How to shave your head properly

Alright, let's get started with a home shaved head session!

1. Always check that your blades are clean and hygienic. If bacteria accumulate on the blades, they will spread all over your scalp (and face if you shave your beard at the same time), causing small bumps, redness, and irritation. Personally, I store my razor away from dust and clean the blades with alcohol regularly, drying them thoroughly afterward.

2. Prepare your scalp. Traditional barbers heat the area to be shaved using a very hot, damp towel. This has a dual effect: it opens the pores to reach the hair more deeply for a more effective shave, and it makes the hair softer and more pliable for the blade. You can try to replicate this effect by applying hot water to your scalp.

3. Use shaving gel. There's no single right way to prepare for shaving, but in my case, I find shaving gel works best. If possible, use a transparent gel so you can see where you're going and avoid sensitive areas, such as moles.

You need to be fairly generous with the gel to cover the area well, but not too much. Use your fingertips to massage and work the gel into the hair shaft.

4. Wet the blade . When in contact with the skin, the razor blade must always be sufficiently wet.

5. Make a first smooth pass with the blade, in the direction of hair growth . It is essential to know your hairline, and we are not all the same.

The test is simple, it's based on sound! I'm going with the grain when the blade glides effortlessly and makes a high-pitched "click-click-click" sound. I'm going against the grain when the blade tends to stop abruptly, struggles in the area, and makes a low-pitched "scratch-scratch" sound.

Let's be honest, shaving against the grain is the best way to get a closer, cleaner shave. But it's also the best way to get irritation and redness.

6. My absolute tip : Reapply water AND shaving gel, and go over the same area in the opposite direction!

It may seem insignificant, but by adding water and shaving gel, and going over the same area in the opposite direction (the so-called “double-direction” technique), the shave will be as close as possible, and the shaved head will remain as protected as possible.

For hypersensitive scalps like mine, adding water and shaving gel has a real impact on comfort and reducing irritation.

7. Rinse thoroughly. In the shower, in the bath, at the sink, it doesn't matter. I recommend rinsing with cold water to tighten pores and help skin regenerate.

8. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Letting water dry on the scalp will tend to dry it out, and I definitely wouldn't recommend using a hairdryer!

9. Apply an aftershave , balm, or moisturizing cream. This step is essential to soothe the skin of the shaved scalp after the irritation caused by the razor. It also helps to hydrate the skin and restore its balance. Indeed, a shaved scalp tends to produce excess sebum in response to the irritation it has just experienced from the razor blade.

It's best to apply this aftershave once you're dressed. It would be a shame to see your moisturizer on the collar of your t-shirt or polo shirt rather than on your scalp!

10. Apply a moisturizing treatment to your scalp every day , even on days when you don't shave! This will naturally nourish and prepare the skin, so that subsequent shaves are as pleasant and effective as possible.

In conclusion: A well-chosen shaving gel. A reliable razor. A soothing and restorative aftershave. A confident technique. These are the essential elements for a successful shave and healthy scalp.

That's my opinion, anyway. And you, what's your favorite shaving method?