Comment by Ada on January 6, 2011 at 9:53am

Hi,
Have you tried Venus razors? They are originally for women, but my boyfriend (who has alopecia and is using them) got me totally hooked. He was using them to shave his beard even in his pre-alopecia years. The blades come in different variations/names, the pink and light blue ones are great so there was no need to try any other ones, which I presume work equally well. They are not as cheap as your usual old fashion blades, but I think they are worth the money, plus we are not talking bank-breaking sums anyway. Some things just don't mesh well with being thrifty. Like food. And good razors.
What I would suggest, and you probably already know this, is to make sure your skin is really moist and "warmed up" before you shave, it tends to prevent skin rash, burns and keeps the potential nasty result to its bare minimum. Also, TAKE YOUR TIME. I know you are looking for a faster shave, but still, if you have anyone who would "help out" with the hard-to-reach or see places, it can be a nice session and you won't necessarily feel like you are "wasting" your time shaving. Throw in some music and a glass of wine (for you, not the one who is shaving! :)) and relax while being pampered. This could become a nice routine.

Another tip to soothe any bumps or tiny cuts, which you might know as well, is to dab on some camomile tea. No sugar, of course. :)

When it comes to creams and pastes, I am not sure what is out there as a "hair removal", but whatever you do try, please make sure it is safe to use on your scalp and that it does not contain any parabens or phenoxyethanols, as those are nasty components which a lot of cosmetic companies started pulling out of their products. While on that note, check all your toiletries, for that matter, creams, lotions, deodorants, shampoos, shower gels, soaps, everything of that kind plus - if any ladies read this - make-up products. There are a lot of organic and safe products out there and they are getting more available and cheaper as I type.

I am not sure this is any new advice to you, but I thought I would use this instead of the traditional happy-new-year note.

Having said that - best of luck in 2011!
Ada

Comment by Carlin on January 6, 2011 at 1:40pm

I have been shaving my head for over 3 years now. Usually every two days and have discovered a few things that make for a successful shaving experience.

-Tools-
A)I use shaving oil rather than shaving cream because it's not soluble in water.
B)I use a gilette fusion razor but I think any good razor will do


1) shave in the shower
2) use hotter water to soften your hair for at least 2-3 minutes
3) apply the oil and wait for 30 seconds.
4) here's the secret: SHAVE UNDER THE RUNNING HOT WATER
5) shave always in the same order that you like (one half of head at a time)
6) reapply oil after finished one side

I find shaving under the hot water helps me not have small red bumps after I shave. It might seem like it will sting or burn when you're doing it but trust me, it won't. My head doesn't even bleed afterwards!

-3 important tips:
1) don't press really hard with your razor unless you want to cut off a chunk of skin
2) don't be a perfectionist. People don't even notice a "rough" patch that you can only feel with your hand but not see
3) have a good electric face shaver (I use the panasonic ES8077 wet/dry shaver) to shave the rough patches if you want

This way you will minimize the chance to cut yourself. Let me know how it goes. Smooth heads unite!

Comment by Devin on January 6, 2011 at 5:19pm

I just started shaving my head a few months ago so I wont be of any help to you, but I really wanted to know what Creams or Pastes people use. Every time Ive looked at any of them they always have said not to be used on the scalp. I know somebody at work who said that he uses some sort of cream that works for him so if I find out what type I will try it and let you know.

Comment by JeffreySF on January 6, 2011 at 11:33pm

I always used and electric face shaver using a pre shave product for smoother results. No nicks or cuts ever.

Comment by Michelle on January 7, 2011 at 1:54am

Have you tried a headblade? I only shave with my headblade. the products are great. The shaving cream has added menthol which sooth the skin and after i shaved i use there moisturizer that help with any irritation i might have. I've been shaving now for over 9months and had no problems this far and i shave everyday.

Comment by Tamara on January 7, 2011 at 7:53am

I use a mens electric beard trimmer. Its doesnt shave ALL of it off, but it gets it down low enough that you don't see the bald spots on my head. I'm afraid to do the razor because of the razor burn. I know what it feels like on my legs and I do NOT want to be feeling that on my head!! I have never tried the headblade, but I have heard from a few people that it does work REALLY well. I have seen them at CVS and Walgreens and they don't look to be too expensive either!

Comment by allets on January 7, 2011 at 7:14pm

Are you replacing the blade/razor often? An old razor will cause the problems you have mentioned in your post.

How 'bout using hair clippers without an attachment? The end result looks bald...without the hassle of shaving. I've been using this technique for nearly two years, and it works perfectly for me.

Best of all, you don't have to deal with lotions and potions, creams or pastes! ;) Give it a try!

Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on January 8, 2011 at 12:00am

I am not sure, but I seriously think my hair grows a bit thicker in the winter?! I find that I am having the same problem as you, so what I do during the week is use a trimmer if need be and then a razor on weekends or special occasions.

Comment by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on January 8, 2011 at 11:14am

I use the Venus 5 blade razor. It has a large moisture strip. And I shave in the shower using Aveeno body wash since I have sensitive skin. I get a smooth shave every time, no bumps or irritation. Also since I live in a dry climate of winter I use Aveeno skin cream afterwards. It doesnt clog pores to cause pimples and soothes any sensitivity from razor burn you might get.
I hope you find something that works with this or combo of others recommendations.

Comment by Karen Smith on January 9, 2011 at 8:00pm

I am not sure if this is a good idea or not but I have heard that over the counter strenght cortizone cream applied after the shave may reduce the irritation. You may want to try it for a short time to see if it works.

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