How Often Should I Shave My Head? (+What to Consider)

I’ve been shaving my head 2-3 times per week since 2018. That’s around 12 times per month and 144 times per year. Or over 888 times since I first embraced the bald look.

How often you should shave your head depends a lot on your scalp health and lifestyle.

How Often Should I Shave My Head?

Generally, it is suggested to shave your head about 2-3 times per week for a clean look. 

How often you should shave your head really depends on your personal preference and the needs of your scalp. 

However, if you have a sensitive scalp, you may need to shave less frequently or adjust your shaving method to avoid irritation. 

It’s important to analyze whether any discomfort or redness after shaving is due to the frequency or technique used in shaving rather than just assuming that less frequent shaves are necessary. 

Ultimately, finding the right balance for how often YOU should shave YOUR head is key!

Factors Affecting Shaving Frequency

When it comes to head shaving frequency, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. 

But there are many factors that play a role. Here are the main things to consider.

1. Hair Color Contrast

Your hair color and the contrast it has with your scalp plays a significant role in the overall bald look and how clean it is. 

If you have darker hair, like me, then the “horseshoe” effect becomes more apparent even after just a day or two of growth. 

It’s frustrating when that horseshoe shape starts peeking through!

On the other hand, if you have lighter hair, lucky for you – it gives some leeway before needing to reach for the razor again. 

For those dealing with the horseshoe problem and aiming for maximum smoothness, shaving every other day might be worth considering as an option to maintain that clean look.

2. Scalp Sensitivity

Scalp sensitivity is something that varies from person to person. Not all scalps are made the same, and some may be more sensitive than others.

However, one thing I’ve noticed in my own experience is that regular shaving can actually help lower irritation on the scalp. 

When you shave your head 2-3 times per week compared to only 2-3 times per month, you give your skin a chance to adjust and become less reactive over time.

But what if your scalp is still very sensitive and gets irritated easily? Well, then, it’s definitely worth considering shaving less often or even using alternative hair removal methods like clippers instead of razors.

It’s also important to analyze whether the problem lies in your technique or tools – maybe you’re pressing too hard with the razor or using blades that aren’t suitable for sensitive skin.

3. Average Shaving Duration

One important factor that affects the frequency of head shaving is the time it takes to complete the shave.

When considering how often to shave your head, you need to take into account how much time you have available for your grooming routine and any potential time constraints in your daily life. 

Additionally, if you also have a beard that requires maintenance, this will add extra minutes to your overall shaving duration. 

For me, as someone with a groomed beard, it usually takes about 35-45 minutes for a full head shave, plus caring for my beard.

However, your experience may vary depending on whether you use an electric shaver or razor – both options come with different pros and cons regarding speed and quality of results.

Ultimately though, the more time-consuming the process becomes, the harder it can be to find enough spare moments amidst other responsibilities

4. Need for Looking Presentable

How often do you need to look presentable when shaving your head? Well, it depends on a few factors. 

Firstly, consider your occupation. Are you someone who works from home or in an environment where appearance isn’t as important? 

Or are you in a profession that requires looking sharp every day? The frequency of head shaving may vary based on the unwritten rules and expectations of your job. 

For example, if you work with clients or have face-to-face interactions frequently, putting effort into looking presentable is probably worth it. 

However, if you’re coding away in your undies most days (lucky you!), then perhaps appearances aren’t as crucial for what’s happening up top! 

It all comes down to finding the balance between professional requirements and personal comfort.

5. Laziness and Motivation

Now, this is probably the most important factor to consider when it comes to maintaining a clean-shaven look as a bald man. 

When I first started shaving my head, I was really aware of my bald dome and wanted that 100% clean look in the hopes that it would compensate for any insecurities. 

But today, after accepting myself as I am, I don’t feel like I need to shave just for the sake of it anymore. However, being lazy still affects my shaving decisions quite a bit.

When determining your shaving frequency, you’ll definitely need to take into account both your confidence level as a bald man and how lazy you are (we all have those days!). 

If you’re just starting out embracing the bald look or if having a perfectly smooth head gives you an extra boost of confidence, then go for it.

On the other hand, if you’ve already a seasoned baldy, then two times per week will suffice without too much effort.

Can I Shave My Head Every Day?

Yes, you can shave your head every day if that is what makes you feel confident and comfortable. 

However, before making it a daily routine, consider why you want to do so. 

Are you trying to overcompensate for any insecurities, or does it serve a practical purpose like maintaining the dark horseshoe look or looking sharp for work? 

It’s important to be aware of your motivations.

Additionally, shaving your head every day can potentially irritate your scalp, especially when doing a dry shower shave. 

Take into account whether your skin can endure this level of frequency without discomfort or irritation. 

My suggestion would be to shave as little as possible but as often as needed in order to achieve the desired level of smoothness while also taking care of our scalp health.

Average Hair Growth Rate

According to MedicalNewsToday, on average, the average hair growth rate is between 0.2 inches (0.5cm) and 0.7 inches (1.7cm) per month. 

It’s interesting to note that male hair tends to grow faster than females’, but regardless of gender, genetics, age, and health can affect how fast our locks actually grow.

So even though a growth rate of 0.5cm per month might sound impressive when compared to full-on laziness in shaving your head bald – trust me – it won’t take long before an uncared-for look starts creeping in!

But hey, fellow shavers – don’t worry! I’ve got plenty of tips and tricks up my sleeve on how best to care for your shaved scalp.

FAQ