Whether you're a newbie to the shaving game or an experienced veteran, you can still make shaving mistakes and end up with nicks, cuts, razor burns, bumps, and irritation.
Is there a way to avoid these mishaps?
Yes, there is.
We'll discuss the most common mistakes men make when shaving their heads and share proven and tested solutions to achieve the perfect shave.
Top 11 Common Head-Shaving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake #1 - Shaving Without Any Knowledge
Shaving without the necessary knowledge about the whole process is one of the biggest grooming mistakes a head shaver can make. Once male pattern baldness hits you (like many men out there), you may need to learn the ins and outs of a man's grooming routine. From grooming routines to choosing the right grooming tools there's a lot to learn in the world of head shaving.
Relying on trial and error can be costly and bloody painful.
Solution
Head shaving is different from shaving facial hair. Arming yourself with knowledge is the best first step you can take before shaving your head.
Do your research about shaving before you dive in. We have valuable resources that teach shaving the right way and a comprehensive beginner's guide for baldies to help get you started or fill in any knowledge gaps.
Mistake #2 - Using Dull Blades
We all want a smooth shave on the first pass, but this isn't possible with a dull blade.
A dull razor will pull and snag on hair, often leading to irritation, razor burn, and razor bumps. The rough dragging of worn-out blades makes you apply a second pass or add more pressure when shaving, leading to painful and bloody nicks and cuts, which all shavers want to avoid.
Shaving with dull blades also results in an uneven and patchy shave.
Solution
Ensure that you use a fresh and sharp blade every time. Manual shaver blades usually last 3 to 5 shaves before replacement. If you're using an electric razor, its blades last longer than manual razor blades.
Freebird's Scalpsafe blades, for example, last for 50 shaves before needing replacement. A rule of thumb for manual and electric shavers is to change your blades immediately once you notice a decrease in performance.
Read our article to learn how long blades last. You can also check your owner's manual for blade replacement recommendations.
Mistake #3 - Forgetting to Prep
No one should try dry shaving using a manual razor. Dry shaving forces manual razors to yank and pull at each strand, increasing the risk of nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs.
So, prep is vital when shaving manually.
For wet shaving using electric razors, forgetting to prepare makes our skin dry, making it harder for the blades to glide smoothly on your scalp. This can lead to a rough shave and irritation.
Solution
Learn how to shave the right way.
Here's how to properly prep for your shave:
Wash your scalp with warm water to open the pores and soften your hair. You can also hop in the shower for 5 to 10 minutes.
Exfoliate.
Apply shave cream, gel, or oil.
By following the right pre-shave routine, you'll enjoy a close and comfortable shave every time.
Mistake # 4 - Prepping with Cold Water
If warm water opens pores, cold water does the opposite. It shrinks your pores and prevents your shaving cream from being absorbed deeply and working its magic. Applying cold water is a good option after shaving which is when you'd want to close pores.
Solution
Wash your scalp with warm water or place a hot towel on your head before shaving.
Mistake #5- Forgetting to Exfoliate
Exfoliation is a vital part of a head shaver's grooming routine, offering a range of benefits that can enhance your head-shaving experience.
No Ingrown Hairs: Ingrown hairs or razor bumps happen when hair gets trapped under dead skin. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin and clear clogged pores, lessening the chances of ingrown hairs.
Smoother Shave: Dead skin cells make it harder for blades to glide smoothly on our skin's surface. Exfoliation solves this problem and allows for a smoother and more comfortable shave.
Healthier Scalp: Exfoliation removes product buildup, dirt, and oil that clog pores and irritate scalps. Regular exfoliation promotes a healthier scalp.
Better Absorption: When you remove dead skin cells, you'll notice your scalp care and shave care products work better. They penetrate deeper and nourish scalps more effectively.
Solution
Add exfoliation to your grooming routine. We've listed the best exfoliators for bald heads to help you pick one that suits your needs. You can also read our guide on step-by-step exfoliation to learn how to do it correctly.
Mistake #6 - Using Alcohol-Based Aftershave
Remember those "Arrgh! It burns!" moments when your barber applied aftershave after your haircut? Traditional aftershaves are alcohol-based, and some still are. Alcohol stings when applied to freshly shaved skin and dries out skin. A dry scalp is a bald guy's nemesis and you should avoid it at all costs. It often leads to irritation and flaky scalps.
Solution
Today, you'll find aftershaves that ditch the alcohol and include natural moisturizing ingredients like shea butter that help protect the skin and lock in moisture.
Mistake #7- Forgetting to Moisturize
Shaving is harsh on our scalps as it removes natural oils. Skipping moisturizer after shaving your head can lead to dryness and itchiness. If you want a comfortable shave, make sure you're moisturizing (whether you dry or wet shave).
Solution
A moisturizer should be part of your shaving arsenal. It hydrates our scalps and makes them heal faster after a shave. Freebird has a scalp moisturizer designed for baldies. You can also choose from the best moisturizers for baldies we've listed.
Mistake #8 - Shaving Against the Grain
Shaving against the grain is not for everyone. If you have sensitive skin, shaving with the grain is the safest technique to avoid skin irritation, cuts, and bumps.
Solution
If you have sensitive skin, always shave with the grain. Read our article on shaving with the grain to learn how. If you have tough skin and prefer a closer shave, you should also learn how to shave against the grain the right way.
Mistake #9 - Missing Spots
If you use shaving cream (wet shave), the lather makes you miss some spots because you can't see your scalp clearly. Sometimes, we rush and fail to check on missed spots, especially in hard-to-reach areas behind our ears and the back of our neck.
Solution
Switching to shaving gel or oil from shaving cream helps you see any missed spots. They provide the same lubrication without the foam, so you'll get the same performance.
Take time to run your fingers all over your scalp, neck, and behind your ears to feel if you missed any spots. You'll feel stubble if you miss a spot. Using mirrors back to back can help you see if you have missed spots.
Freebird has a shaving gel made especially for bald heads. Better yet, you can get the shave care kit, including a shave gel, pre-shave oil, and post-shave lotion.
Mistake #10 - Forgetting SPF
Having less hair on your scalp makes you prone to sunburn and, worse, skin cancer. Forgetting SPF is one of the grooming mistakes a newbie commits.
Solution
Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above helps you avoid a painful, burned scalp and lowers your risk of the Big C. Remember to re-apply after two hours, especially if you sweat or swim.
We have a comprehensive guide on sun protection tips that you may find helpful.
Mistake #11 - Not Open to Electric Razor
Not considering electric shavers is one of the grooming mistakes some shavers commit.
Manual razors (straight, cartridge, and safety razors) may give the closest shave, but electric razors are not that far behind in terms of closeness.
No one wants a bloody head due to nicks and cuts. I never considered using manual multi-blade razors because I feared getting cut. Facial cuts hurt and are such a hassle. To avoid getting cut on my head by a regular razor, I initially shaved with hair clippers and buzzed my head.
With electric razors, you can finally say goodbye to those nasty nicks and cuts. You'll also shave faster—a 90-second dry shave is now possible.
I've encountered manual shaver enthusiasts who believe electric razors don't provide a close shave and may cause ingrown hairs, irritation, and razor burn.
This isn't true.
Today's electric shavers have the technology to address these issues. Freebird's FlexSeries has sharp ScalpSafe technology blades that provide a close shave without causing razor burn, ingrown hairs, or irritation.
You can read our manual vs. electric razors article to help you decide and hopefully make the switch.
Solution
Be open to switching to an electric shaver.
Freebird offers a 30-day trial period on their best-selling FlexSeries head shaver that's hard to pass up. If you are unsatisfied with the electric shaver, you can simply return it, no questions asked.
Get one now for only $39.95.
The Bottom Line
A perfect shave is achievable. By avoiding the common mistakes men make and applying the solutions we recommended, you'll experience the smooth shave you've always longed for.
FAQs
How Often Should I Shave My Head?
It depends on how fast your hair grows or if you want it smooth all the time. For some, stubble appears quickly, so daily shaving is needed. If you don't mind a little stubble, you can space out shaves so your scalp can rest and heal.
What Type of Razor is Best for Shaving My Head?
Manual razors are the best option for the closest shave. You need to be careful, though, because regular razors can cut you. Our article lists the best manual razors for head shaving.
An electric razor is your best bet if you prefer speed, comfort, and zero nicks and cuts. Pick from the best head shavers we've compiled for you,
Should I Shave My Head Against or with the Grain?
If you prefer a close shave and your skin is tough enough, shaving against the grain may work. On the safer side, shaving with the grain is recommended because it lowers the chance of irritation, nicks, and cuts (if you're using manual razors).
Is it Better to Shave My Head In or Out of the Shower?
Shaving in the shower is generally the better choice when you're using regular razors since warm water helps soften hair and open pores. The running water also helps rinse away cut hair and prevents your razor from clogging.
With electric shavers, you can dry shave or wet shave (if your shaver is waterproof). You can finish dry shaving in 2 minutes. If wet shaving, it will still be faster than using a manual razor.
What Should I Do After Shaving My Head?
Rinse and moisturize. Rinsing with cool water helps close the pores. Moisturizing is another step in your grooming routine that you must not forget. Some may use an aftershave and sunscreen if you're going outdoors for the day. Check our article on what to put on your head after shaving for more information.
How Can I Prevent Scalp Razor Burn and Bumps?
Razor burns and bumps are common among head shavers. To prevent them, you must:
Do your pre-shave routine
Exfoliate
Use a sharp blade
Shave with the grain
Use light strokes
Moisturize
Use an electric razor
You can read our articles on preventing razor burns and bumps for a more detailed discussion.
What Should I Do If I Cut My Head Shaving?
Nicks and cuts are common, especially for newbies. Here's what you should do when you nick your head while shaving:
Apply gentle but firm pressure to stop the bleeding
Clean and disinfect by using a mild antiseptic (no alcohol)
Apply cold compress using ice cubes to help stop bleeding
Seal with a styptic pen to prevent more bleeding and infection
If your cut is serious, see your doctor immediately.
For a more detailed guide, you can read our article on what to do with head cuts.
Can I Use the Same Razor for My Face and My Head?
You can use the same razor for your face and head, but it's not recommended for hygienic reasons. If you're not careful, there can be cross-contamination. You should invest in separate grooming tools for your face and head. There are electric shavers designed for the head and ones meant for the face. You can read our article on optimal shaving heads, which compares head shavers and face shavers.
