A shaved head will give you a rather stylish look, and you can create it even at home using a hair clipper or razor. While shaving your head is easy enough competently, it will probably take you some time to hone your technique. After shaving, your scalp needs to be properly cared for to keep it healthy.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using the clipper
Step 1. Remove the attachment from the machine to be able to shave hair at the root
While this shaving option may not be as thorough as using a razor, it will help you achieve the look you want with minimal impact on your scalp. This means that the likelihood of irritation and redness of the skin after shaving will be significantly less.
- If you do not want to shave your hair at the root, you can leave the attachment on the clipper and set it to position 1.
- Lay newspapers on the floor before starting work so that later it will be easier for you to remove shaved hair.
Step 2. Work the clipper against the hair growth
It is customary to shave with an ordinary razor in the direction of hair growth. However, when it comes to a hair clipper, keep in mind that it doesn't get as close to the skin as a razor. In addition, working with the clipper in the direction of hair growth is extremely difficult, since it is difficult to cut the hair that automatically adheres to the head when you slide the clipper over it.
Step 3. Start shaving from the sides where the tanks are
They usually start somewhere in the middle of the ears. Place the clipper with the blades on your skin and start sliding it up towards the crown of your head. Run the typewriter over your head several times in the same way until you go behind your ear.
If you are more comfortable starting shaving from a different area, there is nothing to worry about. Do what is easier for you
Step 4. Shave the top of your head from the front to the back
Place the clipper on your forehead hairline with the blades. Then slowly slide it back towards the back of your head. Stop when you reach the top of your head.
Step 5. Shave the back of your hair from bottom to top
Place the blades on the hairline at the base of your neck. Then slowly slide the clipper up towards the top of your head. Continue working this way until you have trimmed off any remaining hair from the back and you have a completely shaved head.
Method 2 of 4: Using a razor
Step 1. For best results, first trim your hair short with a clipper
Remove the attachment from the clipper or set it to position 1 to cut your hair as short as possible. This will reduce the resistance of the hair mass to the razor blade and provide a cleaner shave afterwards.
- Alternatively, go to a hairdresser and ask for the shortest haircut possible.
- You can skip this step if your hair is already shorter than 5mm in length.
- It is wise to spread newspaper on the floor so that the hair you shave falls on it, especially if it is long enough.
Step 2. Start shaving your head after a warm or hot shower to keep your hair softer
Warm and hot water opens skin pores and makes hair softer. This allows the shaver to glide more easily over the scalp and cause less skin irritation after shaving.
- Don't worry about drying your hair after showering, as shaving wet hair will be easier. However, you can towel-blot your hair to remove excess moisture if water drips onto your face or causes other discomfort.
- Alternatively, you can simply pour warm water on your head a few minutes before shaving.
Step 3. Use only a new razor each time you shave to minimize possible skin irritation
A dull blade creates more friction, which can cause the scalp to redden and itch. In addition, using a dull razor can lead to clogged pores and ingrown hairs.
- The razor can then be used to shave other areas if you don't want to throw it away.
- It is best to take a razor with 3-5 blades for work, which will provide a better result in one pass over the skin. It is undesirable to run the razor over the same area more than once, as this irritates the skin and increases the likelihood of redness.
Step 4. Apply shaving cream to your head to help the razor blade glide over your skin
First, beat the cream until lather and then apply the lather to your head. Shaving cream helps prevent razor irritation. In addition, with it you will better see the areas that you have already shaved.
If you have sensitive skin, you can treat your skin with shaving oil before applying the shaving cream. The oil layer will act as an additional protective barrier for the scalp. It will also improve the glide of the razor on the skin
Step 5. Shave your hair in the direction of its growth
Shave with firm, firm strokes. Try to run the razor over your skin only once, as repeated contact with the razor will irritate the skin.
Shaving in the direction of hair growth will reduce skin irritation and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs
Step 6. Start by shaving the top of your head
The hair at the top of the head is usually thinner and therefore easier to shave. Place the razor blade against the crown of your head, and then slide the razor across your skin towards your forehead. Continue to work with even razor strokes until you have shaved off the entire top of your hair.
- In addition to the fact that the hair on top is usually thinner, this area is easier to see in the mirror than the back of the head. It is always best to start shaving in the lightest area, as this will allow you to develop a suitable work rhythm.
- If necessary, use a hand mirror to check the shaving quality.
Step 7. Next, shave off the hair from the sides
Place the razor on the side of your head just above the area where the hair is left. Then smoothly sweep the razor down the skin, stopping at the very bottom of the tank. Once you've finished shaving one side, move on to the other.
- The hair on the sides of the head is usually thicker than at the top, but these areas can still be seen in the mirror.
- If necessary, use a hand mirror to check the shaving quality.
Step 8. Last but not least, shave the back of your head as this will be the most difficult part of the job
Place the razor on the top of your head and then slide it over the skin to the base of your neck. Work in slow, measured strokes until you shave completely.
- Take your time, as you will most likely not be able to see what you are doing.
- Use a hand mirror to check the progress of the work. It is helpful to refer to it after each pass of the razor over your skin, but it is not strictly necessary.
Step 9. Rinse the shaver with hot water after each stroke
This will keep it clean and prevent the blade from clogging up with hairs. A clean blade will be less irritating to your skin and will also reduce the likelihood of clogged pores.
While it's best to rinse your shaver under running water, it's also okay to rinse it in a cup of hot water
Step 10: Stretch your skin while shaving to minimize disturbance like wrinkles and unevenness
With your free hand, lightly pull the skin around the area you are shaving. This will temporarily smooth it out. Since the blade provides the closest shave to the skin, it is best to try to smoothen the skin underneath as much as possible. Otherwise, the risk of cuts and injuries to the skin increases.
Method 3 of 4: Finish shaving
Step 1. After shaving, rinse your scalp with cold water to close the pores
Get in the shower for a quick rinse. This will not only close your pores, but it will also wash away fine hairs that may have adhered to your skin after shaving.
There is no need to wash your hair, but you can still use a gentle shampoo or soap if you wish
Step 2: Use after shave to reduce skin irritation
Opt for aftershave lotion or balm, if available. These products are more suitable for sensitive scalp than other types of products. However, it’s better to use whatever aftershave you have than go without it at all.
If you are going to shave your head often, it is wise to invest in an after-shave product specifically designed for the scalp. You can search for it in shaving products at your local beauty supply store or online retailers
Step 3. Treat cuts and injuries with a styptic pencil or block of alum
Examine the head for traces of blood. If you notice a cut or injury, treat it with a styptic pencil or block of alum. This will stop the bleeding and disinfect the wound.
Haemostatic pencil and alum in briquettes can be purchased at the pharmacy or online
Method 4 of 4: Taking care of your shaved head
Step 1. Wash your hair daily with a gentle liquid soap or shampoo
Place a pea-sized drop of soap in the palm of your hand and rub until lather forms. Then, apply the lather to your scalp to cleanse the sweat and impurities that naturally build up on your scalp throughout the day. Rinse your head with warm water.
- Anti-dandruff shampoo can improve dry skin if you have this problem.
- Do not use harsh detergents, as the scalp is more sensitive than the skin in other areas.
- Take a shower once a day to avoid dry scalp.
Step 2. Treat your scalp with a moisturizer at least twice a day
It is okay to use a moisturizer for your face or body, but it is best to use a moisturizer that is specifically designed to protect your scalp. Apply it in the morning and evening, especially after showering.
- Moisturizer helps prevent dry and wrinkled skin. In addition, it helps the head to maintain a freshly shaved look for a longer time.
- If you're worried about the shine left by moisturizer, look for a mattifying product.
Step 3. Protect your head from UV light with sunscreen or a hat
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply it at least 15 minutes before leaving the house. Reapply sunscreen every 2-4 hours outdoors. Alternatively, you can wear a hat for sun protection.
- A shaved head is extremely vulnerable to sun exposure, which can cause burns, pain, and even skin cancer.
- When deciding how often to sunscreen your scalp, follow the directions for the specific sunscreen you choose.
Step 4. If you have a problem with excess sweating, treat your scalp with an antiperspirant before going to bed
It is usually the hair that absorbs the droplets of sweat produced by the scalp during natural sweating. In the absence of hair, sweat simply has nowhere to go. Fortunately, an antiperspirant can help alleviate the problem if sweating is a problem. Just apply it to your scalp before bed so that it has time to be absorbed into the skin.
- For scalp, use a spray antiperspirant, but roll-on or stick-on antiperspirant is also acceptable if you don't have anything else on hand.
- The morning shower does not interfere. An antiperspirant will still help you control your sweating as it can already be absorbed into your pores overnight.
Step 5. Repeat shaving if hair regrowth is noticeable
It will be easier for you to shave if your hair is less than 5mm in length, so try not to let it grow back beyond this threshold. However, you should not shave your head too often, as this can irritate your skin.
Try to shave your head no more than once a week. If even this frequency of shaving irritates your skin, try lengthening the intervals between treatments. Alternatively, you can supplement your treatment with shaving oil or simply start using a skin moisturizer more often
Advice
- If this is your first time shaving your head, your scalp will likely be noticeably paler than your face. To avoid this effect, you can cut your hair very short a few weeks before shaving. This will allow the skin to tan slightly.
- Keep a towel or napkin handy so that you can wipe the drips of shaving cream off your face if needed.
- Exfoliating your scalp before shaving can reduce the risk of clogged pores. Rub the body scrub into your scalp using circular motions with your fingers, then rinse thoroughly.
Warnings
- Never use chemical hair removal products to remove hair from your scalp, as they are extremely aggressive on the skin and are quite dangerous for your eyes if accidentally get into your eyes.
- Don't shave your head more often than is necessary to maintain your appearance. Shaving too often can irritate the skin.