Choosing the shaved head look can feel like a brave decision. Whether you’re thinning on top or simply want a fresh look, shaving your hair is a timeless hair trend that works for men of all ages.
While there’s no right time of when to shave your head, shorter styles can minimise the appearance of balding and a receding hairline. And of course, shaving your hair doesn’t always have to mean having a bald head either. There are all kinds of looks to choose from – find inspiration in our article on how to achieve a buzz cut and a range of other popular styles.
Best of all, a shaved head can often turn back the clock and rejuvenate many men. It’s also a cost-effective way of saving both time and money on styling products and regular trips to the barbers respectively. But if you’re still unsure about whether to make the bold decision, this guide will provide you with the expert knowledge and tools to be able to do it well.
Step 1: Choosing the right head shaver
Before getting started, it’s important to choose the best head shaver for your desired style. The Braun Series 9 is Braun’s best shaver for a perfect finish and a gentle and close shave. While primarily designed as a shaver for your beard it can function for your head as well. This gentle shaver adjusts and automatically responds to your individual face shape with 40,000 cutting actions per minute that can cut hairs as short as 0.05mm.
Fitted with OptiFoils and a skin guard, the Series 9 shaver is also suitable for wet and dry shaving to reduce irritation and protect your skin with every stroke. Choosing the right shaver makes the bold decision much easier, especially knowing you’re using the best technology in the game.
Step 2: Getting ready to shave your head
Shaving your head is a relatively low-maintenance activity you can easily manage yourself at home. If this is your first time, these simple tips outline how to shave your own head – or with a willing helper.
For best results, make sure you have a mirror in front of you as a first step. If your hair is already quite long, you’ll firstly need to trim hair down – the Braun 9 in 1 MGK5280 trimmer makes this easy (and don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be especially neat at this stage). For this step, you may wish to explore our step-by-step guides on how to cut your own hair.
Once you’ve done this, the best way to shave your head is by softening the hair follicles before you begin shaving. Do this by having a warm shower and lathering hair in shampoo, making sure your scalp is thoroughly wet and softened as well as your hair. This will help make shaving much easier and minimise any irritation from the razor.
You’re then ready to begin shaving with the Braun Series 9. While this tool is ideal for working on beards, it also conveniently doubles up as an efficient shaver for effortless short hairstyles. You may need an extra pair of hands to help with this part, or, if you prefer, you can also use the Braun Series 9 in the shower for a more gentle shave.
Start by trimming the hair closest to your ears, gradually moving round to the back of your head – the Series 9’s floating head adapts easily to uneven areas of the head, but for tricky areas you can used the Precision Head Lock to capture remaining hair more precisely. Braun’s best shaver adapts to your hair by adjusting power to shave even the thickest hair efficiently. Simply follow the same method for the other side of your head to achieve a classic short back and sides look.
Step 3: Shave down to desired look and aftercare
For those daring to go a little bolder than a short back and sides, here’s how to use a head razor to shave your own head. Once you’ve shaved the back of your head using the Braun Series 9 and your hair is down to a suitable length, you can then use a Gillette razor for a flawlessly smooth finish that is closer to skin.
If you are unsure how to shave your head bald, these simple head shaving tips will help you achieve best results. Preparation is key – it’s a good idea to exfoliate the scalp first to prevent any irritation or ingrown hairs. You should also make sure both hair and scalp are thoroughly rinsed – it might also be easier, quicker and more comfortable to shave your head whilst showering. But before you get started, make sure you are familiar with any bumps or moles on your head and be careful to avoid cutting them when shaving with your razor.
For extra comfort, try applying a shaving gel or cream. This will help the razor cut through hair smoothly and prevent any uncomfortable razor burn. Begin shaving with smooth, light strokes, gradually adding an even pressure once you become more confident. Pay close attention to areas around the ears to ensure you’ve picked up all the hair – the five blades on the Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide razor thankfully means there’s no need to go over the same area repeatedly!
Shaving going against the grain will help you to get an even closer shave, whereas being too rough or going in the direction of hair growth can leave you with razor bumps. After shaving, ensure you rinse your head thoroughly and use a soothing moisturiser over shaved areas. You even can buy specialised moisturisers for bald head aftercare, designed to prevent any scalp dryness or irritation after shaving.
Styling your bald head with a beard
Once you’ve shaved your head, you’ll need to decide how to style it out. Perhaps you’ve gone for a more graduated fade and plan to use gel to add texture on top. Or perhaps you’re considering how your facial hair can complement the look.
Whether your hairline is receding or not, many famous figures have demonstrated how to wear a beard with a shaved head, showing it can add youth and style.
Why not read our tips on styling a beard to go with this look?
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If you're ready to make the big decision, all you need are the tools to achieve this bold and stylish look. Explore Braun's range of shavers to find options for all looks and budgets.