How to shave your head: with clippers or a head shaver
In short: clippers with no guide comb take you down to about 0.5 mm. That's short enough for a clean bald look, but you'll keep a light stubble. If you want it genuinely smooth, follow up with a head shaver or a razor. Work from the top down, against the direction of growth, and keep your skin slightly taut. Which clippers suit this best is explained in best clippers for a bald head.
Shaving your own head: what to know the first time
The first time is mostly about getting used to it, not about technique. Three things nobody tells you beforehand:
- Your head isn't round. There are bumps, a crown and a flat spot at the back. You have to work around them, and you'll feel them more than you'll see them.
- It takes longer than you think. Allow twenty to thirty minutes the first time. After a few goes, you'll be done in ten.
- You only spot mistakes in different light. When you're done, step outside or into another room. You'll almost never see missed patches in your own bathroom mirror.
Going bald for the first time? Take it down in stages rather than all at once. You can always go shorter, never longer.
What you'll need
- Clippers with a strong motor and adjustable guide combs
- Two mirrors, or a mirror plus your phone camera for the back
- A head shaver or razor, only if you want it completely smooth
- Shaving gel, only if you're using a razor
- An alcohol-free aftershave balm
Which clippers do you need?
Your scalp is more sensitive than your face, and you're working over a curved surface. That asks more of your clippers than a normal haircut. Here's what matters:
- A motor that doesn't slow down. As soon as the speed drops, clippers start pulling instead of cutting, and you'll feel it on your scalp straight away.
- Skin-safe blades. You're working right against the skin with no guide comb, so rounded blade edges aren't a luxury.
- Enough battery for a full session. Recharging halfway means less power halfway, and that shows up as uneven patches.
If you'll be using them on your head regularly, look for a model that's up to the job. In our guide to the best clippers for a bald head you can compare clippers and a head shaver side by side, and our clipper collection shows all models.
How to shave your head in 5 steps
- Start with a longer guide comb. Going bald for the first time? Start at 3 mm, then work down to 1.5 mm. That gives you time to get used to the feel and the look before there's no going back.
- Work from the top down. Start at the crown and work towards the sides and neck. Use your free hand to keep your skin slightly taut, so the surface stays flat and the result stays even.
- Go against the grain. The hair on your head doesn't all grow in the same direction. Work against the growth zone by zone, then do a second pass crosswise so you don't miss any patches.
- Take the guide comb off for the final pass. Without a comb you'll get down to about half a millimetre. Take your time and let the clippers do the work: pressing harder won't give you shorter stubble, just irritation. Lots of men use a Revahs Head Shaver for exactly this last pass. Its flexible shaving head follows the shape of your skull for an even finish from crown to neck.
- Rinse with cold water and moisturise. Cold water closes your pores. Then apply a soothing, alcohol-free balm.
Clippers, head shaver or razor?
Clippers cut right down to the skin, but not against it. That difference decides which of the three you need.
| Result | Advantage | When | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clippers | About 0.5 mm stubble | Quick, very little risk of irritation or ingrown hairs | Weekly upkeep |
| Head shaver | Smooth, without a loose blade | Follows the shape of your skull, even at the back by feel | Every few days, no fuss |
| Razor | Completely smooth | The smoothest finish, stays clean the longest | When you want it truly smooth |
A head shaver sits between the other two. You won't get quite the ultra-smooth finish of a razor, but you'll be quicker, you won't cut yourself, and you can do the back by feel. For most men, that's the practical choice.
Most men combine them: clippers to bring it down to stubble, then a head shaver or razor for the final stretch.
Revahs Head Shaver
Want to go past clipper stubble to completely smooth? Plenty of men use this head shaver for exactly that final step: a magnetic shaving head that works close to the skin, with less risk of irritation than a loose razor.
View the Head ShaverCommon mistakes
- Using blunt blades. They pull instead of cut, and they're the biggest cause of irritation.
- Not being able to see the back. Without a second mirror, you're guaranteed to miss a strip at the neck.
- Rushing without a pattern. Going back and forth at random leaves patches you'll only spot in different light.
- Skipping aftercare. A freshly shaved scalp has lost its protective layer.
Looking after your scalp
After shaving, your scalp is more sensitive to sun, cold and friction. Three things that make the difference:
- Apply a moisturising lotion or alcohol-free aftershave every day
- Wear sunscreen on your head, at least SPF 30. Your scalp burns faster than you'd think
- Don't scratch or rub, even if it itches in the first few days
Looking for clippers that can handle your head?
Compare clippers and a head shaver on best clippers for a bald head, or take a look at our head shavers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shave my head bald without a razor?
Yes. Good clippers with no guide comb take you down to about half a millimetre. That's short enough for a bald look, though you'll keep a light stubble. For completely smooth, use a head shaver or a razor.
What's the best shaver for a bald head?
One with a shaving head that moves with the shape of your skull, so you get an even result even at the back, by feel. A fixed head is more likely to skip patches on the curve of your head.
How often should I touch up my head?
With clippers, every two to three days on average, depending on how fast your hair grows. Because you're not shaving against the skin, daily is fine too without causing irritation.
What's the best guide comb for beginners?
Start with 3 mm. It shows you how you'll look without any point of no return, and from there you can work shorter in stages.
Which clippers are best for a bald head?
Look for three things: a motor that holds its speed, skin-safe blade edges and enough battery for a full session in one go. If a model falls short on any of those, your scalp will let you know.
Can I shave my head with a beard trimmer?
For the edges, yes. For your whole head, no. A beard trimmer has a narrow head and a lighter motor, made for short beard hair. A full head takes much longer, it heats up and starts pulling. Use clippers with a wide cutting head for your head, and the trimmer only for your neck and around your ears.
How do you shave the back of your head when you can't see it?
Use two mirrors, or take a photo with your phone afterwards. And work in a fixed pattern from top to bottom, so you're relying on a system rather than on what you can see.
Why are there tufts left at my crown?
At your crown the hair grows in a swirl. Whichever direction you go, some of the hairs lie flat under the blade and don't get cut. So go over it twice: first front to back, then left to right. Then run your flat hand over your head against the grain. If it feels spiky anywhere, there's still a tuft there.
Why does my head get irritated after shaving?
Usually blunt blades, too much pressure or going over the same spot too often. Let the device do the work and apply an alcohol-free balm afterwards.
Do I need to protect my head from the sun after shaving it bald?
Yes. A freshly shaved head is skin that has been under your hair for years, so it burns quickly, even in northern Europe and even in spring. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 if you're outside for a long time, or wear a cap.
