Men shave their heads for different reasons: going bald, wanting to look more dominant, or simply cannot be bothered with different hairstyles and want to look tidy. Whatever the reason, you cannot dive head first into this because you might end up with some nasty cuts which is something we definitely want you to avoid. We’re after a smooth finish that gives you that extra boost of confidence and keeps you looking sharp.
Here’s how you can achieve it:
Before:
Think it through. A shaved head completely changes the way you look, so make sure you’re ready for a different face in the mirror.
Decided? Great. Just remember it needs regular maintenance to stay smooth.
If it’s the first time you are doing it (we all gotta start somewhere right?) make sure you cut your hair very short with a trimmer first and only then go in with the razor.
We recommend shaving your head in the shower. Don’t be scared that you won’t see anything because there are large portions of your head that you can’t see in the mirror anyway and trust me, mirrors can be VERY confusing. Also, hot water helps to prepare your hair for the shave by making it soft which always gets a better result.
During:
Get your multi-blade razor ready.
Take a couple of deep breaths (we need to make sure your hands are not shaking) and let’s do this! We recommend using a blade that’s not too old so that you need fewer passes and lower the chances of irritating your skin. If you’re a newbie and using a fresh blade, take your time. Once you get the hang of it you can speed up.
You can use the same kind of shaving cream that you use to shave your face. However, to avoid irritation, it should be one made for sensitive skin, we highly recommend Taylor of Old Bond Street Sensitive Cream. Being the real gent that you are, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the feel of using shaving lather rather than a gel.
Pay close attention to the grain of your hair and shave with it first, which is kindest to your skin. Going against the grain afterwards gives you that ultra-smooth finish, but it raises the chance of irritation, so skip it if your skin is sensitive. You won’t be able to stop rubbing your head once it’s totally shaved.
Smooth, clean and proud of yourself? Well done, however, it doesn’t stop just here. I told you, it’s real commitment and like any hairstyle needs maintaining.
After:
Moisturise your scalp right after shaving and also between shaves. It will help soothe any irritation that you might have.
If you break out right after shaving your head, a benzoyl peroxide wash from the pharmacy may help calm the redness. Breaking out is quite common, especially if you have (or had) thick, curly hair. If it doesn’t settle, have a word with your pharmacist.
Protect your bare scalp from the sun. I know we’re in the UK but hey, the summer sun can be quite aggressive sometimes. Smooth on a sunblock with at least a 30 SPF every day, or wear a trendy hat in the sun.
There you go! Prep, shave, nourish and repeat as often as you feel necessary! And if you’re wondering what to pair with the new look, have a look at our beard styles for bald men.
Make sure you always have fresh blades; a dull razor is more likely to irritate your skin and cause tugging which can lead to cuts. A razor subscription means a fresh head is always in the drawer.
Alex
Co-Founder and Director at The Bearded Colonel. Alex has spent the last decade testing every shaving razor, cream and beard oil available trying to capture the best shave possible. In his spare time he enjoys playing music (drums and guitar), travelling and trying out different cuisines.
