Head Shaving

**Nelson76** · 11-04-2010, 04:09 AM

Hello everyone, I stumbled on this board about a month ago while being on a tool forum and there was an article about DE shaving. About 2 weeks later I received my Amazon order. A Merkur 33c,Feather blades,Tweezerman brush and some Proraso shave cream.
I love this forum and truly appreciate the professional demeanor of the members,Excellent board.
But I come with a question I've had no problems shaving my face unlike my head which ends up looking like I was headbutting a weedwacker, Is a DE not meant for head shaving? Should I just use the M3 on my head or are there others who are able to use a DE on their head? Thanks everyone.

**Yerny** · 11-04-2010, 04:35 AM

I've only been DE shaving for almost 2 weeks now and have been shaving my head for several years now w/ M3 or Quattro. Since I started DE shaving, I have been only DE shaving the top and sides of my head so I can see the angle. I've been shaving the back w/ my Quattro and haven't cut myself on the sides or top. I figure after a month or two more, when I have the angle/technique down, then I'll start shaving the back of my head. I don't want to end up with a scarred head.

**KenS** · 11-04-2010, 05:43 AM

I do use a DE to shave my head on occasion, but really think that (for me at least) it makes sense to spend the bucks on a Head-Blade setup. I make a first pass with the DE on the easy to get parts, then finish up with the Head-Blade. There are others that use nothing but a DE for head shaving, but I'm not one of them.
Best of luck your way, Ken

**george248** · 11-04-2010, 07:05 AM

I think a mild DE is fine for head shaving. I use a Merkur 1904 Classic open comb. The mild nature and open comb design works great for head shaving. I usually go 3-5 days between shaves and the open comb mows right through without loading up.

I don't think I would want to use anything remotely aggressive on my head... but that's just me.

**Subrage** · 11-04-2010, 07:22 AM

Its all about the razor...

Ive been shaving my head with a 40's superspeed or a travel tech for the last few months. They both work great, the travel has a tiny handle so it can be a pain getting the back part sometimes. But I think it give a slightly better shave than the SS.

I tried using my FUTUR and my Slim Adjusable, and they tore me up even on the lowest settings.

**spindlecone** · 11-04-2010, 07:27 AM

Headblade shadow here, would never think of using any DE on my Head.

**nickelsig229** · 11-04-2010, 07:54 AM

Over the past 6 weeks I've been using a DE on my face and scalp. I've used about 4 or 5 different Gillette's on my head and have had no problems. the only nicks I've received have been on my face and on on my ear from lazily moving the razor and not clearing my ear.

My head shaving is a bright spot for me. It is much better then with the M3 and I can get much closer in certain areas where a M3 wouldn't fit. (where my plates fuse)

I've been shaving my head since i was in my early 20's and am 37 now. I can easily shave my head without sight, which may or may not have a part to play in the quality of shave I'm getting now with the DE. I treat my head the same as my face, lather with brush, shave, buff and Witch hazel splash. I've noticed a great improvement on my skin from the products.

I would suggest trying your head again, and remembering to go slow and let the razor's weight to the work. This is hard on the upstroke from behind because the weight of the blade wants to pull away from the body. Feeling the blade on your head, and hearing it, are my keys to success. I adjust my pull and apply pressure so that the safety bar remains in contact, its the slightest of pressure. The head has different contour then the face and they change more frequently. The angle of the blade isn't static like when I shave my face.

When starting out I actually held the blade in place at the rear of my head, around 3/4 up from my neck, toward the top rear of my head. Then I moved my head rather then the blade. I held the blade so that its weight caused it to rest on my head, no pressure whatsoever. I did this for the top and sides leaving only the back for a straight pull up.

The wrinkled skin at the base of my head where it meets my neck is a delicate area. It's easy to get the blade in one of those wrinkles and do some damage unlike a cartridge that skims over them. I'm careful there and prefer a horizontal pull rather then vertical. I let the corner of the de get close to the crease. This is also how I get the crease where my plates fuse. Then make horizontal pulls rather then vertical.

As with the face, its only a matter of patience and understanding the patter of your hair, and sculpt of your head. Stick to it, you'll get it.

**Nelson76** · 11-04-2010, 12:21 PM

Thanks everyone for the suggestions,I definitely like DE wet shaving much more than M3 and can goop, It takes me much more time but the results are worth it. I have another 3 razors on the way and hopefully with more patience I'll get better results on my head shaving, I know there's a learning curve and I'm not quitting, I just wanted some input from others who shave their head, Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone.

**Luc** · 11-04-2010, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by Nelson76

Thanks everyone for the suggestions,I definitely like DE wet shaving much more than M3 and can goop, It takes me much more time but the results are worth it. I have another 3 razors on the way and hopefully with more patience I'll get better results on my head shaving, I know there's a learning curve and I'm not quitting, I just wanted some input from others who shave their head, Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone.

Welcome to B&B!

I do not shave my head with a DE or straight but some do as you saw up here. Many others do too! I can imagine it's a bit more difficult as most of the head is on an angle and there are bits that you can't see...

**HoosierTrooper** · 11-04-2010, 02:45 PM

I shave my head every day, sometimes twice a day, and while I've done it with DE, SE and injectors it just takes way more time than I want to invest in my noggin. Most days I use a Personna Magnum M5 but also use a Mach 3, Trac II, and the new Wilkinson Tech 3. I shave my head after my face so I use whatever soap and brush I used on my face. Occasionally I shave my head in the shower and then I use either Headslick or Real Shaving Company cream.

My scalp can take more abuse than my face and I don't ever have any issues with bumps or irritation from the cartridges.

**Ronan the BARBERian** · 11-04-2010, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by Luc

Welcome to B&B!

I do not shave my head with a DE or straight but some do as you saw up here. Many others do too! I can imagine it's a bit more difficult as most of the head is on an angle and there are bits that you can't see...

On the contrary, I found it easier to shave my head than my face when I started straight shaving. The fact that you can not see and have to do it by feel is not really a problem, especially if anybody has been shaving blind with a cartridge or DE for any period of time.

Unlike cartridge or DE the Straight lends it self far easier to head shaving, the blade angles and pressure are not very different from combing your hair, at least I think they are but this is a distant memory for me now.

**SSGDPM** · 11-04-2010, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by spindlecone

Headblade shadow here, would never think of using any DE on my Head.

+1. The Headblade (esp. the Shadow) makes quick work of shaving my head. I use cheap Wilkinson Sword cartridges from Walmart that don't cost much more than a good DE blade. I don't really have the time or inclination to bother trying the DE to shave my head.

**Ruger Packer** · 11-04-2010, 06:25 PM

I shave my head with a Headblade and Headslick cream. I make the initial pass with the Headblade and finish up with a 3 blade disposable. Sometimes I pass on the Headslick cream and use whatever soap I shaved my face with.

**neilt** · 11-05-2010, 06:22 AM

I am fairly new to DE, only about 2 weeks. In college I shaved via SE. Went back to mach whatever for about 10 years.

I have shaved my head since about 88. Wow...getting old. the mach 3s clog too easy and are a serious waste of time.

Most of the time I get about a weeks growth. I have done 3 head shaves at about 4 day intervals using proraso, a vision dialed to a dummy setting, with a derby blade. No issues. I went very slow 1st time, other two times were quicker than first, no cuts or weepers. I don't shower before hand, and try to let some natural oil build up on my head.

But, I am dialed back to very non aggressive. 1 pass most places, some places 3 passes.

I really can't see buying a specialized piece of equip for my head.

I would...

check that your creme is not drying out.
use a 'tamer' blade
get an adjustable razor that you can dial back to very non-aggressive. I liked the vision because it's head size does not allow your head hair to clog, very easy to clean.
GO VERY SLOW, and listen to the cut.

**alabamalawyer** · 11-05-2010, 07:10 AM

I shave my head with my DE. You just need to take your time and watch your angles. You might want to get more comfortable using the DE before giving it a go on your noggin.

**Mikeski** · 11-05-2010, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by spindlecone

Headblade shadow here, would never think of using any DE on my Head.

+1 The headblade is a great way to shave the head

**Nelson76** · 11-05-2010, 08:02 AM

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and letting me know that it is possible with a DE. I know I should have more patience and i should get more practice on my face but I didn't have any nicks on my face. I've been shaving my head for about 8yrs but always with a M3 til now,Just does such a good job on my face that i want the same results on my head.I'll just take it really slow on my head. The foam might have dried some so I'll work on that too.

I have a tech and a merkur hd on the way so maybe it'll make a difference, I also want to try other blades so my next order will be a sample pack so I can see what works or just order some Derbys since they're so cheap and I see alot of good feedback on them.

Thanks everyone

**neilt** · 11-05-2010, 08:36 AM

forgot to mention the angles...

fwiw...i find a longer handle helps a bit on the angles

be patient, go slow, you will get it. you don't need a headblade.

**ramon** · 11-05-2010, 08:42 AM

I use a straight to shave my head from 8 years ago, when I start was difficult for the first 4 months but then will be very easy ( angle problems ) . The trick is a straight very sharp good lather and start to shave without fear, keep wet your head and rock and roll. Usually I have to hone the razor ever 4 month but that not a problem if you hone your self .
I shave my head ever 7 days but sometime am not in the encourage to shave pass 2 or 3 days but dont worry with a straight you dont have problems with the size of the hear .
In this forum you find people who used straight or DE to shave their heads .

**IvanV** · 11-05-2010, 08:47 AM

I dont have a problem shaving my head with a DE but it does take a little longer. I just recently started using the HeadBlade with the HeadSlick stuff and it works great! I also noticed that that the cartridges are made by Dorko which is the same blades I use in my DE.

Has anyone else noticed this?