You might be thinking about shaving your head in the name of fashion or, most likely, because you think it might be time. It’s time to go from the line (the hairline, that is) every day with a mix of hats and gels. You feel inside of you an urge to throw them away with wild abandon, shave them, and start a new chapter.
You are not alone and we hear you. But, we have some tips. We caught up with award-winning Ottawa barber and entrepreneur Christopher Lord, owner of King’s Barbershopfor expert advice on when, how and what to expect when shaving your head.
When to shave your head
If you notice a receding hairline or baldness in any form, chances are you’re already hyper-sensitive about the condition of your hair. You can even have your own cue point for when to get the buzzer out. There’s no right or wrong answer, really, when shaving your head might be a good choice. It’s a matter of preference: in fact, shaking a receding hairline is more than okay, it’s a show of confidence.
As a general rule, if you show more scalp than hair, shaving your head is a good idea because it will work better to even things out than the reverse: combing your hair to even out the thinning, says Chris. He also argues for change: “Another popular reason to shave your head is if you want to change it. If you have a beard this could be a really good combo, which is what I do often.
“That’s another reason why it’s important to have a good hairdresser,” he explains. “You should have someone you trust and who is knowledgeable to help you. Sometimes a barber will be the one to talk about it and let the client know that it might be time to consider shaving their head. .
What to expect
Shaving your head is NOT a quick fix if you’re just bored of having to maintain your lavish hair. You should expect Continued maintenance after buying the buzzer than before. “There’s a decent amount of upkeep involved.” Said Chris. “I shave my head once a week, and that’s a minimum. I don’t have time to shave every day, but some do.
You’ll need to invest in a balder, high-quality foam, Chris says.
Do’s and Don’ts
We mention high quality lather because of irritation: shaving close to any area of your body can be irritating, but none as noticeable as your head. It is therefore important to take the right precautions to avoid irritation.
“Invest in your razors and shaving soap,” says Chris. “Always make sure to take a shower or use a hot towel to open all the pores on your head first and make sure the skin is soft to avoid this irritation.”
Still with us? In summary, if you’re considering shaving your head, talk to your hairdresser first. Expect a little more upkeep and investing properly in the right products. Also expect some trial and error, as you get to grips with the process. Most importantly, be sure to give yourself patience and confidence: shaving your head is a powerful gesture, not a sign of giving up. Anyone can rock a shaved head who truly owns it. Just look at Justin Bieber for an example of how confidence is the most important element to owning that trendy cut.
