Shaving your head is a bold step, but it’s one that works for plenty of guys. A clean-shaven head is a classic look that can sharpen your overall appearance – but if you’ve still got some of your own hair, it can require some upkeep to make sure you’re looking your best.
Deciding when to shave your head is entirely up to you. But if your hairline’s receding, or if going grey is affecting your confidence, it may well be time for you to take the step. If this sounds like you, then follow our top tips for shaving your head and maintaining the look.
How to Cut Your Own Hair
If you’re not quite ready for such a bold move, but you’re still after a low-maintenance look, you might want to try cutting your own hair at home.
What You’ll Need:
Cutting your own hair will require a mirror, a steady hand (or a willing helper), a sharp pair of scissors, and some hair clippers. Our Gillette All Purpose Styler and Beard Trimmer can double up as a hair trimmer. This tool is ideal for trimming long beards, which also means it’s effective for trimming the hair on your head - just make sure you cut down any longer hair with sharp scissors first for the best results.
We also recommend our Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive Razor for helping you to get a close shave once you've trimmed down longer hairs.
How to Give Yourself a Haircut
You might have to accept that you’ll need to change up your usual hairstyle if you’re cutting your own hair, but you can’t go wrong with a classic short back and sides - and it’s a great style for hiding a receding hairline.
Start by using scissors followed by your Gillette Styler to trim the longer hair on the top of your head, which you should be able to do relatively easily in front of a mirror.
Then, you may need to grab yourself a helper to reach around the back of your head, using the All Purpose Styler’s precision trimmer for the best results.
Begin by trimming the hair closest to one of your ears, heading towards the back of your head, doing your best to keep the length consistent - the Gillette Styler comes with three interchangeable combs (2mm, 4mm and 6mm) to help you to keep the same length throughout your trim.
Follow the same method on the other side of your head - if you’re struggling to keep to a straight line, bear in mind that the shape of your head has natural curves and contours, so try to follow those as best as possible. This should leave you with a more natural-looking shape to your finished short back and sides.
Remember to just take a little bit of hair off at a time - you can always trim more off, but you won’t be able to stick your hair back on.
How to Wet Shave Your Head
Step 1: Soften and Trim Your Hairs
Wet your hair before shaving your head. It’s best to shave in the shower or straight after you get out. The heat from the water will make bristly hairs easier to cut through, giving you a quicker, easier, and more comfortable haircut.
Before you start shaving, be sure to check your scalp for any bumps or moles that you’ll need to be careful to avoid with your razor.
It’s also a good idea to trim your hair first using the Gillette All Purpose Styler - longer hairs are likely to get tangled in your razor (ouch!), so make sure you don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Apply Shaving Gel
Applying shaving gel helps to soften your hair even further. Using a gel that’s specially designed for sensitive skin can also help to protect your skin against irritation. The skin on your scalp can easily become irritated, and you don’t want to be left with unsightly razor burn.
Using shave gel can also help to improve razor glide - Gillette shaving gels and foams are designed to bring you a smooth shave from start to finish.
Step 3: Avoid Dull Blades
Before you start shaving your head, check sharpness and lubrication of your razor blades. If they look faded or dull, it’s probably time to change them.
Check out our collection of replacement razor blades, or sign up for a monthly shaving subscription with Gillette and you’ll have a regular, fresh supply of blades delivered straight to your door - you’ll never have to use a dull blade again.
Step 4: Shave with Light, Gentle Strokes
For a smooth, clean-shaven finish on your head, make sure you’re working in a pattern that’s comfortable, and which feels good on your skin.
Make light strokes with your razor and apply even pressure when shaving your head. Remember that going against the grain can help you to get an even closer shave. Being too rough or shaving in the same direction that your hair grows could leave you with razor bumps - the last thing you want on your head.
Step 5: Shave Along Contours
Your head has natural contours that you’ll need to navigate for a totally smooth finish, and the FlexBall technology of our SkinGuard Flexball Power Razor lets you do just that.
You could use an electric razor to shave your head too. The Gillette All Purpose Styler can be used as a trimmer, shaver and edger, and it’s great for shaving hard-to-reach areas, so you’ve got plenty of options.
Step 6: Rinse Blades Often
Run your blades after every few strokes, making sure you gently shake off excess water before starting to shave again. This helps to remove any build-up of shaving gel, hair and dead skin, so you can carry on achieving a smooth, clean shave for your head.
Remember: never tap your razor on the side of the sink or wipe it with a towel. This can significantly shorten the life of your razor blade by messing up the intricate design that makes it so effective in the first place.
Step 7: Reapply Shaving Gel
Apply extra shaving gel at regular intervals to keep any remaining hairs soft and easy to work with. This can also help to prevent shaving rash and irritation - your scalp is one of the most sensitive parts of your body to shave, so reapplying gel is especially important when shaving your head.
Step 8: Towel Off
When you’ve achieved a look you’re happy with, rinse your head with cool water to remove any excess shaving gel, as well as any shaven hairs that are still stuck to your scalp.
Then, gently pat your head dry with a towel - being too rough could irritate your skin, stopping you from achieving the smooth finish you’ve worked so hard on.
Step 9: Moisturise
Moisturise with an aftershave lotion straight after shaving your head to soothe the skin on your scalp.
Make sure you moisturise every single time you shave to keep your scalp soft, hydrated and smooth, so you can rock this bold, classic look and make it your own.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM26cLjZnPI
How to Shave Your Head Using an Electric Razor
Step 1: Soften Your Hair
Looking how to get a close shave with an electric razor? Follow the next steps to find out the best close shave electric razor techniques that will get your head shaved in no time.
The first step is to soften your hair by wetting your head in the shower, over the sink or placing a damp towel around your head for a couple of minutes.
Step 2: Choosing the Best Close Shave Electric Razor
When shaving your head, a lot of you will be wondering how to get a close shave with an electric razor and which electric razor gives the closest shave.
Gillette offers two electric trimmers. Gillette’s STYLER, Trimmer, Shaver & Beard Edger is an all-purpose electric shaver that trims, shaves and styles with precision and is the perfect close shave trimmer for those of you looking to get the bald look.
Alternatively, opt for King C. Gillette’s Beard and Moustache Trimmer that doubles up as a hair trimmer too, perfect for those of you looking for an electric shaver that doesn’t shave too close.
Step 3: Shaving Your Head Using a Close Shave Trimmer
When shaving your head using electric shavers, make sure to use careful even strokes. To get the closest shave, shave against the grain but be mindful if you have sensitive skin as shaving against the grain can cause irritation. If you’re going for the short-trimmed look then shave with the grain.
As you’re shaving, making sure to regularly check your head in the mirror and use your hand to feel your scalp to ensure the hair is being shaved or trimmed evenly. Pay extra attention to the areas behind your neck and ears as these are the areas most difficult to reach.
By using the best close shave electric razor you’ll be able to get a bald or neatly trimmed head quickly and with ease.
