How to Shave Sides of Head: Clippers or Razor? (2024)

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Step into the world of personal grooming with our expert guide on how to shave the sides of your head.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, our master barber shares tips on choosing between clippers or a razor, preparing for the shave, and maintaining your fresh look.

Unlock the secrets to a perfect shave and enhance your style with our bespoke advice.

How to Shave Sides of Head

To shave the sides of your head, you can use clippers or a razor. Clippers are great for a quick trim, while a razor provides a smoother finish.

Choosing Your Shaving Method

To achieve a well-groomed look, you’ll need to choose between clippers and a razor.

Clippers Vs. Razor

When it comes to shaving your head, the choice between clippers and a razor can be daunting. Clippers are designed to retain hair length, while a razor is designed to remove hair completely.

Razors, on the other hand, require more skill and precision, but provide a closer shave. Shaving gel and shaving with the grain can prevent irritation. Moisturizing after shaving is essential for hydration, and sun protection is crucial to protect the scalp from the sun.

The choice between clippers and a razor depends on your hair type, skin sensitivity, and personal preference.

Importance of Shaving Gel

When you’re diving into the art of shaving your head, especially the sides, don’t skimp on the shaving gel.

1. Lubrication: Shaving gel creates a slick barrier, ensuring your razor glides like a dream, not a nightmare.
2. Sensitivity: It caters to your skin’s needs, reducing the risk of irritation.
3. Visibility: Clear gels offer precision, letting you nail those sharp lines every time.

The Role of Moisturizing

Moisturizing is an essential part of maintaining a healthy and hydrated scalp. After shaving, it’s crucial to moisturize your head to prevent dryness, irritation, and to reduce the visibility of hair. Moisturizing daily with a lightweight oil like jojoba or argan can help keep your scalp hydrated and prevent the buildup of oil and shine.

Oils like coconut oil can penetrate and protect the hair while creating a protective barrier. You can also use a daily moisturizer like Bee Bald Smooth Daily Moisturizer, which hydrates and tones the skin while controlling oil and shine.

To further enhance your shaving experience, consider using a moisturizing shaving cream or lotion, which can provide a protective layer and reduce irritation. After shaving, rinse your head with cold water to close your pores and then apply the moisturizer.

Remember to moisturize at least twice a day, and protect your scalp from the sun using sunscreen or a hat.

Sun Protection for the Scalp

Sun protection for your scalp is crucial, especially when shaving. A sun hat or sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection is recommended.

UV ray damage can lead to premature aging and skin cancer, so it’s not merely about looking good. Protecting your scalp is part of a bespoke, tailored approach to maintaining a healthy, vibrant appearance.

It’s not just about the shaving method, it’s about navigating the ever-evolving complexities of skincare and sun exposure.

Preparing for a Clipper Shave

To prepare for a clipper shave, follow these steps:

1. Select the Right Guard: Choose a guard based on the desired length of your hair. Different guards will give you varying lengths, so pick the one that suits your preference.
2. Prepare Your Space: Lay down newspapers to collect hair and clip dry hair to prevent clogging.
3. Importance of Dry Hair: Clip dry hair to prevent clogging and ensure a smooth shaving experience.
4. Start With the Sides: Begin shaving the sides of your head, starting from the bottom and moving upwards.
5. Shaving the Nape and Upwards: Position clippers at the nape of your neck and move upwards, gliding back towards the crown.

Remember to use mirrors to see the back of your head and ensure a consistent cut.

Selecting the Right Guard

Ready to take the plunge and shave those sides? Picking the right guard is your ticket to a smooth ride.

Think of guard length as your roadmap to style—too short and you’re in buzzcut territory, too long and you’re just trimming the hedges.

Match guard sizing to your hair’s density for a cut that screams confidence, not confusion.

Keep that blade sharp; a dull guard is a no-go zone.

Preparing Your Space

When preparing your space for a clipper shave, ensure you lay down newspapers to catch clippings on the floor. This simple step keeps your area clean and makes cleanup a breeze. Remember, a tidy workspace sets the stage for a smooth and enjoyable grooming experience. So, grab those newspapers, spread them out, and get ready to trim with ease!

Importance of Dry Hair

When it comes to prepping for a clipper shave, the importance of starting with dry hair can’t be overstated.

Dry hair ensures a smooth and efficient shave, preventing clogging and achieving the desired clipper length effortlessly.

By beginning with dry hair, you set the stage for optimal results, enhancing the benefits of your pre-shave preparation and making the hair removal process a breeze.

Starting With the Sides

When it’s time to tackle those sides, remember: clipper length is key for a seamless look. Consider hair growth patterns and head shape for precision. Opt for shaving cream alternatives if skin sensitivity is a concern.

Shaving With Clippers

When shaving the sides of your head with clippers, remember to move them upwards towards the crown for a precise cut.

Moving Clippers Upwards

Moving clippers upwards is a crucial part of shaving with clippers.

The length of your guard depends on your hair thickness and desired look.

Start with the sides of your head, then navigate towards the crown.

Position clippers at the back of your crown and glide them back towards the crown.

Shaving frequency should be tailored to your skin sensitivity, and always moisturize after shaving.

Protect your scalp from the sun to maintain a healthy, ever-evolving look.

Gliding Back Towards the Crown

Once you’ve moved the clippers up, it’s time to master the glide back. Here’s how:

1. Use the gliding technique to smoothly transition to the crown.
2. Maintain optimal speed—too fast can miss spots, too slow can irritate.
3. Adjust the clipper angle for your hair texture, ensuring blade sharpness for a clean cut.

Shaving the Nape and Upwards

Shaving the nape and upwards is a crucial part of maintaining a well-groomed, shaved head. When using clippers, ensure the angle is correct for the nape, and move them upwards.

Razor techniques for the nape can be more complex, requiring a skilled hand and proper technique. Always apply shaving cream to the nape before shaving, and remember to rinse the blade frequently to avoid irritation.

Using Mirrors for Visibility

Using mirrors for visibility is a crucial aspect of shaving with clippers. As a master barber, I’ve seen the benefits of proper mirror usage in my own work and in the experiences of my clients.

1. Handheld mirrors: These mirrors are designed to be held in your hand, providing flexibility and ease of use. They’re perfect for shaving the back of your head or areas that are difficult to reach.

2. Magnifying mirrors: These mirrors have built-in magnification, which can help you see the finer details of your hair. This can be especially useful when shaving around the ears or other hard-to-reach areas.

3. Angle positioning: Position the mirror at an angle that allows you to see the area you’re shaving from multiple angles. This will help you avoid missing any spots and ensure a more even shave.

4. Clear visibility: Make sure the mirror is clean and free of smudges or smears. This will help you see the hair clearly and avoid any potential accidents.

5. Optimal lighting: Use a mirror with good lighting, either natural or artificial. This will help you see the hair more clearly and make the shaving process easier.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to use mirrors effectively when shaving your head with clippers. This will result in a more precise and even shave, giving you the desired look and feel.

Shaving With a Razor

To achieve a smooth and close shave on the sides of your head, you need to prepare your hair and tools properly.

Start by softening your hair with warm water and choose a multi-blade razor for a closer shave.

Apply shaving cream to your head and shave in the direction of your hair growth, rinsing the blade frequently to remove hair buildup.

Softening Hair With Warm Water

To achieve a close shave with a razor, start by softening your hair with warm water.

Warm water opens pores and softens hair, making it easier for the razor to glide across your scalp. Remember, skin sensitivity varies, so adjust your water temperature accordingly.

Also, consider the type of razor you use and your shaving frequency. Using a razor with multiple blades can provide a closer shave, while applying shaving cream ensures a smooth glide.

Rinse your blade frequently to avoid hair buildup.

Choosing a Multi-Blade Razor

Choosing a multi-blade razor? You’re on the right track. These marvels of shaving tech offer blade effectiveness that’s second to none, gliding over contours with ease thanks to their flexibility.

The grip feels like it was made just for your hand, ensuring a smooth, controlled shave.

And don’t sweat the price; the value’s unbeatable.

Applying Shaving Cream

Alright, let’s talk about applying that shaving cream, my friend. This is where the magic happens – the key to a smooth, irritation-free shave. Lather that cream up good, covering every inch of your scalp. The slick, cushiony layer helps the razor glide effortlessly, preventing nicks, razor burn, and those pesky ingrown hairs.

Shaving in the Direction of Growth

Alright, my friend, let’s talk about shaving with a razor. Slather on some shaving cream and glide that razor in the direction of hair growth.

When it comes to getting that close, smooth shave, you gotta go with the grain, ya dig?

Don’t forget to moisturize after – your skin will thank you.

Rinsing the Blade Frequently

Rinse that razor blade frequently, my friend. Keeping it clean is key for a close, smooth shave. Buildup can dull the blades, so give ’em a quick rinse after each pass. This helps the razor glide effortlessly, removing every last hair.

Maintaining a Shaved Head

To keep your freshly shaved sides looking their best, you’ll want to wash your head daily with a gentle shampoo and moisturize it at least twice a day. Don’t forget to protect your scalp from the sun’s rays with sunscreen or a hat, and aim to shave no more than once a week to prevent irritation.

Daily Washing and Gentle Shampoo

Keep your dome in prime condition with daily washing, mate. Grab a gentle shampoo that’s kinder than a grandma’s hug and give your scalp the TLC it deserves. This isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s your ticket to a scalp that’s as fresh as a daisy and smooth as silk.

Regular Moisturizing

Regular moisturizing is crucial for maintaining a shaved head. Moisturize at least twice daily to keep your scalp hydrated. Choose a moisturizer that suits your scalp sensitivity and protects against irritation.

Oil conditioning can also soften hair and reduce visibility. Remember, it’s not just about appearance; it’s about maintaining a healthy scalp.

Sun Protection Strategies

Sun protection is crucial for your shaved head, especially in the ever-evolving world of barbering.

1. Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your scalp from harmful UV rays.
2. Hat: Wear a hat when you’re out in the sun to provide additional coverage and prevent sunburn.
3. Aloe Vera: Use aloe vera to soothe your scalp and help it heal from sun exposure or razor burn.
4. Umbrella or Shade: When possible, seek shade or use an umbrella to avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours.

Shaving Frequency to Avoid Irritation

Shaving your head weekly is crucial to avoid irritation and maintain scalp health.

Hair growth patterns and skin sensitivity vary, so it’s essential to find a routine that works for you.

Weekly shaving ensures that hair is short enough to prevent ingrown hairs and irritation.

Remember to use a gentle shampoo, moisturize regularly, and protect your scalp from the sun.

It’s not just about the shave; it’s about the whole package.

Conditioning the Scalp

Conditioning your scalp isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling powerful and intimately connected to your self-care ritual.

• Hydrate your scalp to promote healthy hair growth.
• Use oils for their incredible benefits.
• Pick products that champion scalp health.
• Moisturize daily; it’s your scalp’s best friend.
• Remember, a healthy scalp equals unstoppable confidence.