A receding hairline can affect your self-esteem and make you look older than you actually are. Many men resort to shaving their head to hide this flaw. However, improper shaving technique and using the wrong grooming tools can result in a hairline shadow that still shows your bald areas. To get rid of this shadow, it's essential to get a close shave so that none of the hair roots is visible on the surface of your head.

Allow your hair to grow out to a length of approximately one-eighth of an inch. Avoid growing your hair out too long because this makes getting a close shave more difficult.

Take a warm shower. The warmth from the shower opens your pores and softens your hair, making it easier to shave. As an alternative, wet a towel with hot water and wrap it around your head. Leave the towel on your head for 15 minutes. Use water that's as hot as you can comfortable handle.

Wet a washcloth with warm water and rub it against your hair growth to help the hairs stand up.

Lather shaving cream or gel over your hair with a shaving brush. A shaving brush helps distribute the product thoroughly and pushes the hairs off your scalp. Use your fingers if you don't have a shaving brush. Give the cream at least three minutes to soften your hair even more.

Shave your head in the direction of the hair growth. Use a new, sharp razor blade and start at the sides of your head because this is where hair is at its softest. Shave the back of your head last. Make smooth single strokes to get rid of the hair. Avoid going over an area more than once because this may trigger irritation, nicks and cuts. Rinse your razor blade frequently with cold water to keep the hair from building up on the blade.

Apply another layer of shaving cream or gel to your head with your shaving brush or fingers.

Shave your head again, but this time go against the direction of your hair growth. This cuts the hairs even shorter and eliminates the hairline shadow. Avoid shaving over the same area twice.

Rinse your head with water and make the final rinse a cold-water rinse to close up your pores. As an alternative, wet a towel with cold water and wipe your scalp with the towel.

Apply an aftershave lotion to your scalp. Use an aftershave product that contains vitamin E or aloe vera, which soothe the skin.