Head shavers face this question all the time. Should I go to the barbershop or take matters into my own hands?
Let's dive into the pros and cons of both options so you can decide which route to take on your bald head journey.
Key Takeaway
Can't decide whether to go to the barbershop for your head shave or do it yourself? Here's a lowdown: A barber provides a great head-shaving experience and expert precision, giving you a smooth and irritation-free finish. But if regular barber visits are too expensive, DIY is a great option too. You can achieve the same results with DIY using the right tools and techniques.
Team Barber
Going to your barber for a head shave has its pros and cons. We'll discuss each so you can weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks to determine if a barber is the right choice for a head shave.
Advantages of A Barber Head Shave
Expertise
Barbers are trained professionals who know the best techniques for various hair and skin types. Even newbie barbers have spent years studying their craft, while veteran barbers have tons of experience in the shaving game.
Barbers know how to deal with different skin and hair types and come up with the best possible head shave and hairstyle for your specific needs.
If you're new to head shaving, you can rest assured that you'll have a smooth and irritation-free experience.
I started my head-shaving journey with our friendly neighborhood barber and had weekly shaves for years. Eventually, I bought my first hair clipper and shaved myself to save on costs. It wasn't hard because I buzzed my head during the early stages of my male pattern hair loss.
Quality Tools and Products
Barbers use professional-grade tools that ensure precision and comfort. They are also regularly cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination between clients.
Compared to DIY shavers, you can expect a cleaner finish every time.
Skin Protection
Barbers also use high-quality shampoos, pre-shave oils, shaving creams, gels, moisturizers, and aftershave balms to protect your scalp from redness and soreness. They are experts in applying these products, which can enhance your overall shaving experience and make your freshly shaved scalp look and feel great!
Relaxation and Pampering
Ah, who can forget the extra pampering and care barbers give you? The hot towel treatment and the complementary massage after shaving are some things you'll surely miss when you DIY.
Consistency and Quality
With a barber, you can expect consistency, and high-quality head shaves every time. You don't have to worry about missed spots or uneven areas, which most DIYers experience, especially when we're in a hurry.
Disadvantages of a Barber Head Shave
Cost
Reality check: Professional services come with a price tag, which can add up if you need to shave regularly. At $20 to $50 per visit, depending on where you go, it can get expensive pretty fast.
Time Commitment
Everyone wants the best service, but when you go to the best barber shops, you usually have to set an appointment or wait your turn, which can mess up your schedule.
Limited Control
Sitting in a barber's chair, you put your head in his hands. While most barbers are skilled, they may not offer your desired style.
Potential Contamination
There's no guarantee that you won't get razor burn or irritation after a professional shave, especially if you have sensitive skin.
You also can't discount the chances of contracting a fungal infection like barber's itch, which can lead to red, itchy, and inflamed rashes.
What Do Barbers Use to Shave Heads?
To start off, barbers use hair clippers to remove long hairs and buzz as close as possible. Using balding clippers with no guard allows for an easier and closer shave when using a straight razor or electric shaver afterward.
Old-fashioned barbers prefer a sharp, straight razor blade to remove the remaining stubble.
Some barbers opt for electric foil shavers, which may also give a close shave and reduce the chances of nicks and cuts.
When Should You Have Your Barber Shave Your Head?
If You're a Newbie to Head Shaving
If you're new to head shaving and are afraid of nicks, cuts, irritation, missed spots, and uneven shaves, it's better to leave the shaving to the pros. If you do cut yourself, you can read our article on how to deal with nicks and cuts.
If You Want a Clean and Flawless Finish
Nothing beats a straight razor in shaving closeness. Learning how to use one is hard, and there's a huge chance you'll get nicked when you try it yourself. Barbers are your go-to if you want a clean and flawless straight razor finish.
If You Prefer the Pampering Experience
When you sit in that barber's chair, you get more than a shave. The hot towels, soothing scalp and shoulder massages, and high-quality products and tools combine for a luxurious and pampering experience.
Team DIY
Advantages of Shaving Your Own Head
Cost Savings
Saving between $20 to $50 per barber visit is a significant amount, especially if you shave regularly.
If you shave twice a week, you'll spend $40 to $100 per week on barber visits.
A reliable electric head shaver like the Freebird FlexSeries only costs $39.95, which can pay for itself in one or two uses.
If you dry shave, this is all you need, while wet shavers will also want a shaving cream like Freebird's Soothing Shave Gel. It's $19.95 but will last a long time since you only need a pea-sized amount every time you shave.
Another product you should include in your shaving arsenal is a moisturizer. Freebird's Refreshing Moisturizer costs $24.95, and you also use a pea-sized amount every time.
Comparing both scenarios, barber visits are expensive. For DIY, your shaver cost is equal to one or two barber visits, and your shaver will last for years! You also spend less on shaving products versus frequent barber visits because they last a long time.
Convenience
Shaving at home means no more waiting in line or making appointments at the barbershop. You're not in a rush and don't have to go out for a shave.
Customization
DIY means you're in complete control of the process. You can experiment with different techniques, take your time, and learn the perfect grooming routine.
I occasionally switch from a buzz cut to a shaved head for a different look. I get tired of sporting a smooth head all year round, so I buzz it and leave some stubble if I feel like it.
You can read our guide on how to shave the right way for more details on the shaving process.
What Should You Use to Shave Your Head?
Manual Razors
Manual razors provide the closest head shave, but you risk nicks and cuts.
Foil Shavers
Foil shavers provide a closer shave than rotary shavers, but you're limited to shaving in one direction: up and down or left to right. Shaving in a circular motion with your foil shaver can irritate your skin. This one-direction shaving means shaving your head may take longer with a foil shaver than with a rotary.
Rotary Shavers
Rotary shavers are ideal for head shaving, and we recommend Freebird's FlexSeries as one of the best electric head shavers available.
At $39.95, it's a steal. You can shave in 90 seconds without nicks and cuts. The FlexSeries also has ScalpSafe technology blades, which can cut through coarse hair while being safe for sensitive skin.
You'll also get $80 worth of freebies with your FlexSeries:
Hair trimmer with three guards
Nose and ear trimmer
Scalp scrubber
Exfoliation brush
You can read our articles on foil vs. rotary and manual or electric razors to learn more.
When Should You Shave Your Own Head?
Head shaving is now part of my lifestyle.
Once I've shaved my own head and learned to be good at it, I've never looked back.
Of course, there were mistakes at first, like dry shaving for the first time with my rotary shaver. I found out that the back of my neck was sensitive, and I needed to apply pre-shave oil to prevent razor burn on that part.
I haven't been to a barbershop in over a decade and enjoy every bit of my DIY shaves.
Imagine how much money I've saved through the years. You can read more about the benefits of head shaving which we've listed down for you.
Read our beginner's guide for baldies to help you prepare for your DIY journey.
The Bottom Line
Whether you go to the barber or shave your head yourself, it will depend on what you need or prefer.
A professional barber shave is perfect if you prefer being pampered and have the budget for regular trips to the barber.
For DIY lovers, all you need are the right tools and grooming routine, and you can enjoy shaving your head for life.
Whichever route you choose, be sure to rock your bald head with confidence!
