How to Shave Your Head with a Safety Razor

Do you want to know how to shave your head with a safety razor? If you've already switched from a cartridge razor to a safety razor for shaving your face, using it for your head is the next logical step. And if you haven't tried a safety razor before, you should definitely give it a go for your next head-shaving adventure.

Shaving your head with a safety razor can be a bit tricky, but don't let that scare you! It's like learning to ride a bike, once you get the hang of it, you'll be cruising smoothly in no time. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good sleek, bald look?

In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps for shaving your head with a safety razor with pure confidence.

The Benefits of Shaving Your Head with a Safety Razor

Before getting into the exact steps, let's review why you should consider a safety razor for your next head shave.

• Great for all skin types. Safety razor blades provide an incredibly close shave, which can reduce irritation and razor bumps on the scalp. With a multi-blade cartridge razor, the first blade tends to get dull quickly, leading to unnecessary pulling of your hair, which can cause ingrown hairs, razor burn, and other irritation. This is great news since your bald head will be on full display once you're done!
• Beginner-proof. Unlike straight razors, safety razors are easier to use and less likely to cause accidental cuts and nicks. Plus, they don't require frequent sharpening of the single edge as a straight razor does.
• Eco-friendly. Safety razors are better for the environment— all you need to swap is the small blade edge every 3 to 4 head shaves (the exact number will depend on your hair). This is more Earth Friendly than bulky cartridge razors that are typically made with plastics. That way you can get a great shave and save the world all at once.
• Cost-efficient. Although the initial investment for a safety razor may be steeper, they’re much cheaper in the long run than cartridge razors that require costly replacements. Plus, you can use it on both your head and facial hair. Now you have extra cash to spoil your loved ones or even yourself.
• Time-efficient. Who has all day to shave their head? No one. A double-edge safety razor equates to fewer strokes and less time rinsing your blade. This means less time to shave your head than with a cartridge razor and more time being, well, you.

Steps for Shaving Your Head with a Safety Razor

Rather than feel intimidated by shaving your head, simply take it one step at a time. By the time you're done following these steps, you'll have a beautiful smooth head. You've got this! Shaving definitely doesn't have to be a stressor in your already busy life.

What You Need for Your Head Shave:

• Deep breathing, a great attitude, and relaxing music (seriously)
• Hair trimmer
• Pre-shave oil (optional)
• A safety razor with a new single or double edge razor head (DE blades)
• A handheld mirror or two standing mirrors (so that you can see the back of your head)
• Shaving soap, cream, or gel
• Shaving brush (optional but recommended)
• Aftershave balm

Step 1 – Buzz Your Hair with Electric Clippers

Before you start safety razor shaving, the best way to get a smooth shave is to buzz your hair first with electric clippers or an electric razor. While a safety razor can handle long hair, you'll be able to get a close shave if you trim your hair as short as possible first.

Trimming your longer hair before you shave your head ensures your blade will stay sharp throughout the process. Plus, this means spending less time rinsing your blade.

Step 2 – Wash Your Head with a Hot Shower

The next step is to make sure your skin is clean and free of any dirt or oil. Take a relaxing hot shower and wash your head with warm water and mild shampoo, then pat dry thoroughly. Hot water will open your pores and prep your skin for a good shave.

Step 3 – Apply Pre-Shave Oil

Once your scalp is clean and dry, you can apply oil to lubricate the skin for an even smoother shave. This will create a protective barrier between the blade and your skin, reducing the chance of nicks, cuts, and irritation. Plus, it will help keep your skin moisturized and soft.

Note: This step is optional. Some people swear by their pre-shave oil for the best results, while others think it's a waste of money and time. You can be your own judge and try it both ways before making a final decision. We recommend trying the shave oil first and seeing how your skin responds.

Step 4 – Apply Shaving Soap, Cream, or Gel

Now it's time to apply a lubricating shaving product to keep your skin moist. Find a high-quality shaving product that you’d trust on any other body part. 

Using your fingers or a shaving brush, work up a rich creamy lather (it should look like whipped cream) and spread it evenly across your scalp. This will help your blade glide smoothly and prevent any nicks or cuts on the skin. Ultimately, warm and wet shaving will give a good shave- so grab a hot towel and lather up.

Step 5 – Shave Your Head

Carefully position the safety razor at a 45 to 30-degree angle with the grain of your hair growth (the same direction that you comb it). Slowly move the razor into gentle strokes. Start with small short strokes as you get a feel for the blade. Rinse your blade frequently to reduce friction and tugging on the hair.

Step 6- Repeat as Needed

Continue the same shaving process until you’re satisfied with the level of closeness. You can double-check for any spots you missed with a mirror and re-apply shaving cream as needed. Then, take a second pass (or more) where needed.

Step 7 – Wipe Away Shave Soap or Cream

Once you’re done shaving, use a damp washcloth to remove any excess shaving cream or gel from your head. Now you can finally admire your bald head in all its entirety.

Step 8 – Apply Aftershave Balm

Apply a soothing aftershave balm to reduce any skin irritation that may have been caused by the razor blade, especially if you have sensitive skin. This will also help reduce the appearance of razor bumps and razor burn. Look for an alcohol-free product (to avoid the terrible burning feeling some of us are accustomed to!) with nourishing and soothing natural oils to avoid drying out your scalp.

There you have it, with these 8 simple steps you'll be a safety razor pro in no time. Once you are finished, all you have left to do is to clean up your hair clippings and shaving products.

Expert Tips to Shave Your Head with Ease and Comfort

Now that you know the basic steps, let's review some expert tips for a smooth, safe shave:

Use a professional-grade hot lather.

Why wouldn't you want to copy the professionals? There is a reason professional barbers use smooth hot lather for a perfect shave. It can help reduce skin irritation immensely and provides a smoother shave. As mentioned above, keep the entire head warm with a hot towel and lather up with high-quality shaving brushes.

Consider using a new blade.

It's best to use a fresh blade with each shave- at least when getting started. Dull single blades or double-edge blades can cause nicks and cuts and will tug on your hair, resulting in skin irritation. At a minimum, replace your blade every couple of shaves or if you feel your blade starting to tug on your hair.

Tighten your skin with your fingers and head position.

The skin of the head is looser than your face. Thus, a bit more finesse will be required for your head hair when compared to facial hair.

To reduce the chances of skin irritation and razor burn, it's best to pull your skin tight with your free hand while shaving with the other. This will help make sure you get a smooth shave without any missed spots.

For example, if you are shaving the back of your head, simply tilt your chin toward your chest. Or, if shaving the side of your head near your ear you can pull your temple up on that same side.

Pay attention to the pressure.

Don’t press down too hard (or at all) on the razor when shaving. A light touch is all you need for a close shave and reduces the risk of nicks and cuts.

If the blades are new and sharp, safety razors will shave your head easily with no pressure needed for an incredibly close shave.

For a close head shave, go across or even against the grain.

When you shave your head, it's always best to start with the grain. However, this isn't always enough for some skin and hair types- particularly thicker coarse hair.

To get an even closer shave, you can go with the grain and then across it. You could also try going against the grain (the opposite direction of the hair growth) but be extra careful because not everyone's skin can tolerate it.

Which techniques you'd like to follow depends on your skin sensitivity, how fat your head hair grows, and your overall preferences for how you want to shave your head. Some men are more than happy with their shave only across the grain, while some want an even closer shave.

Shave in sections.

Avoid the rookie mistake of trying to shave your entire head in one go. Instead, separate it into sections and take your time with each part. This will help make sure you don’t miss any spots or cause skin irritation from over-shaving an area.

When you start shaving, paying close attention to each section will ensure a great shave overall.

Look for high-quality shaving products.

Not all safety razors (and safety razor blades), shaving creams, and oils are created equally. To reduce skin irritation and get the best shave possible, make sure to use high-quality products specifically designed for shaving the head. Plus, look for brands that offer formulas without hidden fragrances, parabens, additives, and more.

Ultimately, find the best safety razor- either a single blade or double edge blade (DE razor)- and the perfect lather to help you get the most comfortable shave possible.

Experiment with a few different types of safety razors.

As you become more experienced with shaving your head, you may want to try different types of safety razors. For example, you can try longer handles, shorter handles, single-edge, double-edge (DE shaving), lightweight, heavyweight, and more.

Experimenting with different types of razors and discovering which one is most comfortable in your hands can help you take your head shave to the next level.

Practice, practice, practice with your razor.

Shaving your head with a safety razor, whether a double or single blade, requires skill and patience. Don't give up after the first try if it was harder than you expected. After all, no one becomes pro at anything overnight. Continue to practice and refine your technique, and soon you'll be confident in the art of head-shaving.

When in doubt, talk to a professional.

If you’re still concerned about skin irritation or want to make sure your head-shaving technique is just right, talk to a professional barber. They can provide advice and tips for using safety razors on the head and help ensure you get the best shave possible. Remember, asking for help isn't shameful, it's just plain smart!

Shaving Head with Safety Razor: Become a Pro

You now have all the know-how to become a pro head shaver. There is definitely a learning curve when it comes to shaving your head for the first time with a safety razor.

As you practice, you will become more confident and comfortable with the process. Soon everyone you know will find it hard to resist rubbing your beautiful bald head. And if you need to, don't be afraid to ask a professional barber for advice on the best techniques to use.