The pleasure dome

For many men, there comes a time when they're ready to join the ranks of Stanley Tucci, Patrick Stewart, and Samuel L. Jackson and shave their heads. A head shave done by a barber is an easy way to maintain a shaved head. To do it yourself, follow these tips from dermatologist Dr. Mathew Avram with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

1. Get a stubble

First cut your hair to stubble length using an electric hair trimmer. This will make your hair easier to shave. Use a zero setting on the trimmer and cut with the grain (the direction your hair grows). Make several passes to make sure you don't miss any spots.

2. Choose your razor or shaver

Razors come in two types: blade razors and electric shavers.

Blade razors include disposable cartridge razors and safety razors. Cartridge razors have three to five blades and flexible heads. Safety razors are a single double-edge blade mounted in a metal or plastic shell attached atop a handle.

Electric shavers include rotary and foil styles. Electric rotary shavers use circular blades (three, four, or five) that rotate behind metal guards. Electric foil shavers use oscillating blades that move sideways at high speed underneath one or more horizontal protective screens.

For some men, an electric shaver is sufficient. But for a smoother feel — or if you don't want to use an electric shaver — use a cartridge or safety razor. "Your choice depends on personal preference," says Dr. Avram.

3. Prep your scalp

Rinse your head with warm water or take a warm shower to open up the pores, which minimizes irritation. Pat your head dry. Apply a thin layer of shaving oil, gel, or foam over your entire head.

4. Shave

Begin at the back of the head and shave with the grain of your hair. Move from the back of the head to the sides, then the crown, and finally the front.

Electric shave: With a rotary shaver, use slow, circular motions. With a foil razor, use steady downward strokes.

Blade shave: Take slow, short, gliding strokes. Rinse the razor after each stroke. For a safety razor, maintain about a 30° angle when shaving to ensure a consistent shave, and avoid pressing too hard, which can cause cuts.

Rub your fingertips over your head to feel for missed areas and go over them again, reapplying oil, gel, or foam as needed. For difficult spots like around the ears and at the back of the neck, use your free hand to pull the skin up to get a closer shave. "You may have to shave against the grain for tough-to-shave spots, but keep this to a minimum to avoid skin irritation," says Dr. Avram.

5. After care

When you've finished shaving, rinse your head with cold water and apply an alcohol-free balm or cream to rehydrate your skin. Wash your scalp daily as you would your face to eliminate oil and sweat.

6. Maintain your look

How often you shave your head is an individual choice, says Dr. Avram. "Once you have a clean shave, it's quick and easy to do a daily touch-up," he says. "Or you could do it every two or three days to reduce the daily maintenance." Keep in mind that if you let your hair grow back too much, you may have to cut it to a stubble again before shaving.

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