Bald filterHow to shave your head

How to shave your head: a step-by-step guide for your first time

The first time you shave your head takes about 30 minutes; after that, 5 to 10 minutes is enough. You need clippers to take the length off, a razor or a head shaver for the finish, and a little method for the back of the head. Here is the whole process, from a full head of hair to a smooth scalp, without cuts or razor bumps.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor or dermatologist. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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What you need

Clippers do the heavy lifting; the razor or head shaver only deals with the last millimeter. Skip the clippers and the blade clogs, pulls and cuts.

  • Hair clippers

    Cordless, with a set of guards. Without a guard they cut down to about 1 mm, the base for a smooth shave or a shadow look on its own.

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  • Head shaver

    A rotary shaver shaped for the head. It follows the curves, works dry or wet and makes the back of the head easy without a mirror.

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  • Clear shaving gel

    Unlike foam, you can see where you are going, which matters around the ears and on the neckline.

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  • Alcohol-free aftershave balm

    Calms the skin right after the shave. Alcohol stings and dries out a freshly shaved scalp.

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Step by step

  1. 1

    Cut the length off

    If your hair is longer than a few centimeters, cut it down first with scissors or with clippers and a long guard, so the short cut does not jam.

  2. 2

    Clip everything without a guard

    Run the clippers against the direction of growth, from the neck up and from the forehead back, until you have an even stubble all over.

  3. 3

    Soften the skin

    Take a hot shower or hold a hot, damp towel on your head for a minute or two. Softer hair means less pulling and fewer bumps.

  4. 4

    Apply gel

    A thin, even layer over the whole scalp. Work in sections if it dries too fast.

  5. 5

    First pass with the grain

    Shave in the direction the hair grows, in short strokes and without pressing. Rinse the blade after every two or three strokes.

  6. 6

    Second pass across the grain

    For a smoother result, reapply gel and shave sideways. Go against the grain only if your skin handles it well.

  7. 7

    Check by hand

    Run your palm over your head: rough patches show up better by touch than in a mirror. Touch them up with a light stroke.

  8. 8

    Rinse and moisturize

    Rinse with cool water, pat dry and apply an alcohol-free balm or a light moisturizer.

Shaving the back of your head on your own

  • Go by touch

    Keep your free hand on your head just ahead of the razor. You will feel the stubble that is left and avoid nicks on the bumps of the skull.

  • Use two mirrors

    A hand mirror held facing the bathroom mirror shows the back of your head. Handy for checking, awkward for shaving: go slowly.

  • Let a head shaver do it

    Its rotating heads follow the curves of the skull, so the back of the head is much easier than with a blade.

  • Ears and neckline

    Fold each ear down with a finger to shave behind it. On the neck, decide where the shave stops and keep that line straight.

Clippers only: buzz cut or shadow

You do not have to go smooth. Clippers alone give you a whole range: a number 2 or 3 guard leaves a short buzz cut where the hair color still shows, a number 1 a dense shadow, and no guard at all a fine stubble that reads as bald from a few meters away.

That last option is the gentlest on the skin: no blade touches it, so no razor bumps. Many people keep it and only shave smooth for special occasions.

Mistakes to avoid

  • A razor on long hair

    The blade clogs in seconds and pulls the hair. Always take it down with clippers first.

  • Shaving dry

    Without water and gel, a razor scrapes the skin. Only electric head shavers are made to work dry.

  • Pressing hard

    Pressure causes most cuts and bumps. Let the blade glide: a second pass is better than one heavy stroke.

  • A dull blade

    A scalp has much more surface than a face: change the cartridge every 5 to 10 shaves.

After the shave

A scalp that has always been under hair is paler than your face and sensitive for a few days. Put sunscreen on it before going out, moisturize morning and evening, and expect a few small red bumps the first time: they settle within days.

To keep it smooth, shave every 2 to 3 days. Our bald head care guide covers the daily routine, the shine and the bumps in detail.

Not sure yet? See it first

Hair grows back about 1 cm a month, so it takes a while to change your mind. Before you pick up the clippers, bald-filter.com shows you bald live on your camera, for free and without uploading anything. Turn your head to check the back and your profile, the views you never see in the mirror.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to shave your head?

About 30 minutes the first time, because you need to clip the length off first. After that, a maintenance shave takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Should I shave my head with or against the grain?

With the grain first, always. A second pass across the grain makes it smoother. Shaving against the grain gives the closest result but causes more irritation and ingrown hairs.

Can I shave my head with just clippers?

Yes. Clippers without a guard leave about 1 mm of stubble, which looks bald from a distance and never causes razor bumps. Use a razor only if you want a fully smooth scalp.

Can I shave my head with a beard trimmer?

Yes, for a very short stubble. It just takes longer than clippers because the blade is narrower. For a smooth scalp, finish with a razor or a head shaver.

How do I shave my head without cutting myself?

Clip the hair first, soften the skin with hot water, use a clear gel and a sharp blade, shave with the grain without pressing, and feel your way with your free hand on the back of the head.

How long does hair take to grow back after shaving your head?

About 1 cm a month. You get a visible buzz cut in 2 to 3 weeks and a short haircut in 2 to 3 months.

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