beginner's guide · Head Shave · safety razor · safety razor education · wet shaving ·

How to Shave Your Head with a DE Safety Razor (The Right Way)

How to Shave Your Head with a DE Safety Razor (The Right Way)

Are you considering a head shave and wet shaving your entire head with a DE safety razor? Does head shaving with a double-edge safety razor offer the best shave over a cartridge or an electric shaver? What supplies do you need? How do you get a close shave? And (most importantly), how do you do it without cutting yourself?

Wet shaving your head is a skill and an art form. Keep in mind that the art of the head shave has a learning curve. Don’t expect a perfect shave the first time. With the right approach and technique, you can get a great shave so that the beautiful dome can shine!

What are the Benefits of Wet Shaving Your Head with a Double-Edge Safety Razor?

Infographic about the benefits of wet shaving your head with a double-edge safety razor

If your hair is thinning, you must be blessed with a perfect head. I’ve always heard the saying that there are only so many perfect heads in the world; the rest are covered up with hair. So, if your hair is thinning, do the world a favor and share that perfect head!

There are many benefits of using a safety razor or a DE razor vs a cartridge razor for head shaving, such as:

  • It's environmentally friendly
    Double-edge safety razor blades are made of steel and should be recycled at the proper facilities. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the blades cannot be tossed into your regular recycling bin as they are considered sharps. Use a blade bank to dispose of safety razor blades properly.

  • It’s greener and cheaper than a cartridge razor
    If we look at the blades themselves, safety razor blades are significantly cheaper than cartridge blades, and prices vary. On average, a pack of 100 blades costs around $25.00 to $30.00. If you look at the average cost of cartridge blades, a pack of four blades will run you about $9.00. To get 100 cartridge blades, you’re looking at spending about $225.00! That alone made me switch from cartridge razors to double-edge safety razors.

    Another thing to consider when using a safety razor instead of a cartridge razor is that DE blades can be recycled, whereas cartridge razor blades go to the landfill. If you change cartridge blades every four or so shaves, as they recommend, that’s a lot of waste going in the garbage.

  • It's just so damn sexy
    You will look bad-to-the-bone (if done right) with a shaved dome. Head shaving done wrong, you may end up looking like Homer Simpson.

Being bald can be more attractive, and studies1 back it up. Physical appearance matters in society. Our gentlemanly appearances determine the trajectory of our careers, our associations, and our social success. Traditionally, baldness and a lack of a full head of hair in men are perceived as a sign of weakness, impotence, or a lack of manliness, and are associated with traits like low self-esteem and a sense of aging. In contrast, a thick mane like a lion's has been associated with qualities such as vigor, strength, and masculinity.

This couldn't be farther from the truth. Think back to The Rock's glory days in professional wrestling when he had a full head of hair. Now think about him as a highly successful actor. Doesn’t he look so much better bald?

Here's the thing: a lot of men shave their heads bald simply because they are going bald. Research suggests that about half of men will experience some form of male pattern baldness by age 50. It’s not surprising that worldwide, men spend nearly $3.5 billion trying to either suppress or reverse their natural hair loss.

Most men without hair would agree that being bald is sexy and has several benefits, such as:

  • A freshly polished head is badass
    Have you ever sat in a meeting with a chrome dome and thought how awesome they looked when the light shone on that freshly polished head? No, well, I dare you not to notice the next time you see a polished head. Do you think The Rock or Vin Diesel would look as tough with a matte finish in their head? Absolutely not!

  • An impossibly close shave
    Nothing gives you a better BBS and a DFS than a safety razor. Now, a slight word of caution: there is a slight learning curve when first using a DE razor for a head shave. That will be discussed a little later.

    Shavictionary:
    BBS = Baby butt smooth shave
    DFS = Damn fine shave

Head Shaving Supplies: Here's What You Will Need

Man shaving with the Henson Aluminum AL13 Steel Blue Mild Safety Razor
Get a clean, effortless head shave with the Henson AL13 Mild.
Photo by Henson Shaving

To shave your head with a safety razor, you'll need a few essential supplies.

The Right Tool for the Job: What Kind of Safety Razor is the Best for Head Shaving?

This may come as a surprise, but there are several types of safety razors. Each has its pros and cons, of course.

Open Comb Safety Razor


  • Pros: Really great with longer hair, meaning you don’t have to shave as often if you don’t want to. They provide excellent audio feedback. That means you can hear the blade cut the hair.

  • Cons: There can be a lot more blade feel. Some think blade feel is a bad thing and can cause irritation. An open comb can be seen as a bit aggressive (see below for a definition).

Closed Comb Safety Razor


  • Pros: Very user-friendly. Many modern production razors come with a closed-comb setup. The closed comb can limit the amount of blade one feels during the shave. It’s also more challenging to nick or cut yourself with a closed comb. They don’t clog as easily, especially if you have slightly longer hair.

  • Cons: Audio feedback can be reduced with a closed-comb razor. There is also a potential for less blade feel or lower efficiency. They can clog more easily if not rinsed often.

Safety Razor Terms:

  • Aggressiveness
    The aggressiveness of the razor usually refers to how much blade edge can be felt during the shave. An aggressive razor usually has a sharper blade feel, but it is also easier to cut yourself with.

  • Blade gap
    Some people think this affects a razor's aggressiveness or smoothness. This is not true. I have a few razors with a large blade gap that are as smooth and comfortable as razors with a smaller gap.

  • Handle length
    This is a matter of personal preference. For a head shave, a longer handled safety razor is easier to use, especially if you are new to DE shaving with traditional safety razors.

  • Straight bar
    A straight bar razor, whether open comb or safety bar, is the standard safety razor these days and is easier to find from a variety of makers.

  • Slanted bar
    A slant bar razor uses the philosophy that you get a closer shave if the blade acts as a guillotine rather than having the blade be straight all the way across.

  • Knurling
    This is the texture on the razor's handle. The amount of knurling is a matter of personal preference. Some handles are uncomfortable to use due to aggressive knurling. On the flip side, some razors feel extra slippery because the knurling isn't aggressive enough.

What Double-Edge Safety Razor Blades Should You Use?

The age-old question of which double-edge razor blade should you use in your safety razor has as many answers as there are possible combinations. Everyone has their favorite blade and razor pairing.

There are many quality DE blades available, but not every blade pairs well with every razor. Everyone's skin is different. The best thing to do if you are looking for the ideal pair of blades for a razor you already have is to order a sampler pack of double-edge blades and try each one in the razor.

Shaving Cream Vs. Shaving Soap: Which is Best for Head Shaving?

When it comes to wet shaving, both products have their pluses and minuses for achieving a perfect lather and delivering a good shave.

  • Shaving cream
    Shaving cream is usually softer and comes in a tube similar to toothpaste (though some are available in a tub identical to a shave soap). Shaving cream from a tube can be applied directly to the face in small dabs, or to a damp brush for building lather on your head, or in a bowl before you shave your head. Since shaving creams are softer than shave soaps, they are easier to use to build a usable lather.

    A downside of shaving creams is that they tend to be softer than most shaving soaps, and it’s easy to overload or use too much product per shave. By doing so, the product won’t last as long and will need to be replaced more frequently.

  • Shaving soaps
    Shaving soaps are firmer and come in tubs and pucks. Since soaps are firmer than shaving creams, it can be more challenging to get the right amount of soap in the bowl or in the brush (again, depending on how the lather is built). Tubs have a larger storage footprint than creams, assuming the creams used can stand on end. However, since soaps are firmer, they last longer than shaving creams. Most soaps also come in larger quantities than creams, so you get a bigger bang for your buck.

A Little Bit About Shaving Brushes

There are many options available for shaving brushes and the various types. I won’t go into much detail here. For more information, here is an excellent guide on shaving brushes and how to maintain their quality that goes into more depth on the subject.

Shaving Your Head with a Safety Razor: The Right Way Step-by-Step

Setting the stage to shave your head…

You are going to need a safety razor with a mild head, a hot towel, fresh double-edge blades, running water if you've got it, a handled mirror for a nick-free head shave, and your fancy new shaving bowl or mug for some good lather. Now that you're ready to go, it's time for that head shave.

Step 1. The Pre-shave Ritual - Trim Your Hair

If this is your first time shaving your head and your hair's a little longer, it is best to start with a clean palette for a smooth shave and give yourself a buzz cut first with electric clippers.

Don’t get me wrong, DE razor blades are exceptionally sharp and will do the job every time. The reason behind shaving your head with an electric clipper is that the safety razor does not get clogged with hair clippings when you shave your head. Having a freshly buzzed head for the first shave also increases shave comfort.

Now rinse your head with lukewarm water to relax the skin and open pores, just as you do in your regular pre-shave routine.

Step 2. Take a Hot Shower Before Shaving

The hot water from the shower will help moisten and, therefore, soften the hair follicles, making the hair easier to cut and allowing for the smoothest shave possible. Wash your hair if you got it. Wash your hair/scalp about as often as you would if you were not shaving your head. The main reason is that the head receives dirt from sweat, and it’s a good idea to wash your body and skin every so often.

Step 3. Nope, You Don't Need Pre-shave Oil

Any shave oil isn't necessary for a head shave. The reason is that pre-shave oil can hinder the lather-building process and the integrity of the lather by creating a barrier between the skin and the soap. In addition, modern shave soaps like Omnibus, Excelsior, or Kaizen 2e are super slick and make a pre-shave oil obsolete. A shave oil really doesn’t add anything to the shaving experience or make it better, so skip this step for now.

Step 4. Time to Build That Beautiful Lather for a Smooth Shave

For the smoothest head shave, this step is critical—pay attention!

The right tool for the job here is a high-quality shaving soap. You must lather up and lather up well! If your lather is too dry, your safety razor will clog, making it harder to rinse and preventing you from cutting as closely as you'd like. Too wet, and there is no protection between the blade and your skin, causing razor burn, bumps, and irritation.

Pro tip: While creating the lather, either in the bowl or directly on the dome, if the knot (the fibers of the shaving brush coming out of the handle) suction cups to your head or the bowl, it's a sign that your lather is too dry.

The two most popular techniques for lathering are directly on your head or in a bowl. Both have pros and cons. If you want to build a lather directly on your head, it is recommended to load your shaving brush directly from the shave soap puck.

Here's how:

  • Load a shaving brush from the puck
    Start with a damp brush knot and swirl it on the soap for 10-20 seconds, generally alternating clockwise and counterclockwise at a medium pace for best results.

    Then take the shaving brush and start to build your lather on your head. Add water slowly until you reach the perfect level of hydration. What you're looking for are small bubbles and a nice shiny sheen. This is a good sign that your lather is ready and well hydrated.

  • Lathering in a bowl
    You can either load the shaving brush directly from the soap puck or scoop out a small amount (roughly the size of an almond), press it into the bowl, and create your creamy and well-hydrated lather by slowly adding water into the bowl and working the lather until it has the consistency of sour cream or whipped cream.

Step 5. Time to Paint Your Head and Get Artistic with the Lather

Head shaving is very similar to wet shaving your face with any safety razor. Pay attention to how your hair grows. With practice, you will find the consistency of lather that performs best for you.

Take the lather you have built in the bowl and apply it evenly to your head. You want the lather to cover the area you intend to shave fully.

The key here is balance. You don’t want to see your skin, but you also don’t want a super-thick lather (think canned foam when it's initially sprayed into your hand). Keep your head warm and moisturized throughout your shave to minimize the risk of irritation.

Step 6. Mow It Down: The Shaving Technique You Need to Know

The best way to shave your head with a safety razor is to be extremely careful! DO NOT use too much pressure when putting the razor to your head. Too much pressure is the easiest way to cut yourself. Next, follow the traditional guidelines for gradual hair removal, as if you were shaving your head.

  • Shave with the grain
    To do so, you have to know which way your hair grows. This is commonly called mapping your growth. If the hair grows front to back, traditional wisdom says to shave it that way. This is called shaving with the grain.

  • Shave across the grain
    When wet shaving your head, which direction do you shave? After the first pass with the grain has been completed, it is then recommended to shave across the grain (if possible on the head, as the growth pattern is usually not all the same direction on the head, and the grain pattern usually changes based on the area of the head, for example, by the ears).

  • Shaving against the grain
    Many people who shave their heads do a single pass with the grain. If a second or third pass is desired, the second pass is generally done across the grain. This means, in the previous example of front-to-back growth, the hair would be shaved either left to right or right to left.

    Then the third and final pass would be against the grain. This would be done by shaving from back to front. It is critical for the grain pass to pay attention to how the blade feels as it cuts. If there is a hint of tugging during the shave, rather than a smooth shave, it’s time to change the blade after the shave.

Use steady, short strokes while keeping that light pressure.

Don’t forget to rinse the blade every few strokes to keep it clean. It can be helpful to stretch your skin with your free hand to keep it taut. When you get to the bottom of your head, near your neck/shoulders, a helpful hint is to look down, putting your chin to your chest. This will naturally help keep the skin tight. Having loose skin is an easy way to get cut.

As your comfort level and skill level grow, slowly transition to the rear of the head while holding your ear down with your fingers when shaving the sides of your head, and pull forward for shaving behind your ear.

To get the back of your head, a handheld mirror will be a handy tool. After a while, you will be able to shave by feel and intuition and will no longer need the mirror. However, I highly recommend using one at the beginning.

Rinse your head with warm water between passes. This helps keep the head hydrated and supports soap hydration during the shave.

Step 7. The Post-Shaving Routine - Soothing Your Skin

The post-shaving routine plays a significant role in preventing razor burn.

Just like your face, your scalp skin needs to be calmed down after a shave. There are many great post-shaving products available, but in a pinch, witch hazel and cold water are your best friends. If you prefer an artisanal post-shave product, choose either an aftershave splash or a balm. It is just a personal preference.

Pro tip: If it is a really hot day in the summer months, I highly recommend a super mentholated aftershave balm. That really helps keep the heat off the dome.

Step 8. If All Else Fails, Skip It All and Call the Barber, or Break Out the Electric Clippers

If all of this sounds like far too much work, why bother? Pull out the old electric razor and run that across your head. Keep in mind that the electric razors do not get as close a shave as a DE razor and can cause ingrown hairs and irritation.

If all else fails, do a Google search and indulge in some personal care. Find a local barber and have a trained professional shave your head. They will be more than happy to do it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaving Your Head with a Double-Edge Safety Razor

Man shaving his head with a safety razorMastering the right angle and pressure is key to a smooth, nick-free head shave.

How much pressure and what angle is best for head shaving?

It is critical, while using safety razors to shave your head, to use a light touch and the right angle. By that, I mean very little pressure on the double-edge razor while shaving. The razor's weight and the blade's sharpness should do the work.

Place the razor on the head, set the angle to 30 degrees (this will vary slightly by razor), and maintain a strict 30-degree angle every time. Using too much pressure and a sloppy blade angle while shaving could result in irritation, nicks, and cuts. I can’t stress the importance of this enough.

How often should I shave my head?

That is a matter of personal preference. Some shave daily, with or against the grain, and some shave every few days, with the grain only. Of course, there are many options for how often to shave the dome and whether to use one or multiple passes.

I tend to shave my head every other day, doing one pass with the grain, one against the grain, and some clean-up around my ears. It provides a comfortable, irritation-free shave that still looks professional and well-kept. Again, this may not work for you. I would try shaving every day, every other day, or every few days, and experiment with how many passes you make with each shave to find the optimal head-shaving experience for you. Keep in mind, the more passes you do, the more irritation you might experience.

How to avoid razor bumps and prevent skin irritation?

If coming from the world of cartridge razors and new to safety razors, razor bumps and irritation may have been very common. The best way to avoid razor bumps and irritation is by following a few easy steps.

The first step is to use proper equipment as listed above. The second step is to have a properly hydrated lather. Next, be sure not to overuse a blade. As a rule of thumb, a high-quality DE blade can provide three to four comfortable shaves before the shave quality begins to diminish. This may vary based on the blade used and the amount and thickness of hair. The key is not to overuse a blade.

If I shave my head, will it make my hair grow back faster or thicker?

No, it does not affect hair growth. I wish! If that were the case, I’d have a full head of hair after shaving my head for more than a decade.

The Wrap Up

Shaving your head with a safety razor is a wonderful, enjoyable experience, unlike anything else in shaving. The double-edge razor, aka the safety razor, is a timeless classic that gives you a smoother shave on your head and face.

While there are some things to keep in mind when you're first starting to shave your head, once mastered, there is nothing like it. I’ve shaved my head for over a decade and have used electric clippers, cartridge razors, safety razors (both double-edge and single-edge), shavettes, and straight razors. I get the best, most comfortable shave while using a safety razor and a beautiful dome. There is no better time than right now to give it a try!

Related Articles

Ultimate Buying Guide for the Best Safety Razor for Beginners 2025
How Often Should You Change Your Safety Razor Blade
The Beginner's Guide to Shaving with a Double-Edge Safety Razor

References

  1. Anderson, R. (2016, December 22). Do Women Find Bald Men to Be More Attractive? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mating-game/201612/do-women-find-bald-men-to-be-more-attractive

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