tips from head shavers using a straight razor?

[rockwell88]

Im currently a DE a head shaver. I've been shaving my face with a straight razor for some time now. Im pretty at ease about it, but i make sure Im always paying attention.

What I do with the DE: up the back of the head then starting from above the ear, shave back toward the nape of the neck- in a series of rows.

now, the question: have seen post where people use straights for head shaving. Are there any tips getting started from people who do it regularly? seems a pity to hone a SR to only shave my face then pick up the DE to done my head.

I did see that one video of the barber in asia kicking up clouds of dandruff from a bald guy with a SR. funny and a bit gross. but not something I would do.

 

[Koop]

I use a SR on my face and a DE on my head. My advice on SR head shaving - don't do it! Well, maybe you can handle a SR better than me, but I know it would it up in a bloody mess in my case.

 

[Darth Scandalous]

My nephew uses a straight on his head. I don't know anything about the pattern he uses unfortunately. One thing I know is he keeps his free hand in contact with the spine or the end of the toe, even just a finger, so he can feel where the blade is without always being able to see it.

 

[Seelector]

I tried a straight once on my head and didn’t like it at all. The very top was ok but I gave up on the sides and went back to a DE. Couldn’t get the proper angles with the straight. Maybe I should try again some day.

 

[Sugai]

For what it's worth...

. I begin at the top and shave front to back
. then back of the head/neck bottom to top
. lastly, sides down to up (sides are trickiest as the ears get in the way)

Also, I only started with SR head shaves earlier this year (I do about 1 per week). Currently, I do not go for perfection. I do a single pass with the SR and then a second pass with an AC razor to correct my mistakes. The process becomes easier/familiar with each passing week so the intention is to eventually stop with the AC razor touch-up altogether. Slow and steady improvement wins the race.

 

[Sugai]

Also, I've found that choice of SR makes a more dramatic difference with head shaves than face shaves. Really only 2 or 3 out the dozen straight razors I own seem capable/suitable to head shaving and I can't really explain/determine why.

 

[NorthernSoul]

GEM razors can give a shave similar in feeling to a straight razor and make it pretty easy to shave by touch. I congratulate anyone who can use a straight razor for head shaving.

 

[Old Hippie]

Forgive me if I'm speaking inappropriately, but I may have some insight. I shave my head with shavettes or barber straights as well as with DE and SE razors of various sorts.

Currently I'm using a Weck Hair Shaper with a Personna Hair Shaper blade. Conventional wisdom is that "using a Weck is like using a 5/8 frameback." Can't say about that but I can say it takes a little mindfulness. But you knew that. My usual routine is pretty much the same no matter what razor I'm using.

I do the very front first (my "Bozo the Clown" patch) then shave the top and down the sides as far as my ears. (I wear glasses so I work around them) Then I do a WTG pass down the back. Then an ATG in the back. Then I move to the temples and cheeks, which I do with my glasses off, and a pass ATG around my ears. Then catch a few cleanups, and usually whistle in a slant to put the polish on.

Gradually I'm spending more time with the naked edge and less with the safety razor, but it's a comfort to have that safety ready in case of need.

O.H.

 

[rockwell88]

I found this to be helpful.

 

[rockwell88]

Well, it's been about 2 weeks of head shaving with a straight razor. It's alot easier than I thought it would be. Not much harder than my experience than using a DE. the best method for me has been that taking a shower before shaving. Then lathering in front of the mirror, rather than simply shaving in the shower itself. Going around the ears is more complicated; using careful, shshort stroke. One thing that i noticed is that I must be must be more 'present' and concentrate when using a straight. No spacing out while shaving. also, the time involved in shaving time isnt much longer than when using a DE. The only issue was when I tried to use an upstroke on the back of my head- because that involved changing my usual technique and as a result I scratched my self in a couple of places.


All in all, it's worked out very well and there were no 'van gogh' scare moments. I will continue using a straight razor for head shaving.