12 Head Shaving Tips for a Smooth & Healthy Dome (2024)

Shaving your own head is an art form that requires constant practice and finetuning of technique. 

Over years of shaving my own head, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to get the smoothest and healthiest shave possible. 

So here are some of my best head shaving tips to help you master the craft too.

1. Start With Wet Shaving

Look, I know there’s a pretty heated debate on whether to go wet or dry.

Some swear by that electric razor like it’s their firstborn child, while others claim nothing beats the classic blade and cream combo.

But let me tell you, if you want to achieve the closest shave possible, then wet shaving is the way to go.

Trust me, I’ve tried all the options, and nothing beats that feeling of a fresh, close shave.

Plus, starting with a wet shave will help you learn more about your head shape, skin type, and hair growth pattern – which is invaluable knowledge if you want to rock a healthy bald look. 

2. Use Short Strokes

One practical head shaving tip that can make a world of difference is to use short strokes. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.

Shaving against the grain in one long stroke might seem like a quicker way to get the job done, but it can also lead to razor burn and irritation.

Instead, take your time and shave your scalp in small sections using short strokes.

By using short strokes, you minimize razor bumps and potential irritations.

So, never run long strokes, no matter how new your razor is. Remember, every shave is irritation for your head, so be mindful when shaving.

3. Use a Small Hand Mirror

As a bald man, one of the biggest challenges in shaving your head is getting the back of your head just right.

And let’s be honest, trying to do it without a mirror is like trying to drive a car blindfolded. 

My secret tip is to use a small hand mirror in addition to a regular mirror. This way, I can see exactly what I’m doing and where I’m doing it.

No more blind shaving, no more missed spots, and no more cuts and irritations.

The best part? It’s so convenient, even when I’m on the go. I can take my small mirror with me anywhere and keep my head shaved to perfection. 

4. Try a Shaving Gel

As bald men, we all know the struggle of finding the right product to shave our heads with.

While shaving creams are great for your face, they can often be too thin and ineffective when it comes to your scalp. That’s why I highly recommend trying a shaving gel instead.

In my experience, most shaving gels have a thicker consistency that provides a smoother shave stroke than any foam has ever done.

Plus, they are way more forgiving in terms of pressure and the number of strokes per location. Trust me, you don’t want to be left with razor burn or bumps on your scalp.

So, take the time to experiment with various shaving creams or gels to find the one that provides the best glide and protection for your scalp. 

Look, getting the best gel for your scalp actually matters a lot. Don’t settle for foam, upgrade to a shaving gel and see the difference for yourself.

5. Rinse the Blade Frequently

When it comes to shaving your head, one of the most basic but crucial tips is to rinse the razor blade frequently. 

I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but trust me, it’s easy to forget when you’re in the zone. 

Make sure to rinse the razor blade under warm water after every or every other stroke to remove hair and debris for a cleaner shave. 

Why is this so important? Well, if you don’t rinse the blade regularly, the blades can get clogged with your shaving gel and hair. 

This can cause irritation and prevent the razor from cutting as cleanly as it should. One bad cut can lead to a lot of irritation and discomfort down the road. 

6. Replace Blades Regularly

One of the most important tips to avoid razor burns when shaving your head is to replace your blades regularly.

Trust me, you don’t want to be using a dull blade on your scalp. Not only will it lead to an uneven shave, but it can also cause irritation and ingrown hairs. 

The frequency of blade replacement depends on your hair type and skin sensitivity.

As someone with sensitive skin, I find that my 5-blade Gillette razor lasts about 3-4 shaves, 5-6 if I’m feeling lazy.

But don’t wait until your blade starts nicking before you switch it out. Find your sweet spot, and remember that it’s probably sooner than you think. Your scalp will thank you for it!

7. Shave Often

As a bald man, it’s important to find your sweet spot when it comes to shaving frequency for a clean head shave.

Contrary to common belief, even for sensitive skin, I highly recommend shaving often and regularly.

Your skin will adapt to the constant shaving as long as you improve your technique and troubleshoot any common problems.

Trust me, every time I’ve gone lazy and skipped a shave for two weeks, my scalp gets irritated really quickly.

Plus, the hair gets longer and it’s way more difficult to shave it off, taking more time and effort. 

My sweet spot is around three times per week, which keeps my scalp in place, easy to shave, and still looks smooth enough.

So, keep that razor handy and shave often for the best clean head shave.

8. Exfoliate Weekly

As a lazy bald man, scalp care was never a priority for me before embracing the bald look. I mean, who has the time for that, right?

But once I started shaving my head, I quickly realized the importance of scalp exfoliation.

Using an exfoliating scrub on your bald head once a week can remove dead skin cells and prevent a buildup that can cause problems and make shaving more difficult.

Trust me, nothing is worse than razor bumps and irritation. I know it might sound odd and foreign, but exfoliating your bald head is a game changer.

Not only will it improve your shaving experience, but it will also help you achieve a smoother and healthier scalp. So go ahead, give your head the love it deserves!

9. Use a Post-Shave Balm

If you’re shaving your head regularly, then using a post-shave balm is one of the most important things you can do to keep your scalp healthy and happy.

After all, removing hair from your head can leave your skin feeling raw and irritated. That’s where a good moisturizer like a after-shave lotion comes in handy.

But not just any old aftershave lotion will do. You need to find a post-shave balm that’s specifically designed for use after head shaving.

Look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and shea butter that soothe and nourish the skin.

With the right post-shave balm, you can prevent dryness, reduce redness, and keep your bald head looking and feeling its best.

10. Trim With Clippers First

Let’s face it, sometimes life gets in the way and you might not be able to shave your head for weeks.

When that happens, your hair (or lack thereof) will grow out, making it impossible to attack with your trusty razor. If you try, you’ll just blunt the razor and irritate your scalp.

That’s why the first step is to grab your clippers and trim your hair as short as possible with no guard, the lowest option available. 

This will make the next step, using your electric shaver or razor, much easier and more effective. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step. 

11. Don’t Rush

Here’s the most basic but impactful tip you’ll hear over and over again: don’t rush. 

This is the most basic but crucial tip that I’ve learned and relearned throughout my journey of embracing the bald look.

Trust me; life will try to interfere with your shaving routine at times, but taking your time during a wet shave or any other method can make all the difference in avoiding those pesky nicks and cuts on our sensitive scalps.

And if you’re just starting out, don’t jump into daily shaves too quickly; allow yourself some adjustment time before making it an everyday habit.

Always plan accordingly because nothing ruins a good-looking shaved head like unwanted cuts!

12. Pat Dry

Now that you’ve finished the shave and your head is buttery smooth, it’s time for drying.

But before you reach for that towel and start rubbing away like crazy, hold up!

Rubbing vigorously can actually cause more irritation on your scalp. Instead, gently pat dry with a clean towel – this will minimize any potential discomfort and make sure your skin is prepped for what comes next.

And speaking of post-shave care, here’s another secret tip: finish things off by wrapping a cold towel around your head after rinsing everything out in order to reduce inflammation even further and close up any open pores.