You can achieve an attractive look by shaving off your own hair using a clipper or razor. While shaving your own scalp is easy if you know how, it may take some time to perfect the technique. After the hair is shaved, take special care of the scalp to keep it healthy.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using an Electric Shaver
Step 1. Remove the shoe (guard) attached to the electric shaver so that you can trim your hair as short as possible
While the result won't be as short as a razor blade, it will give the appearance of a bald head without too much friction. This means that you are less likely to experience irritation and redness after shaving.
- If you want to leave a little hair, use shoes with a size 1.
- You may have to lay out some newspaper before shaving to catch the shaved hair.
Step 2. Cut hair in the opposite direction of hair growth
Usually you should trim your hair in the direction of the hair fiber. However, this is not necessary because the cut is not as short as a razor blade. Also, trimming your hair in the direction of the fibers is very difficult because you may find it difficult to move the shaver toward the top of your hair.
Step 3. Start at the side of the head where the sideburns are
Usually this is in line with the middle of the ear. Place the electric shaver on the skin, then move it up towards the crown (top) of the head. Do a few shaving strokes to reach the area behind the ear.
It's okay if you prefer to start shaving elsewhere. Do whatever you find easiest
Step 4. Move from top to bottom as you shave the top of your head
Place the electric shaver over the forehead. After that, slowly lead back to the crown of the head. Stop shaving when you reach the back of the crown.
Step 5. Move the shaver from the bottom up when finishing the hair at the back of the head
Place the electric shaver at the nape of the neck. Next, move the shaver slowly toward the crown. Continue to finish shaving at the back of the hair until the entire head has been shaved off.
Method 2 of 4: Using a Razor
Step 1. Trim the hair with an electric shaver first for best results
Take off your shoes or wear shoe number 1 for a very short haircut. This is to reduce resistance to the razor and help you get as close to a shave as possible.
- Alternatively, you can go to a barber or hair salon to cut your hair short.
- Skip this step if your hair is less than 0.5 cm long.
- Spread out several sheets of newsprint to catch the hair when you cut it, especially if you have very long hair.
Step 2. Shave your hair after you shower with warm or hot water so that the hair becomes softer
Hot or warm water will open the pores and soften the hair. With this condition, the razor will be easier to move on the head and this can reduce the possibility of irritation after shaving.
- You don't need to dry your hair after showering. Wet hair will be easier to shave. However, it's okay to pat your hair with a towel if the water drips on your face or bothers you.
- Alternatively, you can run warm water on your head for a few minutes before shaving your hair.
Step 3. Use a new blade every time you shave your head to minimize irritation
Dull blades create more friction, which makes the scalp red and itchy. In addition, a dull knife can also clog pores and make hair grow inward.
- You can reuse the blade to shave another area if you don't want to waste it.
- It is recommended that you use a razor with 3-5 blades as it can give you a better shave in one fell swoop. Do not run the razor more than once on the head as this can cause irritation and redness.
Step 4. Brush the head with shaving cream so that the razor moves easily
Rub the cream on the palms of the hands to form a foam, then apply on the head. Shaving cream is useful so you don't get cut by a razor. Also, it will make it easier for you to see which parts have been shaved.
If your skin is very sensitive, apply shaving oil to your scalp before you apply shaving cream. The oil will serve as a barrier that protects the scalp. Plus, the oil will make it easier for you to move the razor across your scalp
Step 5. Move the razor in the direction of hair growth
Do this in a firm, steady motion from the front to the back. Try to only do one stroke on one part of the scalp as multiple razor strokes can irritate the skin.
By following the direction of hair growth, you will reduce irritation and the risk of hair growing inwards
Step 6. Start at the top of the head
The hair in this area is usually thinner, making it easier to shave. Place the razor behind the crown, then move it forward towards the forehead. Continue to do this evenly until the entire top of the head is shaved clean.
- In addition to being thinner at the top, you can see the top of your head more easily than the back. It's a good idea to run the process from the easiest part to the hardest part. This is because you will develop a rhythm as you shave.
- Check your work with a handheld mirror if necessary.
Step 7. Shave the sides of the head for the next step
Place the razor directly over the unshaven side hair. Next, pull the razor down in an even motion, stopping when you reach the top of the sideburns. Once the first side is complete, move on to the other side of the head and repeat the process.
- The hair on the sides of the head is thicker than the hair on the top, but can still be seen in the mirror.
- Check your work with a handheld mirror if necessary.
Step 8. Shave the back of the head as the last step as this is the most difficult
Place the razor behind the crown, then move it down toward the nape of the neck. Do this slowly and evenly until all sections of hair are shaved off.
- Take your time because you won't be able to see what you're working on.
- Check your shaving progress using a handheld mirror. It's a good idea to observe the work with each razor stroke, although this is not mandatory.
Step 9. Rinse the razor with hot water after each stroke
This keeps the razor clean without any hair building up. A clean knife will prevent irritation and will not clog the pores of the scalp.
The best way to rinse the blade is using running water, but you can also rinse it using hot water placed in the container
Step 10. Pull the scalp tight to reduce indentations and wrinkles
Use your free hand to gently pull the skin near the location you are shaving. This makes the skin in that area even and smooth. Since razors give you a shorter shave, it's a good idea to adjust your scalp to be as even as possible. Otherwise, the scalp can be cut or injured.
Method 3 of 4: Finishing the Shaving
Step 1. Rinse your scalp with cold water after you shave to close the pores
Go to the bathroom and rinse your head. In addition to closing the pores, this will also clean the tiny bits of hair that stick to your skin after you shave.
You don't need to shampoo, but you can wash them with mild shampoo or soap if you want
Step 2. Apply aftershave (a liquid or gel used after shaving to prevent infection) on the scalp to reduce irritation
Choose an aftershave in the form of a lotion or balm if you have one. This formula is better for sensitive scalps than the liquid one. However, a liquid aftershave will be much better than if you didn't use it at all.
If you frequently shave your head, you should buy an aftershave that is specifically designed for the scalp. You can buy them in supermarkets or the internet
Step 3. Use a styptic pencil or alum to treat cuts or cuts
Look at the top of the head for any bleeding. Apply a styptic pencil or alum to the wound or incision. This is useful for stopping bleeding and cleaning the wound from germs.
Styptic pencils and alum can be purchased at drug stores or the internet
Method 4 of 4: Maintaining the Look after Shaving
Step 1. Wash your head daily using a mild shampoo or soap
Place a pea-sized amount of cleanser in the palm of your hand and rub it until it lathers. Next, rub the foam on the scalp to remove sweat and dirt that has accumulated throughout the day. After that, rinse your head using warm water.
- An anti-dandruff shampoo can help with a dry scalp, if you experience it.
- Do not use harsh cleansers for the scalp. The scalp is more sensitive than the rest of the skin.
- You should not wash your scalp too often, which is no more than once a day to prevent the scalp from becoming dry.
Step 2. Apply moisturizer on the scalp at least 2 times a day
You can use a body or facial moisturizer, but it's best to use a product specifically designed to protect the scalp. Use this product in the morning and evening, especially after you shower in the shower.
- Moisturizer will prevent the appearance of dry patches and wrinkles on the scalp. In addition, this product makes the scalp look freshly shaved for a longer time.
- If you don't like a shiny scalp, use a moisturizer labeled matte.
Step 3. Use sunscreen or wear a hat to protect your head from the sun
Use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen, and apply it at least 15 minutes before you leave the house. Also, reapply sunscreen every 2-4 hours when you are outdoors. Alternatively, you can wear a sun visor hat.
- A shaved head is very susceptible to sunburn which can cause skin damage, pain, and skin cancer.
- Follow the directions on the package of the sunscreen you are using to determine how often you should apply it to your scalp.
Step 4. Apply an antiperspirant on your scalp before going to bed if you sweat profusely
Usually, the hair is in charge of collecting the sweat that comes out on the scalp. Unfortunately, sweat will run all over the scalp if there is no hair there. Fortunately, you can use antiperspirant products to treat this annoyance. Apply the product on your scalp before you go to bed so that it has enough time to absorb into the skin.
- The best option for your scalp is an antiperspirant in the form of a spray, but you can also use a stick or roll-on product if this is what you have.
- It doesn't matter if you shower using the shower in the morning. Antiperspirant products will still control sweat because it has seeped into the pores.
Step 5. Shave your head again when the hair starts growing again
You can shave your hair easily if it is no more than 0.5 cm in length. So, try not to let your hair grow any longer than this. However, do not shave your hair too often because it can cause irritation.
Try to shave your head no more than once a week. If shaving your head once a week is still irritating, try reducing your shaving frequency. Alternatively, you can add shaving oil when shaving or apply moisturizer frequently
Tips
- Have a washcloth or towel nearby to wipe the shaving cream that drips off your face.
- If it's the first time you've shaved your head, chances are your head will look paler than the rest of your face. Prevent this from happening by cutting your hair very short a few weeks before shaving your head. This makes the scalp darker.
- Exfoliating your head before shaving can reduce the risk of clogging the pores of the scalp you are shaving. Rub the face or body scrub on your scalp using circular motions. After that, rinse your hair thoroughly.
Warning
- Don't shave your head more than you need to to maintain the look. If you shave too often, the scalp can become irritated.
- Never use chemical depilatory (eg Nair), on the head. This product is very harsh on the skin, and can be harmful in contact with the eyes.
