# Head shavers: give me your tips **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 1, 2023, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004 "2023-04-01T21:58:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2023, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/1 "2023-04-01T21:58:11Z")
With the bald spot on my crown winning its fight against minoxidil, I’m strongly considering shaving my head. Any tips? I do get some minor bumps and pimples on the back of my head sometimes, so wondering how guys that get the same deal with these, and if shaving makes that worse. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2023, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/2 "2023-04-01T22:48:28Z")
My solution to scalp irregularities is not to shave it, I just keep my hair quite short (1/4" or less). I wish all balding men would do the same, frankly. I have a shivering phobia about bald pates and long scraggly hair around the edges. Bleah. ---
**Author:** ![Tabco](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tabco/32/7644_2.png) [@Tabco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabco)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2023, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/3 "2023-04-01T23:46:58Z")
I’ve also eschewed shaving in favor of a really tight buzz cut in the 1/8" range. I had a bout of dissecting cellulitis (don’t google that) on the back of my head for several years and trying to shave that area would be impossible. A close buzz cut obtains nearly the same appearance with almost no risk of nicks or cuts. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2023, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/4 "2023-04-02T03:03:27Z")
Another vote for the shortest buzz the buzzer will go. I did shave for a short time. Even bought a razor designed for the purpose. Not worth the effort. Buzzing once a week is quick and easy. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2023, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/5 "2023-04-02T15:18:12Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Buzzing once a week is quick and easy. Another vote in this bucket. I shaved daily for a few months with a very nice electric. Gave a great shave! But if I missed more than a couple days, it got too long to easily shave and became a hassle. Now I just buzz it close on Sunday evenings. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2023, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/6 "2023-04-02T15:22:48Z")
I’ve been shaving my head since 1995, and it drives me crazy whenever I go too long without doing so. I have a shower mirror, and I just shave my head using a regular razor while I shower. I prefer to use Proraso for the shaving cream. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2023, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/7 "2023-04-02T15:31:09Z")
I’ve been shaving my head for the last five years and really like it. I just use my regular electric razor when doing my face - just keep going. It’s easy and routine now. I do like a closer shave with a bladed razor and cream/gel occasionally, while showering. Note that the first time you do a wet shave you are likely to get a few nicks - scalp is super sensitive at first, but toughens after a few shaves. I have recently switched to the short buzz cut but will likely switch back to shaved with warmer weather. The male pattern baldness is less pronounced with the lighter (grayer) hair now, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2023, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/8 "2023-04-02T16:56:23Z")
The old-school way is to get a barber to whack it all off with a straight razor [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Monk_shaves_off_the_head_gives.jpg/450px-Monk_shaves_off_the_head_gives.jpg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Monk_shaves_off_the_head_gives.jpg/450px-Monk_shaves_off_the_head_gives.jpg) but [this thing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HeadBlade) for DIY won a bunch of design awards. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2023, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/9 "2023-04-02T17:03:50Z")
When I was shaving my head I couldn’t stand _any_ stubble.I used an abrasive scrub containing benzoyl peroxide before shaving as well as a hot towel. Exfoliating really gave a smooth end result. ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2023, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/10 "2023-04-03T07:16:30Z")
This isn’t the exact one I use, but similar; I like the results. > **[Amazon.com: Andis 04780 Professional T-Outliner Beard & Hair Trimmer for Men...](https://www.amazon.com/Andis-04780-Professional-T-Outliner-Technology/dp/B0BJ15Z14D)** > > This Andis Professional Beard and Hair Trimmer with strong carbon-steel blades, Make a smooth, long-lasting cut. The maximum torque rotational powerful magnetic motor delivers improved cutting performance, no more dragging and pulling, simply cut for... ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2023, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/11 "2023-04-06T05:49:03Z")
I use an electric clipper _sans_ guard for what little fringe of hair I have left, every two weeks or so. At the same time, I’ll just run a regular disposable razor over my dome to clean up any of those weird strays that pop up. Fairly low maintenance. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2023, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/12 "2023-04-07T11:37:18Z")
To pick one at random… > [@DSeid](#): > > Another vote for the shortest buzz the buzzer will go… …jeez, I didn’t realize that I was part of a movement. 1.5 mm scalp, 2.5 mm beard. j ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2023, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/13 "2023-04-07T15:50:34Z")
Lazy baldies unite! ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2023, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/14 "2023-04-07T20:12:49Z")
Shoddy workmanship will be the downfall of this country yet. My M-W-F routine is to shave in the shower using a razor and gel from [Harry’s](https://www.harrys.com/en/us/signup/customize?id=3494). Been doing it for over 21 years now. I can’t stand more than 48 hours worth of stubble on my head. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2023, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/15 "2023-04-08T20:17:19Z")
If my hair gets too long I will use clippers on the shortest setting and then use a [Headblade Moto](https://headblade.com/collections/moto-razor) for total smoothness. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2023, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/16 "2023-04-09T03:52:04Z")
I have a Headblade. Very sharp. It savaged my scalp the first time I used it. Once I got the hang of it, it works pretty well, but only after knocking things down with an electric. ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2023, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-shavers-give-me-your-tips/982004/17 "2023-04-09T13:24:44Z")
Another balding guy who votes for the really close (but not bald) buzz cut. I like the clean shaven look, but it’s a fair bit of upkeep. With the buzz the finished look lasts longer. And when the completely bald shave turns to stubble, I hate the feeling like my head is catching on clothes, the car seat headrest, etc. At a mm or two that sensation goes away (for me; probably different hair types feel it at different lengths)