Head Shaving.... pointers / advice / good youtube videos

Hello there,

I've now went full circle using all of my Vintage & modern SE razors...When I first started to wet shave my head and before I had the shaving confidence to shave with a DE or SE my razor of choice was the Gillette Guard.

It's one of the few cartridge razors that I still add to my razor rotation and will continue to do so in the near future.

My first maiden shave with it felt like I was shaving with a potato peeler due to the tilting/pivoting head design but what I really like about is it doesn't clog up due to it been open comb having a large blade gap, one of the few if any open comb single edge cartridge razors on the market. It's excellent for tight spots and problem areas.

The Gillette Guard is easy to adjust to when shaving with it...I can normally get 3-5 max combined face & head shaves from one cartridge-head which is excellent value especially for head/dome shaving....

It's an ideal travel razor, or when you're in need of a quick close presentable face or head shave. What more can you ask for, admittedly I wouldn't replace it for my DE or SE razors but I will continue putting the Gillette guard into my razor rotation from time to time.

If I had to choose one go-to razor for shaving my head then the Gillette guard would be a very strong contender purely because it's such a comfortable good performing razor to use the pivoting head makes the shave effortless almost "auto pilot safe" without having to find the right shaving angle as the Gillette guard head does it for you which is a big bonus especially for head/dome shaving adding to that the replacement heads/cartridge you can get at a very inexpensive reasonable price.

Link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385300187038?itmmeta=01HX3KB4YZV4B52MHBXZPQ8P49&hash=item59b5ae479e:g:ffYAAOSwL7ljnjEI&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAA4IF92m/WSzUcykx9hyf2s93JVzhHeBDi2RSZNpHZE1rmB/fU6bY0G0ofc7BRAec0zEWGTDtlM60UszZJ0N9YlOP6KXjiKGv4H4jdNMeMxXqVprXlABwp3qlx2m0R8KX7Fu5W5+EfXvlBnVkM86hIwXl/LdnYsdQB8YPH3CjJjFk9+Uzfr5jgH21rGinarfWobYiWgRgcoojULs3gkQj6MFT1k7SrRl2/hep83e4xz9uY8BikSycvmFz9LLO+ffUaj8+XF3j8vWdI99pC93PPBpvq329zpeNrM60XxW8VZykJ|tkp:BFBM1s-s8-hj&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=0&customid=&campid=710-53481-19255-0&toolid=10001&mpt=8313859&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=0&customid=&campid=710-53481-19255-0&toolid=10001&mpt=2621643&var=654802620441

P.S. When I re-order I always go for the 2 Razors + 26 Cartridges choice.
 
Palmolive fox said:
Hello there,

I've now went full circle using all of my Vintage & modern SE razors...When I first started to wet shave my head and before I had the shaving confidence to shave with a DE or SE my razor of choice was the Gillette Guard.

It's one of the few cartridge razors that I still add to my razor rotation and will continue to do so in the near future.

My first maiden shave with it felt like I was shaving with a potato peeler due to the tilting/pivoting head design but what I really like about is it doesn't clog up due to it been open comb having a large blade gap, one of the few if any open comb single edge cartridge razors on the market. It's excellent for tight spots and problem areas.

The Gillette Guard is easy to adjust to when shaving with it...I can normally get 3-5 max combined face & head shaves from one cartridge-head which is excellent value especially for head/dome shaving....

It's an ideal travel razor, or when you're in need of a quick close presentable face or head shave. What more can you ask for, admittedly I wouldn't replace it for my DE or SE razors but I will continue putting the Gillette guard into my razor rotation from time to time.

If I had to choose one go-to razor for shaving my head then the Gillette guard would be a very strong contender purely because it's such a comfortable good performing razor to use the pivoting head makes the shave effortless almost "auto pilot safe" without having to find the right shaving angle as the Gillette guard head does it for you which is a big bonus especially for head/dome shaving adding to that the replacement heads/cartridge you can get at a very inexpensive reasonable price.

Link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385300187038?itmmeta=01HX3KB4YZV4B52MHBXZPQ8P49&hash=item59b5ae479e:g:ffYAAOSwL7ljnjEI&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAA4IF92m/WSzUcykx9hyf2s93JVzhHeBDi2RSZNpHZE1rmB/fU6bY0G0ofc7BRAec0zEWGTDtlM60UszZJ0N9YlOP6KXjiKGv4H4jdNMeMxXqVprXlABwp3qlx2m0R8KX7Fu5W5+EfXvlBnVkM86hIwXl/LdnYsdQB8YPH3CjJjFk9+Uzfr5jgH21rGinarfWobYiWgRgcoojULs3gkQj6MFT1k7SrRl2/hep83e4xz9uY8BikSycvmFz9LLO+ffUaj8+XF3j8vWdI99pC93PPBpvq329zpeNrM60XxW8VZykJ|tkp:BFBM1s-s8-hj&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=0&customid=&campid=710-53481-19255-0&toolid=10001&mpt=8313859&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=0&customid=&campid=710-53481-19255-0&toolid=10001&mpt=2621643&var=654802620441

P.S. When I re-order I always go for the 2 Razors + 26 Cartridges choice.
Click to expand...
I have two questions, if you don't mind:
- Why not get just the cartridges themselves when ordering? E.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/205228689105 looks rather alright.
- Have you had a chance to try the Penny Shaver?
 
The reason why I order the 2 Razors + 26 Cartridges choice is purely to have spare handles, once the pivot head on the handle becomes loose, which is after 6-7 months with constant use.

I'm aware of the Penny Shaver, but the Gillette guard serves the same purpose. Granted, the Penny Shaver has a more sturdy handle.
 
that's exactly what I was wondering. if the handles eventually wear out and need replacing periodically.

I've got a handle and some cartridges but still yet to use them. my cartridges for travel currently are the morrisons 3 blade since they're cheap and easily available locally but nice and sharp. think they're made by dorco? lidl have the same ones but branded cien. I've seen them in spanish supermarkets with their own branding too.
 
semi said:
that's exactly what I was wondering. if the handles eventually wear out and need replacing periodically.

I've got a handle and some cartridges but still yet to use them. my cartridges for travel currently are the morrisons 3 blade since they're cheap and easily available locally but nice and sharp. think they're made by dorco? lidl have the same ones but branded cien. I've seen them in spanish supermarkets with their own branding too.
Click to expand...
I also use the Lidl cien twin blade cartridges with the swivel head for a quick head shave with no fuss.
 
Last edited:
Will probably opt for a Leaf when the time comes, as one of the reasons I started DE shaving was seeing washed up plastic razors on beaches in Indonesia. I’m trying to get better and order solely from the UK as the irony of for example ordering soaps and EDPs to be sent from Canada to the UK is not lost on me!
 
Just a quick follow up on this. I almost pulled the trigger on a leaf (the 3 blade) but got cold feet as wondered if I’d get frustrated with the blade inserting and find it a bit fiddly. Has anyone used a Leaf Thorn for head shaves? Wondered how you found it? Thanks
 
I have the full Leaf family and if you are going to head shave then go with the Leaf. The others are just ok but the Leaf is much better.
Just an FYI I am talking about just for shaving the head.
You know you don't have to use all 3 slots and once inserted they are good for at least 6 shaves before you need to remove them.
 
Johnny Bravo said:
I have the full Leaf family and if you are going to head shave then go with the Leaf. The others are just ok but the Leaf is much better.
Just an FYI I am talking about just for shaving the head.
You know you don't have to use all 3 slots and once inserted they are good for at least 6 shaves before you need to remove them.
Click to expand...
I totally agree, once I bought the leaf for head shaving I’ve never used anything else. If I am in a rush I sometimes use it for face shaving too, using a Shavette to get under my nostrils. It gives a very close shave especially when you load all three slots.
 
I'm a dedicated Leaf user for shaving my head. I haven't found anything to beat it. I used to load all three slots, but lately I've found loading the top and bottom slots only works just as well for me. I'm also giving the Shavent a try. Only used it once with the supplied 3 x Debry blades, which I found to be very rough, so I'll be giving it a go with Lord Super Stainless (one of my go-to bladfes) tomorrow to see if its smoother.
 
Really enjoyable exercise testing out a few different razors courtesy of the gentleman @Johnny Bravo . Also invaluable, as based on what I’d read and watched I’d have bought a Leaf had i not done this testing, and I’m sure I’d have been pretty happy but have missed out on a razor that hadn’t even crossed my mind for head shaving.

YMMV, so this is all very subjective, and is based on my skin (oily), personal preferences, and growth (coarse sandpaper within 24hrs!).

When I received the razors I expected that my order of preference would be: Leaf, Leaf Two, Henson+++, Henson++, Bison. I’ve had aluminium razors before (e.g. a Yaqi AC Excalibur) but I found it too light / toy like, so unfairly I probably expected to dislike aluminium.

All are roughly the same price range, so I decided primarily on what was best, for me, for head shaving. That said, if forcing myself to pick one, I did factor in use for face shaving too. I tried with a few different blades so compared like with like to get an overall / average view

1 Bison
+
Ranked top as perfect for both head and face
I just seemed to gel perfectly with this razor
So, so easy to shave with - it just worked with minimal effort / concentration
Very light
Great design and aesthetics
Love the Handle length, knurling
Clever lather channeling
Pleasing to use - feel on face / head, feedback, noise during shave. Just a really good match for me
-
Definitely better with a sharper blade

2 Henson +++
+
Incredibly light
Great design with tabs covered so no ear nicks
Super smooth
Brilliant face shaver
Felt Very natural & intuitive for head shaving
Just pips the Leaf as it's perfect for both head and face
-
Didn't love the handle

3 Leaf
Thought about giving 2nd equal but I like keeping things simple & I decided I’d prefer 1 razor that can do it all and I'm lazy so prefer no faff with snapping blades
+
Liked the weight at 93g
Found the flexing / pivot easy to get used to
Long handle made head shave easy
3 blades worked best for me - v efficient but 2 were absolutely fine too
Screw down was actually fine for me once I got used to it
-
Fiddly snapping and inserting blades although to be fair you do not need to change frequently
Clogged if lather too thick better with thinner lather
Better with minimal growth

4 Henson ++
+
Incredibly light
Great design with tabs covered so no ear nicks
Super smooth
Good for face shaving with minimal growth
-
Too mild for my stubble
Didn't love the handle

5 Leaf Two
+
Once I'd got used to flexing head was very effective at face shaving
Magnetic snap was useful
-
Felt Heavier than I expected - the additional 13g made a difference to me
Difficult to explain why but I just didn't like the feel of the flexing / pivoting v the original
Fiddly snapping and inserting blades
Needed multiple passes and touch ups on head

So, I’ll be buying a Bison when a colour I like is back in stock, or @Johnny Bravo yours may be ‘lost’ in the return post

Have a great week everyone
 
Sandpaper said:
Really enjoyable exercise testing out a few different razors courtesy of the gentleman @Johnny Bravo . Also invaluable, as based on what I’d read and watched I’d have bought a Leaf had i not done this testing, and I’m sure I’d have been pretty happy but have missed out on a razor that hadn’t even crossed my mind for head shaving.

YMMV, so this is all very subjective, and is based on my skin (oily), personal preferences, and growth (coarse sandpaper within 24hrs!).

When I received the razors I expected that my order of preference would be: Leaf, Leaf Two, Henson+++, Henson++, Bison. I’ve had aluminium razors before (e.g. a Yaqi AC Excalibur) but I found it too light / toy like, so unfairly I probably expected to dislike aluminium.

All are roughly the same price range, so I decided primarily on what was best, for me, for head shaving. That said, if forcing myself to pick one, I did factor in use for face shaving too. I tried with a few different blades so compared like with like to get an overall / average view

1 Bison
+
Ranked top as perfect for both head and face
I just seemed to gel perfectly with this razor
So, so easy to shave with - it just worked with minimal effort / concentration
Very light
Great design and aesthetics
Love the Handle length, knurling
Clever lather channeling
Pleasing to use - feel on face / head, feedback, noise during shave. Just a really good match for me
-
Definitely better with a sharper blade

2 Henson +++
+
Incredibly light
Great design with tabs covered so no ear nicks
Super smooth
Brilliant face shaver
Felt Very natural & intuitive for head shaving
Just pips the Leaf as it's perfect for both head and face
-
Didn't love the handle

3 Leaf
Thought about giving 2nd equal but I like keeping things simple & I decided I’d prefer 1 razor that can do it all and I'm lazy so prefer no faff with snapping blades
+
Liked the weight at 93g
Found the flexing / pivot easy to get used to
Long handle made head shave easy
3 blades worked best for me - v efficient but 2 were absolutely fine too
Screw down was actually fine for me once I got used to it
-
Fiddly snapping and inserting blades although to be fair you do not need to change frequently
Clogged if lather too thick better with thinner lather
Better with minimal growth

4 Henson ++
+
Incredibly light
Great design with tabs covered so no ear nicks
Super smooth
Good for face shaving with minimal growth
-
Too mild for my stubble
Didn't love the handle

5 Leaf Two
+
Once I'd got used to flexing head was very effective at face shaving
Magnetic snap was useful
-
Felt Heavier than I expected - the additional 13g made a difference to me
Difficult to explain why but I just didn't like the feel of the flexing / pivoting v the original
Fiddly snapping and inserting blades
Needed multiple passes and touch ups on head

So, I’ll be buying a Bison when a colour I like is back in stock, or @Johnny Bravo yours may be ‘lost’ in the return post

Have a great week everyone
Click to expand...
Great post and I'm glad to have enabled you ha ha.
 
Sandpaper said:
Really enjoyable exercise testing out a few different razors courtesy of the gentleman @Johnny Bravo . Also invaluable, as based on what I’d read and watched I’d have bought a Leaf had i not done this testing, and I’m sure I’d have been pretty happy but have missed out on a razor that hadn’t even crossed my mind for head shaving.

YMMV, so this is all very subjective, and is based on my skin (oily), personal preferences, and growth (coarse sandpaper within 24hrs!).

When I received the razors I expected that my order of preference would be: Leaf, Leaf Two, Henson+++, Henson++, Bison. I’ve had aluminium razors before (e.g. a Yaqi AC Excalibur) but I found it too light / toy like, so unfairly I probably expected to dislike aluminium.

All are roughly the same price range, so I decided primarily on what was best, for me, for head shaving. That said, if forcing myself to pick one, I did factor in use for face shaving too. I tried with a few different blades so compared like with like to get an overall / average view

1 Bison
+
Ranked top as perfect for both head and face
I just seemed to gel perfectly with this razor
So, so easy to shave with - it just worked with minimal effort / concentration
Very light
Great design and aesthetics
Love the Handle length, knurling
Clever lather channeling
Pleasing to use - feel on face / head, feedback, noise during shave. Just a really good match for me
-
Definitely better with a sharper blade

2 Henson +++
+
Incredibly light
Great design with tabs covered so no ear nicks
Super smooth
Brilliant face shaver
Felt Very natural & intuitive for head shaving
Just pips the Leaf as it's perfect for both head and face
-
Didn't love the handle

3 Leaf
Thought about giving 2nd equal but I like keeping things simple & I decided I’d prefer 1 razor that can do it all and I'm lazy so prefer no faff with snapping blades
+
Liked the weight at 93g
Found the flexing / pivot easy to get used to
Long handle made head shave easy
3 blades worked best for me - v efficient but 2 were absolutely fine too
Screw down was actually fine for me once I got used to it
-
Fiddly snapping and inserting blades although to be fair you do not need to change frequently
Clogged if lather too thick better with thinner lather
Better with minimal growth

4 Henson ++
+
Incredibly light
Great design with tabs covered so no ear nicks
Super smooth
Good for face shaving with minimal growth
-
Too mild for my stubble
Didn't love the handle

5 Leaf Two
+
Once I'd got used to flexing head was very effective at face shaving
Magnetic snap was useful
-
Felt Heavier than I expected - the additional 13g made a difference to me
Difficult to explain why but I just didn't like the feel of the flexing / pivoting v the original
Fiddly snapping and inserting blades
Needed multiple passes and touch ups on head

So, I’ll be buying a Bison when a colour I like is back in stock, or @Johnny Bravo yours may be ‘lost’ in the return post

Have a great week everyone
Click to expand...
Great write up, thanks. I wish I could have one razor for both head and face. I’ve tried Feather AS-D2, Fat Handle Tech, Blackland Era and Vector and Twig Thorn and couldn’t get a good head shave out of any of them. It’s probably my technique as quite a few love the Vector for head shaving. I only use the Leaf for head shaves now but it isn’t good for face shaving as you need another razor to get under the nostrils.
 
Great write up. I'm shaving my head since December and Bison is also my favourite. I've tried almost every razor I own but nothing can move Bison from top spot. I think that's mostly due to the weight as after lathering the head (I'm shaving head in the evening and face in the morning) my arm gets a bit tired and manoeuvring heavy razor doesn't help. I do like the performance of the Bison on face too but I don't like the aluminium razor feeling on it. For me all aluminium razors have that drag feeling which I don't mind while head shaving.
 
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