# I shaved my head today. Feels weird.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [April 18, 2012, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158 "2012-04-18T15:21:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\
**Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/21 "2012-04-18T20:19:13Z")

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> [@Hal\_Briston](#):
>
> I shaved my head last night. Feels…well, like it does every couple of weeks when I shave it.
> 
> Actually, “buzz” it is a more accurate description. I’ve never razored it down to the skin, just used an electric trimmer on the shortest setting – a little bit of stubble. Still, I like it and life is so much easier this way.

Same. Leaving a little bit of stubble is incredibly easy; shaving it smooth is a giant PITA.

I’ve actually been using a #1 razor on my head every two weeks for the last year or so. I finally decided it looks better a little grown out, even with the bald patch, so now I’m up to #2. Still a really quick 15 minutes every couple of weeks.

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**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\
**Post date:** [April 18, 2012, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/22 "2012-04-18T20:35:56Z")

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> [@Bosstone](#):
>
> Same. Leaving a little bit of stubble is incredibly easy; shaving it smooth is a giant PITA.

I think I’m going to make it my goal to disagree with every guy in this thread. 😉

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**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 18, 2012, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/23 "2012-04-18T23:07:19Z")

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> [@Bosstone](#):
>
> Same. Leaving a little bit of stubble is incredibly easy; shaving it smooth is a giant PITA.

nope. I HATE stubble. I shave in the am and sometimes in the pm as well. A good exfoliant scrub, followed by a chemical exfoliant, then a good shave oil or gel and a five blade cartridge…smooooooth.😃

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**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/24 "2012-04-19T00:13:50Z")

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I have a full head of hair but have been shaving my head periodically for 10+ years. When I shave it, I like it smooth, so I shave nightly. More than a days growth and it’s like velcro, takes about a week of growth to get soft again.

I agree that shaving in the shower is the way to go. I have a cheapo suction cup mirror and turn the shower on it a minute to warm it up and then it doesn’t fog.

I use a two blade razor and use the same one for weeks before changing to a fresh one. Same one I use on my face.

My personal opinion…the shaved bald head with a full beard looks dorky.

Don’t decide you don’t like it too quickly. I’ve seen guys do that…get up the balls to try it and then freak out and grow it back immediately. Keep it shaved a few weeks and let the inevitable kidding from co-workers and friends die down before you decide whether to stick with it.

Sun block! The pain of a burn is bad but the peeling flaky skin as it heals is worse.

When I’m not shaving it I cut it short with clippers. That’s much more of a pain to clean up. Shaving in the shower is much easier.

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**Author:** ![Cumberdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/25 "2012-04-19T03:53:13Z")

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Been shaving for probably close to 10 years now. Nothing beats a freshly shaved head and a cool pillow at night. In the winter, I’ll sometimes put a pillow outside and let it get good and cold and bring it in right before hopping into bed.

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**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/26 "2012-04-19T04:02:05Z")

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I trim down to a #1 on on top/no guard on the sides (someday I’ll shave it, but this is pretty damn close) and I’ll second the suggestion to use sunblock. A sun burn on your scalp hurts. Also, leaning into one of [these](http://www.frednelsonfabrication.com/econo%20tape%20dispenser.JPG) mounted on the wall will make your head bleed.

Actually the reason I stopped into this thread was because of the title. I’m growing out my beard and my face feels weird, and it’s been almost a month.

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**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/27 "2012-04-19T07:48:27Z")

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Couple of decades back, I shaved my head bald from having shoulder-length hippy locks. For a few days afterwards, I could sense people walking near me by feeling their radiated body heat on my head. Weirdest thing.

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**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 19, 2012, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/28 "2012-04-19T10:50:49Z")

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> [@River\_Hippie](#):
>
> I use a two blade razor and use the same one for weeks before changing to a fresh one.

I get 15 shaves from a five blade cartridge. Exactly. I keep track by making a mark on the cartridge case with a sharpie each time I shave.

I notice no real difference between the first and the fifteenth shave, but fifteen seems reasonable. . .

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**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/29 "2012-04-19T13:17:03Z")

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Just for you, from today’s _NY Times_ Style section: [Head Shaving: Making the Most of Nothing — Skin Deep - The New York Times](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/19/fashion/head-shaving-making-the-most-of-nothing.html?_r=1&ref=style)

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**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 19, 2012, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/30 "2012-04-19T14:01:45Z")

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> [@kayaker](#):
>
> I get 15 shaves from a five blade cartridge. Exactly. I keep track by making a mark on the cartridge case with a sharpie each time I shave.
> 
> I notice no real difference between the first and the fifteenth shave, but fifteen seems reasonable. . .

That’s about the shaves I get out of one too. But I can notice a difference between the first and the fifteenth shave. So much so that I have to make a point of easing back on the pressure when I use a new cartridge, otherwise I’ll cut myself.

I’ve been shaving my head for 11 years now. What started on a bet, and continued as an aid to my students\* has now become lifestyle. And so it goes.

\*A shaved head and bright Hawaiian shirt _used to_ make me stand out in a crowd at a large tournament. Made it easy for students to find me in a hurry.

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**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/31 "2012-04-19T14:11:47Z")

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For those of you who use a mirror – how do you know if you’ve done a good job in the back?

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**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 19, 2012, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/32 "2012-04-19T14:18:44Z")

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Feel. Once you get used to it, any missed spots pop out when you run a hand over your scalp.

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**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/33 "2012-04-19T14:20:51Z")

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That’s what I do. So why use a mirror?

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**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 19, 2012, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/34 "2012-04-19T14:39:57Z")

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Because if I get hurried and don’t look, I might just lop off part of an eyebrow or a chunk of my goat.

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**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/35 "2012-04-19T14:47:53Z")

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Good point. I hate it when I injure my goat.

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**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/36 "2012-04-19T14:48:48Z")

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As another one who’s losing it in the top (thanks, Grandpa), I may do this. Better to be voluntarily shaved and retain one’s power than to be balding and look unattractive and ineffectual.

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**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 19, 2012, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/37 "2012-04-19T14:49:15Z")

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> [@tdn](#):
>
> That’s what I do. So why use a mirror?

It’s auto-erotic. YMMV.

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**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/38 "2012-04-19T16:00:23Z")

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> [@River\_Hippie](#):
>
> Don’t decide you don’t like it too quickly. I’ve seen guys do that…get up the balls to try it and then freak out and grow it back immediately. Keep it shaved a few weeks and let the inevitable kidding from co-workers and friends die down before you decide whether to stick with it.
> 
> .

So much this. Also, you have to wait for “white head” to go away. In other words wait long enoung for the skin tone on the top of your head to match the rest of your face/body whatever.

Ironically, I had a lady friend over at my house. She had never known me with hair. Her and I were flipping through an old photo album of mine. She saw a picture of me with hair from a long time ago and got quite a giggle from it.

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**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 19, 2012, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/39 "2012-04-19T16:40:12Z")

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My wife has never seen me with hair. I started shaving the dome the year before we met.

Thirding the “Let yourself get used to it” sentiment.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**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 19, 2012, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-shaved-my-head-today-feels-weird/619158/40 "2012-04-19T17:30:47Z")

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> [@silenus](#):
>
> Thirding the “Let yourself get used to it” sentiment.

Going from 28 years of a ponytail to a shaved head was a shock. It was a month before I could look in a mirror without laughing.

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