Having to shave your head can already be a difficult task, and it’s going to be even more difficult when you’re going to do it without shaving cream. Its benefits are too good to throw away. But what are these benefits anyway? Read along to find out.
Do you need shaving cream to shave your head?
Like with most parts of your body that you shave, applying shaving cream before shaving will protect you from skin irritation. Using shaving cream moisturizes your skin and can soften your hair to make for an ideal shaving environment. In addition, the shaving cream can also lubricate the blade and can avoid any cuts or irritation from the skin. Skipping to use shaving cream can leave your scalp damaged and irritated.
Shaving cream and Gel: What’s the difference?
While they can be often interchanged, shaving creams and shaving gel have their distinct characteristics that can give a different feel when shaving.
Shaving Cream
These products often come in a bowl and are often associated with shaving foams, which often comes in a can. While shaving foams can be readily applied straight from the can, shaving creams are traditionally mixed with water to lather and apply to the skin. Unlike shaving foams, shaving creams have hydrating properties that give your skin moisture for an easier and safer shave. Though they can be thick, shaving creams don’t clog your razor as much as shaving gels.
Shaving Gel
Shaving gels are often clear and don’t need to be lathered which means they can be applied without water. Applying a thin layer can already be effective, and since they are usually clear, it makes it more favorable if you are looking for a chiseled look since it makes it easier to actually see where you’re shaving.
When choosing between these two, it usually boils down to personal preference and what kind feels most comfortable to you. Give both a try and see what works best for you.
Tips on how to shave your head without irritation
Razor burns are a pain to deal with, especially if they last for days. And prevention is always better than cure, so here are a few tips in order to avoid problems when or after shaving.
Know your skin type and fit your products with them
Some of the more common causes of skin irritation is with the tools or products that you are using. Know your skin type first and fit it to your particular needs. Remember that not all products will work for you. Also, it is best that before purchasing a product, look at the ingredients and see if there is anything that you may be allergic or sensitive to.
Assess the area that you are going to shave
If any areas that you’re going to shave are inflamed, irritated, or have other skin conditions, it is best that you avoid those areas as it can worsen the condition even more and most often lead to more problems down the line.
Knowing when to shave
A great time for you to shave is when or right after you shower. It is the time where your skin is most soft. The heat and moisture from your shower can help soften up your skin and hair too. But if you really cannot do this, then at least prep your face with warm water as it allows your pores to open and softens your hair for shaving. And when rinsing them, you use cold water. As when warm water opens them, cold water them.
Avoid Bad Shaving Habits
Pressing too hard or passing too fast is the most is the most obvious no-no’s when shaving. Dry shaving is also discouraged, especially if you already have dry or sensitive skin. As much as possible try to make as few passes in an area as you can. Lastly, shaving in the direction of the hair’s growth is generally recommended. Though some experts have pointed out that you can shave against it, so long as you minimize the number of passes you have to make.
If any area of your skin did experience any irritation, it is best that you treat it immediately with gel or lotions that contain aloe vera or calendula. Cortisone creams that can be bought over-the-counter can help too. And if the conditions become particularly bad or have stayed for too long, it is best you consult a doctor.
Bald head care: Things you must know
Even if you don’t have a thick mane to take care of, you still need to give your scalp some care. Bald heads also have their own set of concerns that still need to take care of.
Don’t throw your shampoo and conditioner
Even if you don’t have hair, you can still experience getting dandruff. And being exposed to the sun can make it prone to dryness. So, it’s still best to keep it clean by using a shampoo and conditioner. Using a small dab should be enough.
Protect form the sun
As said above, being exposed to the sun can be more damaging without having any hair. So when going out, it is best that you cover up. Using a beanie on chilly days and a hat when the sun is out. It is also good to throw in some sunscreen.
Keep it moisturized
Your scalp can easily become dry and rough, especially if you are exposed to too much sun. Always remember to hydrate yourself and drink plenty of water. In addition, you can also use a bald head moisturizer for your scalp.
Best Shaving Creams for Head
Gillette TGS Shave Gel
With a triple action formula, the Gillette Shave Gel hydrates, protects, and refreshes your skin. It is also made with aloe to help protect your skin from skin irritation. In addition, it is also fragranced lightly to be suited for sensitive skin.
Harry’s Shave Gel
Companies like GQ, Esquire and Men’s Health have put trust in the quality of this product. Made with ingredients like aloe and cucumber that lathers into a rich foam that makes it effortless to glide over your skin and keeps you in control of your shave. It is also formulated to hydrate and refresh your skin after every shave.
Anthony Shave Cream
This Shaving Cream is sure to keep your skin cool and feeling refreshed. Made with botanicals like Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Squalene that protects your skin and prevents any cuts and burns. It is also rich but is easy to lather and gives a smooth and hassle-free shave.
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
This shaving gel is made with Oatmeal and Vitamin E and has no added fragrance. This makes it a great product if you have dry or sensitive skin. The ingredients also moisturizes the skin to ensure a smooth shave with any nicks and cuts while leaving your skin fully hydrated.
Barbasol Original Thick and Rich Shaving Cream
If you are having trouble dealing with tough and stubborn hair, then this product might be for you. This shaving cream is formulated to ensure lubrication even for the toughest of facial hair with its thick and rich lather. It is also made with rust-proof aluminum and contains no CFCs.
Billy Jealousy Hydroplane Super Slick Foamless Shaving Cream
This foamless but rich shaving cream will give you a convenient shave, because you can easily see where you’re shaving. With the micro-silicone in this product, it gives the razor an easy glide to your skin. It also contains fruit oils like citrus to rehydrate your skin after you shave.
Cremo Barber Grade Original Shave Cream
A shaving cream made of super-slick molecules that gives a slippery interface with the blade and your skin. Made with a concentrated formula, using a small amount of this product is enough to give you razor an easy glide without any razor burns. It is also Paraben free and is made with natural ingredients.
Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave
Jack Black is a trusted brand that gives you a great shaving experience. Made with a formula that penetrates deep to soften your whiskers and prepare it for shaving. Not only that, it also holds moisture for the blade to easily glide across the skin and hydrates it for a smooth feel and less razor burn.
Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Gel
This shaving cream is specially designed for sensitive skin. It is also made with Chamomile extract, Witch Hazel and Vitamin E, ingredients that soothe and hydrate your skin while reducing any irritation and inflammation. This product is fast absorbing and is alcohol-free.
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream
This luxurious shaving cream will give you a very unique experience. The Taylor of Old Bond Shaving Cream is formulated with a smooth and creamy lather that has a classic fragrance topped with various natural ingredients. It also comes in a bowl which makes for an easy use and application.
The Art of Shaving Oud Shaving Cream
This product is will to liven up morning shave with its dark and rich aroma. By promoting a smooth razor glide, this product is a great product for shaving and is also great at helping to protect against skin irritation and razor burns.
V76 by Vaughn Clean Shave Hydrating Gel Cream
This shaving cream is made with Blue lipospheres enriched with Vitamin E, ingredients that soothe and hydrate your skin to maintain natural moisture levels. It is also lightweight and contains aloe vera to seal the moisture and relieve irritated skin. This vegan shaving cream is also made without parabens, sulfates, mineral, oil, petroleum, and gluten.
OmniShaver Shave Butter
Made with a refreshing blend of Tea Tree, Aloe, & Shea Butter that soothes your skin and makes it feel fresh after shaving. It also leaves a subtle pleasant scent. By using a small amount of this product, you can have a slippery lather that spreads and washes off easily.
Barbasol Soothing Aloe Thick & Rich Shaving Cream
Featuring Aloe as a key ingredient, this is another Barbasol product that softens even tough beards. In addition, it also moisturizes dry skin for an easy and comfortable shave. This is a Thick & Rich shaving cream that comes in a rustproof can and contains quality ingredients with no CFCs.
HeadBlade HeadSlick Men’s Head & Skull Shaving Cream
This water-soluble shaving cream makes blades rinse easily for a great product on the go. It also contains special lubricants that allow blades to glide easily along the skin. On top of that, it leaves a cool menthol feeling for a refreshing experience after each shave.
Lather & Wood Shaving Soap
By having Tallow and Shea Butter as ingredients, this Shaving soap can make a large amount of this rich and slippery lather that does not dissipate even after an hour in your shaving bowl. This lather gives your skin moisture and protection against razor bumps and shaving irritation. In addition, it is infused with an earthy sandalwood scent that is not too overpowering.
BEE BALD SHAVE Premium Shave Cream
This light and slick shave will give a quick and smooth shave that is suited for both men and women. By only using a small amount, this shave cream can already do a lot for your skin. It is formulated with honey, pollen, and other ingredients that give the proper care, even for sensitive skin.
Pacific Shaving Company Caffeinated Shaving Cream
This shaving cream will give you a ton of benefits with the antioxidant-rich caffeine as an ingredient. All of its other ingredients are also safe and natural like aloe, shea butter and spearmint essential oil to keep your skin healthy, moisturized, and free of razor burn.
Pacific Shaving Company Natural Shaving Oil
Another product by the Pacific Shaving Company that is made with safe and natural ingredients. This product gives a great glide and does not clog the pores of your skin. This will help reduce skin irritation and skin bumps. Lastly, it will soothe and hydrate your skin to keep it healthy-looking.
MARLOWE Shave Cream
Made with Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, ingredients that soothe your skin while making a barrier to prepare your skin for a close shave. It is also formulated with ingredients that relieves any inflammation. As a finish, it also has aloe, citrus, and a woody base that leaves a light scent.
Our Pick
We highly recommend you pick the Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel. This product is really gentle, especially those who have dry skin, and can really moisturize your skin for an easier shave. But if you have tough hair that is hard to remove, then we highly recommend you try the Barbasol Original Shaving Cream as this product is really effective in dealing with those problems.