Following their MHT treatment, most people are required to shave their heads on a regular basis, possibly daily, to maintain the illusion of a full head of hair. Here, we explain how.
Exactly how to shave your head depends on whether you want to use a wet razor, or “buzz” your hair off. Both methods have their merits so we can’t really recommend one over the other, so we’ll cover both methods below.
How to wet shave your head
In order to ensure a smooth shave and prevent “self-inflicted wounds” when wet shaving, keep your scalp muscles relaxed and your skin well-moisturised throughout the shaving process. Your best bet is to shave in the shower because the feeling of water massaging your head will help relax your scalp muscles, open your pores and follicles, and soften the hair for a smooth shearing by the razor blade.
Before you hop into the shower, make sure you have a high-quality razor with a new blade, or one that has been changed fairly recently. Nothing will scupper your chances of a smooth shave more than a perished razor. If it tugs, throw it away and replace it.
Popular choices of razor include the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power, the Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 and the HeadBlade. We particularly recommend the HeadBlade as this handy little tool is made specifically for head shaving. You don’t have to worry about the angle or the pressure applied. You just have to take long, smooth strokes and glide it along your scalp.
Wet shaving – step 1
Make sure you exfoliate and wash your head in order to prevent rashes or infections of any sort. If you have more than two weeks worth of hair growth, you should probably trim it down to ¼ inch with a clipper (or have your barber do it for you) as this will make for much easier head shaving.
Wet shaving – step 2
Apply shaving cream or gel to the entire area you are going to shave. Hold your razor loosely and relax your hand and wrist. If you’re using the HeadBlade, slip your middle finger through the HeadBlade’s handle (up and around the second knuckle), making sure the implement is nestled in your palm (and the blade is parallel to your middle finger, when extended).
Wet shaving – step 3
Take a long, smooth stroke without applying pressure. Make sure to frequently run the razor head underneath the stream of water. The blade will glide over your scalp, giving you one great shave. Proceed until your head is cleanly shaved — looking in your shower mirror will surely help, but is not essential
Wet shaving – step 4
Pat your scalp dry with a towel and apply a light aftershave balm. Loreal MenExpert Hydra Energetic Post Shave Gel and Nivea For Men Cool Kick are particularly good, but any non-greasy product will do the job.
Finally, when the balm has had time to absorb into the skin, apply a light moisturiser to the entire scalp. We recommend Loreal MenExpert Pure & Matte or Lush Cosmetic Lad, but the choice is entirely personal.
How to buzz shave your head
A buzzcut is a fairly easy haircut to give and maintain yourself, whether or not you’ve had MHT.
Firstly, choose a length. If you’ve had MHT, you’ll need to buzz your hair as short as possible, and this will affect the tool you need for the job. We use the Remington R91 in all our clinics. It is actually a face shaver, and is very popular amongst our clients. Some people find it too small and lightweight so opt for a different face shaver, whilst others prefer traditional hair clippers on a really short setting.
If this is the first time you’ve had a buzz, make sure you feel your head for any lumps, scars or irregularities and inspect your scalp before you buzz. This will help eliminate any surprises after you’ve started cutting.
To achieve the best results, it’s helpful to start with a clean, dry head of hair. Hair that has products in it, including styling products or concealers like Dermmatch or Toppik, or is flat due to sleeping or wearing a hat will be more difficult to cut evenly. It will also be helpful to have a hand mirror or a swing arm vanity mirror (this will allow you to keep both hands free). If using a swing arm mirror, mount the mirror on a wall that runs perpendicular to the vanity mirror. This will allow you to stand between the two mirrors and see the back of your head. Having both hands free is a big plus.
Buzz shaving – step 1
Buzz the top of your head first, cutting from front to back. Move the clipper or shaver slowly back down the middle of the head past the crown. Repeat in strips until the entire top is clipped down (cut everything to just past the point where the head rounds into the sides). You may need to go over it a few times to get it all eve, making a few passes from side to side may also help. Pay extra attention to the crown. Since the hair grows in a circular pattern at the crown, you’ll need to shave from all directions to get it all cut.
Buzz shaving – step 2
Buzz the sides. Start at the sideburn and clip up the head to just past the start of buzzed down top section. Run the clipper or shaver in a straight line up past the part where the head begins to round at the top (the clipper will leave the head here) to provide a smooth blend between the sides and the top. If you’re using clippers and you see any lines between the two sections, rocking the clipper outward in a scooping motion will help you get a good blend.
Repeat in strips on both sides until complete and go over any missed spots.
Buzz shaving – step 3
Buzz the back. Stand between the vanity mirror and your hand mirror (or swing arm mirror). For best results, your back should be facing the vanity mirror while you look into the hand mirror). This will allow you to see the entire back. Start buzzing from the bottom of the neck all the way up the head until just past the shaved part on top. Like the sides, continue up the head in a straight line allowing the round of the head near the top to provide a natural blend. Repeat in strips until the entire back is cut.
Buzz shaving – step 4
To clean up the edges, clippers are best for this job. Remove all attachments and use the forward-facing edge of the clippers lightly to define the edges around your hair by creating a line and shaving everything underneath. This will give your cut a polished look. Follow the natural hairline as closely as possible.
Buzz shaving – step 5
Once you’ve finished the cut, inspect your entire head carefully for any missed spots or uneven places. Go back over anything that looks out of place. Be sure to pay close attention to the back and crown area as these are often the areas most guys miss. Sweep up, shower, and enjoy your new buzz.