How to Get a Smooth, Bald Look

By: Chance Henson

Christopher Robbins/Photodisc/Getty Images

A bald head is a terrible thing to waste. Whether you shave your head for the smooth, sleek look it provides, or to avoid the slow agony of a thinning hairline, make sure that you do it right. Although the bald look can appear to be low maintenance, it requires careful attention to detail and a very steady hand. Carelessness could leave you with unsightly mishaps such as ingrown hairs and razor burn. Use tried-and-true methods to give yourself an at-home, professional-grade head shave.

Step 1

Ensure that your hair and scalp are clean and dry, then remove the guard comb from a pair of electric hair clippers.

Step 2

Glide the clippers from the front hairline to the rear top of your head. Use straight, even motions, and brush the hair from the clippers between sweeps to avoid clogging the blades.

Step 3

Run the clippers with smooth, upward motions from the nape of your neck to the rear crown of your head. Use your hands to feel your way through the shave, or use two mirrors -- one behind your head and one in front of you -- to ensure that you don't miss sections.

Step 4

Repeat the process for each side of your head. Remember to shave from bottom to top, and brush the loose hair from the clippers between sweeps.

Step 5

Shower or bathe with hot water and shampoo to soften the residual hairs, clean your scalp and open your pores.

Step 6

Wet a shaving brush with hot water, then use it to scoop up a generous portion of shaving cream.

Step 7

Apply the shaving cream to your scalp with circular motions until your head is well-coated with the product.

Step 8

Use a clean, sharp razor to shave in the direction of hair growth with short, even strokes and very gentle pressure until the entire scalp is smoothly shaved.