What Is the Best Way to Shave Your Head?

A step-by-step guide to properly shaving your head for the first time, plus tips and advice on care and upkeep so that it stays smooth and healthy.

A man holding a razor to his stubbly head.

Why Shave Your Head?

I’m a VII on the Norwood scale for male pattern baldness (MPB). With hair remaining only at the sides and back, I’m left with a typical horseshoe pattern. I mostly buzz it once every 10 days or so for a more seasoned look, but I like it shaved in hot weather.

Many MPB men prefer its more youthful vibe, but this isn’t the only reason to shave.

With my perfectly rounded head, which baldness seems to suit, I look better without hair than with. That’s why I began shaving long before MPB set in.

And it has its benefits.

I don’t have to visit the barber, which saves money. I don’t need a hairdryer and styling products, which saves space. It simplifies my morning routine, which saves time. And my summers are a little cooler.

But you may want to think twice if you’re very thin or have a more challenging head shape. Prominent lumps, bumps, and scars could be another reason to keep your scalp covered. Otherwise, it’s something a man should try at least once in his life.

The Best Time to Shave Your Head

There are two things to consider when shaving for the first time: you don’t know how sensitive your scalp will be afterward, and you don’t know what you’ll look like.

Therefore, plan this somewhat radical move for a quiet Friday evening, and make sure you don’t have to go anywhere until Monday morning. You’ll at least have some stubble back by then, which is less alarming to friends and colleagues than a completely bald head if it turns out to be a mistake.

Even if you’re certain that you’ll look good bald, you should still shave in the evening before going to bed so that your scalp has time to recover. Immediate exposure to blazing sunshine or biting winds would be asking for trouble, and your head may be too sensitive for a cap or other head covering.

Equipment Needed

To shave your head, you’ll need the following items:

A hand mirror so you can see the back of your head
Electric clippers to shorten your hair
A new, good-quality cartridge razor with at least three blades—never use a dull razor
A shaving lubricant
Vegetable or shaving oil (optional)
Moisturizer
Good lighting

Hair clippers with guard removed. — Using electric clippers without the guard, cut your hair down to stubble.

How to Shave Your Head: A Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Reduce Hair Length With Clippers

Using electric clippers without the guard, cut your hair down to stubble, working against the grain—i.e., against the direction of growth. And don’t forget the hairs on the back of your neck.

Your stubble should be no longer than 1/8 inch (approx. 3 mm). The shorter it is, the easier it is to shave.

Step 2: Shower to Soften Stubble

To soften stubble, take a warm shower. Or, if a shower or steamy bath isn’t possible, place a hot washcloth over your head for a few minutes.

For very thick or coarse hair, conditioner makes the hair softer than shampoo alone.

Step 3: Lubricate Your Scalp

Cover your scalp with a shaving lubricant.

If you’re using a single blade safety razor, it’s best to lather up with a brush and shaving soap to lower the risk of cutting.

For cartridge razors, it doesn’t matter whether you use shaving soap, foam, gel, or oil.

Oil offers the most advantages. Because it’s transparent, you can see exactly what you’re doing. Apart from that, its outstanding lubricating qualities make accidental cutting near impossible. It also prevents razor bumps and burns.

You don’t have to buy a product labeled shaving oil. The cooking oil in your kitchen cupboard does the same job. If you’re worried about blocked pores, use sunflower oil, which is non-comedogenic (it won’t aggravate acne).

Step 4: Shave

Shave with the grain, starting where your hair is at its softest. That means the front first, then the sides, then the back, always working away from the crown. The reason you shave the back last is because the hair there is coarser and takes longer to soften.

Shaving with the grain prevents irritation and ingrown hairs, which can be a problem if your hair is very strong or wavy. Be sure to apply only gentle strokes and minimal pressure. After you’ve shaved once with the grain, you can give it a second pass against the grain for closeness.

Be careful around the ears. Fold them down to avoid cutting.

Keep your scalp and the razor wet throughout the process, adding more lubricant as required.

You might also have to change the blade before finishing, depending on how strong your hair is.

Take your time, and use a hand mirror so you can see what you’re doing at the back.

Step 5: Check for Stubble

When you think you’re finished, run a hand over your head to check for missed stubble, which is often invisible to the naked eye. Hair in ridges and indentations is particularly stubborn, as are cowlicks.

Step 6: Clean Up

When you’re completely stubble-free, rinse your head under a cool or cold shower.

In case of nicks, stop the bleeding with a styptic pencil or a piece of tissue placed on the wound. Shaving with a cheap or disposable razor increases the risk of
cutting.

Step 7: Moisturize

Pat your head dry with a towel and apply moisturizer. Facial moisturizers formulated for men absorb quickly and leave a matte finish. If you prefer more shine, try Headblade’s Headlube Glossy or Sweet Comb Chicago’s Bald Head Polish.

Avoid alcohol-based aftershave products, which may irritate a sensitive, freshly shaved scalp.

If your head is very white, a few hours in the open during daylight can give it a bit of color, but make sure you don’t burn.

Or apply a self-tanning product—just make sure it blends well with your face and neck.

Cartridge razor with two spare cartridges. — For best results, use a good-quality razor with at least three blades.

Shaving Your Head Daily

After shaving, new stubble surfaces within about 24 hours, so you may want to shave daily.

Dry Shaving Your Head

The most comfortable and convenient way of shaving is with an electric shaver, which is especially beneficial if your scalp is sensitive.

Foil shavers, which operate with an oscillating blade beneath a perforated screen, give a closer shave than rotary models. For optimal smoothness, sprinkle a little barber powder or cornstarch over your scalp before you begin. This also helps reduce irritation.

Unless your hair is very thin or fine, dry shaving only gives good results if the stubble is no more than a day or two old. If you’ve left it longer, you’ll have to wet shave.

Wet Shaving Your Head

If you choose to wet shave daily, you’ll soon be doing it in a few minutes under the shower without a mirror—it’s just a question of practice and knowing the geography of your head.

But switch to dry shaving if your scalp becomes dry and itchy.

Caring for Your Shaved Head

Shampoos

There are shampoos for the bald or shaved head, but these are completely unnecessary. Your usual face and body wash can do the job just as well.

Basically, whatever works for your face will be fine on your scalp.

Moisturizer and Sunscreen

The scalp is particularly prone to dryness and burning, but if you want to show off your smooth baldness, you don’t want to have to cover it up with a cap.

Use a moisturizer with a built-in sun protection factor to shield your head from the sun and harsh weather. There’s no need for a product designed specifically for the head; a facial moisturizer works as well.