Head shaving for the first time: A how-to guide

How to prepare for shaving your head yourself

Removing hair from your head requires a little bit of preparation, particularly if you decide to attempt it yourself at home. Your first step should be to trim any longer lengths, which will make it easier to see where you’re shaving and prevent long hair from clogging your blade. Once you’ve trimmed your hair, follow these pre-shave tips to prepare for more comfortable head shaving:

1. Shave after a warm shower: Warm water softens your hair and opens the pores slightly. Taking a shower before you shave is a smart way to reduce irritation, as hair is easier to cut, allowing the blade to glide smoothly across skin.
2. Wash your scalp: Use warm water and shampoo to remove oil, dirt, and product build-up for a smoother shave.
3. Apply shaving cream: Shaving creams and lotions create a barrier between your scalp and your shaver blade, reducing post-shave irritation and redness.¹

The right tools for head shaving

Before shaving your head for the first time, make sure you’re using the right shaver. This should be different to the tools you use to style your beard, with a design specifically suited to head hair removal.

The Philips Head Shaver Pro 9000 Series, for instance, is fully flexible, with 360° movement that follows the unique contours of your head while optimising skin contact, making for easier shaving at home.

The ergonomic handle gives you confidence to shave at all angles, while the Dynamic PowerAdapt Sensor adjusts to your hair density to personalise your shave. If you struggle shaving your head yourself, this is a must-have tool for your at-home grooming.

How to shave your head at home

Shaving your head requires light, gentle strokes with a clean and sharp blade. Using even pressure prevents nicks and cuts, while a shaver that moves with the contours of your head, like the Philips Head Shaver Pro 9000, makes it easier to shave those hard-to-reach areas.

Let’s take a closer look at how to remove your hair with these bald head shaving tips:

1. Start with a clean blade to reduce tugging or dragging your skin
2. Apply your preferred shaving cream
3. Use slow, controlled strokes and avoid pressing too hard
4. Rinse your blade frequently to avoid hair and product build-up
5. Take your time around tricky areas, like behind the ears and the nape of your neck
6. Use your hand to feel for any spots you might have missed

For more tips for shaving your head while keeping razor bumps and redness to a minimum, check out these 13 tricks to prevent shaving irritation.

Shaved head maintenance and aftercare

Bald head maintenance reduces irritation after shaving and keeps your new style looking fresh. These steps also help you steer clear of ingrown hairs, which can be itchy and red - not a good look for a smooth scalp.²

Here are must-know tips for shaved head aftercare:

• Hydrate your skin: If your skin feels dry after shaving, apply a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides, and a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturiser. These will restore hydration and support your skin barrier for healthy, happy skin.
• Exfoliate regularly: Gently exfoliating your scalp once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells and prevents ingrown hairs. Salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliant, has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness, making it a smart choice for sensitive skin.³
• Use sun protection: Removing hair from your head exposes the skin beneath, which is highly sensitive to the sun. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen or wear a hat when spending time outdoors to protect your scalp from sunburn.

Shaved head maintenance should be treated similarly to your skincare routine, with regular cleaning, moisturising, and protecting. Not only does this reduce the chance of issues like ingrown hairs and dryness, but it also creates a healthier scalp for smoother shaving.

FAQs: Bald head shaving tips

What are common mistakes when shaving your head?

Common mistakes include not cutting your hair before shaving, forgetting to wash your scalp, and using the wrong tools. An ergonomic head shaver that flexes to the contours of your head could be useful for shaving your head yourself.

Is it better to shave wet or dry for a bald head?

Head shaving can be done both wet and dry, depending on the shaver you use. Wet shaving is often considered better for sensitive skin as it reduces irritation, though dry shaving can be a faster and more convenient option.

How often should you shave your head?

How frequently you shave your head depends on how quickly your hair grows back and your desired look. Many people shave every one to three days to keep a consistently smooth finish, while others prefer shaving once or twice a week if they prefer a little bit of stubble.

Head shaving can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you haven’t done it before. By preparing your scalp, using the right tools, and following up with the appropriate shaved head aftercare, you’ll make the transition a lot smoother. Over time, sticking to these tips for shaving your head will make it a seamless part of your grooming routine.