How to Shave Your Head

With so many guys shaving their head these days, the smooth, clean look of a freshly shaved head might be the right fashion move for you. Here's how to get the job done the right way.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Razor (preferably Mach3 or Fusion)
• Hot water
• Shaving Gel
• Exfoliating pad
• Mirror

1. Before you begin, make sure this is what you want to do. The good news is that hair does grow back; at the same time, if you decide the shaved look isn't for you, you'll look rather like a Chia Pet for a month or two while you wait for your hair to come back!
2. So, you've decided to take the plunge; congratulations! The first thing you'll need to do is use a pair of electric clippers to trim your hair as short as possible. If you don't have clippers, scissors might work; the key is to have as little hair as possible before you begin shaving.
3. You'll need your scalp to be moist and warm; I suggest shaving your head in the shower, at least the first few times. Shower mirrors are inexpensive and a necessity for this.
   
   After you've been in the shower for a few minutes, letting the scalp get warm and moist, apply a generous amount of shaving gel to your scalp, face, and the back of the neck. Really work it in, then let it sit for a minute.
4. Start shaving. The key here is to be systematic. I'm left-handed, so I begin shaving above my left ear: starting at the sideburn, draw the razor in a smooth, steady motion around and down behind the ear, making sure to stay close. Be sure to pull the razor all the way to the bottom of your neck
5. Rinse the blade and shave the next strip, moving from front to back and overlapping your previous strip. Be sure to rinse the blade often, and shave from in front of your hairline all the way to the bottom of your neck.
   
   Make sure you shave down far enough that you won't have any stubble left on your neck: nothing ruins the shaved look faster than a hairy neck! Continue until you've shaved all the way to the opposite ear.
6. At this point you'll have a fairly close shave. To really get close, you'll need to go over the scalp one more time. This time, shave from the neck upwards. Again, be systematic and take your time. Use your fingers to feel for any strips you've missed. The goal is to feel no stubble at all. You're finished when the entire head feels smooth and stubble-free. And don't forget to shave your face -- unless you're going for the bald-guy-with-a-beard look.
7. Don't forget to exfoliate! Using the exfoliating pad of your choice (even a nail brush will work in a pinch), exfoliate your entire scalp, neck, and face. This removes dead skin, shave gel, and all the other gunk that has accumulated. Exfoliating will save you from a multitude of in-grown hairs and other blemishes.
   
   Run your fingertips over the scalp one more time to check for missed spots, and you're done! Enjoy your new look.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat after me: SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN. That pasty white scalp can't take the sun's rays.
• A hat is a must during the winter months, and might be a good thing on hot summer days, as well.