There are several reasons for shaving one’s head and not just because of medical reasons. Today, women are now empowered to make decisions for their own bodies and that includes shaving their heads as a new standard for beauty. Although head shaving for women has been existent for other cultures, wearing the shaved head style is now becoming a beauty standard of its own globally.
Should You Shave Your Head?
There are cases when medical reasons do call for the shaving but you might also want to look into the benefits a shaved head provides. If you love wigs and enjoy wearing different styles every now and then, having a shaved head makes fitting any wig rather easy. Using wig adhesives will be easier and more effective too. Another advantage of women with shaved heads is the lack of need to use expensive hair products. Having long hair calls for constant maintenance with quality products that will not damage your strands. A shaved head will only require the same cleaning you do with your skin. Convenient, airy, and clean!
Before You Start Shaving
If you are concerned about the aftermath, it is best to mentally prepare yourself for the transformation. Modern technology provides camera filters that may give a rather accurate depiction of what you will look like with a shaved head. Take photos from different angles and ease yourself into the image. From there you can make that final decision whether or not you want to shave your head. Hesitation is often a cause of mishap in the process. You have to have a clear commitment to the process. If it helps, speaking to a significant other may also be an option along the way so you can have some assurance, after all this is a big step for many who have considered their hairstyle their identity.
Decide On Your Shave Style
Head shaving does not necessarily mean completely shaving off the hair. There are different styles that women can sport such as buzz cuts, faded cuts, or even a clean bald fade. Find one that you are comfortable with so you have an end goal set before the clippers start trimming.
Now it is important to note that if you are not confident with your own shaving skills, a professional is always available to help. There is nothing wrong with asking for help with the process. Oftentimes it is easier to shave an already pre-shaved head so you can handle the maintenance later instead of starting out by shaving a full hair on your head.
Doing It Yourself
So you decided to take the plunge on your own, here are some things you need to prepare before you begin shaving:
- Electric Clippers (specifically with variable guard lengths)
- Shaving cream or gel (you may also use conditioner which also works to soften the hair)
- Razor (either manual or electric, whichever you prefer)
- Aftershave (or any cooling cream that also moisturizes)
- Large Mirror (the bigger the better so you won’t struggle with viewing)
- Towels
- Good lighting
The Shave
It is advisable to wash your hair prior to shaving so that the hair won’t be tough to get through. Softer hair is easier to shave and manage. Do dry your hair thoroughly prior to shaving so that it will not be wet and heavy during the process.
Trim down the hair using the electric clippers. If your goal is to have a buzz cut, you might not even need to use the razors later on the major parts of your head.. Select the guard length that you want. A larger guard length means having a thicker patch of hair. To help with the trimming, it is best to section your hair into parts so you have some sort of guide as to where to begin and where to finish off.
You will want to follow the direction of your hair growth so start moving your clipper from the front of your head to the back. Hold a firm grip over the clipper but do not push it down on your scalp. Make it so that the guard length touches your skin but not presses hard on it. The easier part is when you are dealing with the areas with no obstruction. You may want to be a little more patient when handling the area behind your ears and also around your back neck area. In between shaves you can check carefully in the mirror to see if you are getting a clean and even shave.
Cleaning up the edges will be the job of the razor. Especially if there are areas which you prefer to be smoother and not rough from the stubble. Use a shaving cream before using the razor.
If your goal was to go completely clean with no hair, apply shaving cream on your head and proceed carefully with the razor. There are razors that are designed for safe and easy use but you must still proceed with caution to avoid nicks because of the uneven surface of your head.
After The Shave
Now that we’re done shaving, wash your head with warm water to clean off any hair that is remaining. A mild cleanser can help the cleanup. Dry it out with a towel right after so you can begin applying your lotion or aftershave cream on your head. Make sure the formulation is something you have tested on your skin before to prevent irritation or allergic reaction. Treat your scalp the way you do your own face. Moisturize regularly and protect from the sun more so that it is now exposed to UV rays.
