what kind of razor you want to use.
Choose the right tools
Once you’ve decided on a length, you can decide on which tools you’re going to use. If you’re going for a buzz cut and want to keep some hair, then you’ll need to use hair clippers with an appropriate guard. If, however, you’re going all the way down to bare skin, then you’ll need to use a razor – to do this in style, we recommend a straight razor.
Using a straight razor on your head can be pretty difficult at first, but it will likely provide the best shave out of all the options available to you. It could be a good idea to get more familiar with using the blade on other more manageable parts of your body first, like your face, before moving straight to your head.
Prepare & don’t rush
Once you’ve got your tools together and you know what kind of look you’re going for, you can prepare. If you’ve got a lot of hair to get rid of, you might want to start off with scissors, getting as much off as possible.
You’ll also want to wash your hair and scalp as thoroughly as possible. Getting rid of dead skin and oil can make it a lot easier to shave your head, and the warm water can make the hair softer and reduce irritation. You might also want to use some kind of shaving cream as well, to make it even easier.
Take care of your skin
Lastly, you mustn’t just stop once you’re done with the actual shaving process. Especially if it’s the first time you’ve done it, your skin will likely be pretty sensitive, and might not be used to being exposed to the elements.
Make sure that you rinse with cold water to close the pores, and then use a non-alcoholic moisturiser to soothe any irritation. Importantly, you need to remember that you don’t have hair to protect your head from the sun any more – wear a hat when it’s sunny out!
As you get more practice, you’ll likely start to work out what does and doesn’t work for you. Adapt your approach as needed, and you’ll be able to enjoy both the look and ritual of shaving your head for years to come. ‘
Photo by Josh Dormont:
