How to Shave a Head When on Propecia

Shaving your head won't alter the effects of Propecia.

For the 40 percent of American men who will at some point be affected by hair loss, drugs such as Propecia can provide hope for regrowing hair and regaining confidence. Propecia works by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone, a substance in the body that shortens the growth phase of hair follicles and causes hair to thin. As DHT levels are lowered, hair follicles are able to strengthen and grow thicker hair. This process takes time; Merck, the manufacturer of Propecia, states that it can take anywhere from three months to a full year to see any results. In the meantime, men who are particularly self-conscious about their thinning hair have the option of shaving their head to conceal it. Because Propecia works only on the follicle, shaving the hair off won't alter the drug's effectiveness. If you're taking Propecia and are interested in shaving your head, it takes only a few easy steps.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors or hair clippers
• Razor
• Shaving cream or gel

Instructions

1. Trim your hair as short as possible, using either scissors or electric hair clippers on the shortest setting. The shorter the hair is when you begin to shave, the more easily it will come off.

2. Take a shower to wet and soften your hair and scalp. Wet skin is less likely to suffer from painful razor burn, and wet hair is much more pliable and easy to cut. You can proceed to shave your head while still in the shower, or get out of the shower and do it at your bathroom sink.

3. Apply a shaving cream or gel and work it into lather on your scalp. Take extra care to ensure that all of your hair is full of the lather, which lubricates the scalp to prevent accidental cuts.

4. Begin to shave the areas with the softest hair first, such as the temples and front hairline. Work slowly and evenly to be sure you don't miss any hair, but try not to make more than one or two passes over the same area to reduce skin irritation.

5. Wash your head after you've finished shaving to get rid of any loose hairs that could cause itching or irritation later, then towel dry. If you choose to apply an aftershave lotion to your scalp, use one that does not contain alcohol that will dry out the skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Shaving against the grain of the hair will give you the closest shave.

References

• Propecia: How Propecia Works
• Propecia: Hair-Loss Treatment Results
• Headshaver.org: How to Shave Your Head