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Shaving your head is an art, one committed baldies perfect over years of figuring out what works for them. But for the first-time head shaver, a few simple guidelines will help your first head shave go smoothly.
Shaving your head bald, for some, is a scenario they've gone through mentally many times before actually taking a razor to their scalps. For others, their first head shave is an impulsive, spur-of-the-moment thing. I'd have to say my first head shave was a bit of both. I did have the benefit of some knowledge of head shaving technique, but I basically had to figure it out for myself. A good beginner's guide to shaving your head sure would have been nice. In that spirit, here's a fairly comprehensive outline of the basics, from somebody who has been bald by choice for 17 years.
Be careful
One of the mistakes people often make when shaving their heads for the first time is to forget that a previously unshaven scalp is very sensitive.
It's understandable to want a perfectly smooth head right away. I know I did the first time. Bald means smooth, and you want to be bald. But this can lead the inexperienced head shaver to shave the same areas repeatedly from multiple angles, pressing too hard on the scalp and often continuing after the shaving cream has stopped offering any lubrication and started to get sticky. The result can be nicks, irritation and ingrown hairs marring your beautiful bald head the following day. Not good.
Clean your scalp, and lather well
The first thing to consider is a clean scalp, free of dirt, excess oil, etc. If you're shaving your head for the first time and don't happen to have a friend who is skilled with a straight razor, I'm assuming you've clipped your hair to the scalp and are now covered in hair clippings. Before you go any further, wash your head with soap and water. Better yet, take a shower. If this is not practical in your particular circumstances, at least wipe your head down with a warm wash cloth.
Your next concern is good lubrication. There are lots of good products out there, some specifically for shaving your head Some commercial shaving creams are better than others. I recommend if you're going the canned shaving cream route to get a moisturizing shaving gel specifically for sensitive skin. I rather like Aveeno shave gel, with colloidal oatmeal.
Canned shaving cream should still be used with a shaving brush. Put a generous amount of gel on your head, wet your brush and work that shaving cream into your scalp with a firm circular motion, kind of like brushing your teeth. Work your way around your head, wetting the brush occasionally. Don't be in too much of a hurry. Lathering up is an important step, and it can also be fun.
Myself, I haven't used shaving cream in years. I find good bar soap (natural handmade soap, not your typical Irish Spring or Zest) does a great job. Some kinds of hand lotion are nice, as are sugar scrubs made with natural oils. I personally like to use a sugar scrub, which exfoliates and leaves a light coating of oil that I just lather right over top of. I'll get into scrubs in more detail in a future post.
Use a good razor
Now that you are lathered up, get a razor with a brand new blade. Always use a new blade on virgin scalp. I can't stress that enough. You'll be experiencing a bald head for the first time, so don't make it a sore, itchy, reddish one.
I've tried just about every popular razor, and the best one for shaving your head, in my opinion, is the Gillette Mach 3. There are cheaper razors, there are fancier ones, and there are ones made specifically for shaving your head, but of all the options, the Mach 3 is just about the best head shaving razor out there. Its design allows lather and hair to pass right through, so it requires less rinsing and unless the hair you're shaving is longer than an eighth of an inch, it's virtually clog-proof. And it also seems to give the greatest number of comfortable head shaves per blade than any razor I've tried. One blade can last me two or three weeks, and still give a good shave when its indicator strip has not only changed color, but just about worn away completely in the middle. But I'm a head shaver of almost 20 years. For a beginner, I'd recommend changing razor blades much more frequently. If the razor seems to pull or drag or feel at all uncomfortable on your scalp, change the blade. As your scalp gets tougher and you get more experience at shaving your head, you'll figure out what works for you.
Direction of hair growth
There is some debate over shaving with the grain vs against the grain. If you want a smooth head, you have to shave against the grain. However, I don't recommend shaving the back of your neck against the grain, at least not at first. Anything above the ears is generally fine, but being a little overzealous on the first shave can make a mess of your neck. It might not be obvious at first, but by the next day it's going to look like a pepperoni pizza.
What I recommend for a first-time shaver is a simple front-to-back shaving motion. Start at the forehead, and shave toward the back of your neck in nice smooth strokes, trying not to go over the same spot more than a couple of times. You'll get the top and sides nice and smooth. The back will feel rough if you stroke upward with your hand, but it will still be pretty smooth in the other direction. Do it this way for a week or two, and then you can try angling your strokes slightly across the grain. After a while, your scalp will get used to the shaving and you can go against the grain at the back.
Never forget that if your head starts to get dry or sticky while shaving, put some more lather on, or at least wet it a little, to keep that razor gliding smoothly. This is also a good time to wet a couple of fingers and move them in little circles on your scalp. You'll feel any spot that you didn't get smooth, and you'll know which direction that hair is growing in. There will be areas that require shaving in more than one direction. The crown is particularly tricky, but you also have to be careful around the hairline, behind the ears, and where the sides meet the top of your head. Feel while you shave. It will make the job easier, and it will keep your lather from drying out. For the sake of neatness and maintaining moisture, you might want to try shaving your head in the shower.
Care and maintenance
As for caring for your shaved head, I've never been one for creams or lotions, but you will want to keep from getting a dry scalp. An oily scalp is more likely to be a concern, as your bald scalp continues to produce oil for a head of hair that isn't there. An occasional wipe with a washcloth or a cleansing pad in addition to your daily shower is all you need.
Time of day makes a difference. The most convenient time to shave your head is most likely in the morning, but it does come at a small price. Your scalp swells ever so slighly while you sleep horizontally, and then shrinks again after you get up. That means your smooth morning head shave will not stay smooth for long. If you're up for a little while before you shave, the swelling will have a chance to come down and you can get a closer shave. Evening is a great time to shave, as you get a very close shave, and it actually feels great to go to bed with a freshly shaved head. But evening is not usually the time for a daily shave, since it won't be fresh for the following day.
However, it is sometimes a good idea to have a second shave in the evening if you're going out, just to freshen up your head and get rid of that five o'clock shadow.
As for how often to shave your head, that's entirely up to you. Personally, I'm so accustomed to being bald, I don't feel clean if I get any stubble up there, so I like to shave my head every day. Some people go a few days because their scalp gets irritated. I used to, but it's been my experience that daily head shaving actually conditions the scalp better in the long run, and keeps it cleaner, thus avoiding break-outs. Skipping days actually seems to increase my chances of skin irritation, razor burn or acne.
Try it for a while
The other deciding factor for me is that I see myself as a bald man, and that's how I want to be seen. To me, occasional stubble detracts from my baldness. It's a reminder that there is still the potential for hair there.
In the end, you can ask ten head shavers for advice and get ten different answers. Shaving your head is a very personal thing, and if you're committed to maintaining a bald head, you'll do a fair bit of experimenting, which is really the only way to determine what works for you. But I hope I've given you a place to start.
And to stray for just a moment from the nuts and bolts of being bald by choice, there is a psychological and emotional aspect that should not be ignored. Emotionally, that first shave and the knowledge that you really are bald is an intense rush, but it can also be accompanied by initial doubt or regret, as well as a significant amount of self-consciousness. You might feel just fine, but you might also feel like everybody is staring at you. For the most part, they're not, and that feeling will pass in time. If you do decide to shave your head, commit to keeping your head bald for at least a month. You'll be much more comfortable with your baldness by that time, your scalp will be used to shaving, and that pale, never-shaved skin tone will have evened out to match your face. And although you might be tempted, do not cover your head up with hats unless you need protection from the sun (and you will). Constantly wearing hats will just trap dirt and oil next to the most acne-prone parts of your scalp. And besides, what's the point of being bald if people can't see your bald head?
By the way, after 17 years, baldness might feel more comfortable and natural to me, but reaching up at any hour of the day and feeling my smoothly shaved scalp is still a rush.
Happy head shaving.
With an established and fanatic fan base and recent entrance into the large drug store chains, John Replogle has the unenviable task of transitioning Bert Bee's from a good niche brand, into a widely revered great brand. Replogle needs to guide Bert Bee's in this tenuous phase by making rigid decisions on which products to prominently feature as well as broadening the appeal of the company from just a "quirky" thing to do, to something that's accepted, without alienating previous loyal customers.
The key with Bert Bee's is to not change product lines and risk losing their identity. With the highly saturated yet rapidly expanding natural personal care industry, firms often fall into the trap of conforming to competitors ideas in hopes of getting the next cutting edge product. With dabbles into operating Bert Bees specialty stores and experimenting with a cosmetic line (unnatural), experiences of straying away from company ideals have lead to miserable failures. This product company has branded itself as the "Starbucks" of natural personal care industry by offering customers more than just a gratifying and pleasing product but a unique experience that brings them back desiring more. Replogle should capitalize on the "all natural" trend by dramatically increasing the marketing and promotions budget in addition to expanding into the body care product line to attract potential clientele.
Bert Bees has a remarkable ability to attain and retain customers as evidenced by 35% usage after awareness measure and 73% use after trial, significantly higher than all other competing brands. This implies that if the firm spent considerably more on advertising products customers would not only come, they be there to stay due to the draw of the products. With the renown "Bee-tify Your World" tour a monstrous success, the company should initially aim to hold a couple of these conventions per year and to supplement the tour, Bert Bees should partner with large hospitals or health care organizations resulting in entering commercial markets. After involvement with these respected outside organizations, much like competitor Aveeno, Bert Bees would have the endorsement of a third party, something the closed off company has yet to experience and something that would vastly increase consumer confidence. Finally, in an attempt to appeal to the more casual personal care consumer, investment in TV and radio ads (Ex. 1) are imperative. For Replogle, this may imply hiring more experienced marketers or getting involved in the process himself to ensure a quality advertisement that markets the fours aspects of Bert Bees.
Attachment and identification to products is what sets Bert Bees customers apart from the field. With entry into the shampoo and body care segment, the firm should continue to rely on their traditional logo for it sets them apart their not-so-natural competitors. Inclusion of the natural percentage on each product as well as odd bottle designs are musts because they adhere to company mantra of honesty and quirkiness. However, Bert Bees must cut down on significant segments of their product line, possibly their outdoor and baby care segment (slow growth), in effect lowering the inventory days for the company. This is not to say to completely eliminate these products, for there is a fiercely loyal base for these products. Bert Bees could accept special orders for these products (such as shaving cream and fig flavored chap stick) and sell them exclusively on the website, at a premium during certain select times of the year. In an effort to gain customer participation, surveys should be given at stores and conventions to ascertain what works and what doesn't. Display issues can be resolved by geographically segmenting products certain regions have surplus of products as required. Finally, drug stores could offer a greater SKU selection (rather than limited) of products to customers via their websites.
Due to Bert Bees being in a rapidly evolving environment, much of these suggestions assume that customers retain the same tastes and competitors stay relatively the same size without any breathtaking innovations. Bert Bees has all the right tools to expand it's horizons, it simply needs to market their products to achieve their mission of Bert Bees catering to "everyone, everywhere."
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Taking a Magickal Bath doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as running to your local drug or beauty supply and buying a product that is appropriately scented or contains an herb or essential oil. The important thing about taking one of these baths, no matter how humble or expensive the ingredients are, is to meditate on your intention while you are sitting in the tub.
You can get a little fancier, by making an infusion from flowers, herbs or other elements. Brewing the herbs as you would brew a cup of herbal tea and then pouring the strained infusion into your bath water is the easiest way to make an infusion. You can also put the ingredients in a cheesecloth bag that hangs over the bathtub faucet and have the hot water run through the ingredients. In some cases you can actually buy tea bags and just toss them in the water. I'm a purist so personally I love to throw the entire herb, flower or vegetable in the bath. It makes me feel like I am Cleopatra having a bath in ancient Egypt or like some kind of wicked harlot getting ready for her Roman Soldier.
However if you do decide to get really into the food aspect of this make sure you have some kind of strainer on your drain so that stuff doesn't flow down your pipes. What can I say? Some miracles can be quite "messy."
Below are a couple of "quick fixes" for aspiring witches on the run.
ALL PURPOSE AURA CLEANER: Half a cup of sea or Epsom salts plus half a cup of baking soda dumped in the tub is the potion used to purify the aura and clear it of all negative attachments so that you are surrounded by a rainbow of opportunities again.
BARLEY WATER BATH: This is for protection and to dispel evil with a capital E. This is definitely the one to do if you are feeling haunted by something that seems unseemly and of supernatural origin. Boil whole barley until it is soft in a pot. Drain and save the water. Pour into the bath. Bad spirits will run like hell.
CHAMOMILE: Chamomile not only relaxes you, but you can use it as a magical bath to draw money to you. Many preparations are available commercially but you can also make an infusion out of the buds or even throw the buds directly into the bath. I do not advise this if you are allergic to ragweed.
CHOCOLATE CHERRY BATH: Ok this one is completely decadent and is designed to bring more erotic pleasure into your life. First of all you should know that there are commercial chocolate bubble bath preparations out there on the market, but they can be somewhat hard to find in some areas. So what you need to do first, is mix yourself up a little glass of chocolate milk. The milk is good for your skin and the chocolate raises your serotonin levels - the pleasure chemicals in your brain. It also makes the water a very nice loving looking pink. You dump this into the tub as the hot water is pouring into the tub and then you pop nine whole cherries into the bath with you. Then you are supposed to sit there and eat each cherry, while imagining what a good time you are going to have with your lover. The little bobbing cherries are like all your "little ducks" lined up in a row when it comes to your romantic intentions. Rinse off good after this. You'll need it.
FAME AND GLORY BATH: This one is from Lexa Rosean (author of The Supermarket Sorceress series of books). I tried it and I LOVED it. Cut an apple in nine pieces, or alternately throw nine whole shiny apples into the tub. Use green and golden apples if you want your fame to come with some money attached. Then add nine bay leaves. Get in the tub and immerse yourself for exactly nine minutes, and then get out. It is supposed to be a good one for artists and writers.
GINGER-LIME BATH: You can buy this commercially (made by Ombra). Which is way easier than grating the ginger, peeling the lime and making a "bath tea" out of it, or you can cut up some ginger and lime and make an infusion of it a pot. The ginger is to relax and focus you and the lime is for self-control, discipline and a clear head. This is a great bath for those who need to "get down to business fast."
FRUIT BLOSSOM BATHS: Once again these are available commercially which will do, but it is really really nice to take a handful of blossoms from a tree and dump them in your bath. Apple Blossoms, Apricot Blossoms, Cherry Blossoms and Orange Blossoms all correspond to the planet Venus and are ideal for attracting love, fidelity and marriage proposals.
HONEYSUCKLE: You can buy this as a bubble bath or once again, just throw the flowers into the tub. Honeysuckle attracts wealth, riches, honours, marriage proposals and treasures. This is one way to draw the bird to the blossom. It also honours Chuparosa - the Divine Hummingbird of Love.
HOPS: You can buy hops in a commercially prepared bubble bath (OMBRA) or you can pour half a cup of beer in the bath for spiritual cleansing (and also a peaceful sleep.) David from Psychic Realm suggests combining a half a cup of sea salt, the juice of a lemon and a half of cup of beer for spiritual purification and protection from astral attack.
LAVENDER: Lavender corresponds to the planet Mercury and is used to improve communication, attract happiness and achieve piece of mind. It is also a very seductive flower that was used by prostitutes as a magic charm to attract customers many years ago. Many commercial preparations are available, but throwing in a few of the live buds might bring you a wealthy and generous lover.
OAT BEAUTY BATH: OK, most of us don't live near a field, but if you gather your own oats and throw the sheaves into the bathtub with you, you are performing a significant act of magical transformation. Oats are very feminine and appeal to the Goddess energies. They soften the skin, make the eyes glow and give you a youthful appearance. You can throw a cup of raw, uncooked oats into the bath if you're in hurry or you can buy a commercial preparation. Aveeno makes a good one.
ORANGE AND MINT LEAVES: This is a bath to make yourself more attractive and your skin smell really nice. Take nine mint leaves and nine orange segments and dump them in the bath with you. You don't have to eat the mint and orange leaves this time (thank God) but you can if you get hungry.) When you get out of the bath, you are not supposed to rinse off, just towel yourself off lightly so that the scent lingers. You could also try mixing an orange bath gel with a mint one.
PINEAPPLE: Pineapple juice is used to bring luck, money and wealth, and if you are a savage purist, you can throw nine chunks of the raw stuff right in your bath. However I warn you, that it is pretty messy. Some people prefer to throw in the dried rinds. Just adding a spoonful of the juice or making an infusion from the dried rinds and immersing yourself from head to toe in it for a couple of minutes should make you luckier than a leprechaun.
ROSE: Roses correspond to Venus and attract love, luck and protection. There are tons of rose-scented products on the market, including essential oils - though David from Psychic Realm points out that Essential Rose Oil is incredibly expensive and you may want to stick with fragrance oils used in perfumes and baths. If you want to go all out and make yourself a powerful love attracting bath, tint the scented water pink with a touch of food colouring and cast a pinch or two some multicoloured glitter (from a craft store) in there to strengthen your magical intentions.
ROSEMARY: Rosemary is a powerful "wish granting" herb. Ombra makes an excellent commercial bath, but you can make an infusion of this from the spice jar in your cupboard or put a bit of the essential oil in your bath (but make it just one drop - rosemary is strong and can irritate the skin - so I mean it, use one drop!) A bath in rosemary uplifts the spirits and is used to create lust, attract love and improve communication skills. It is also corresponds to the Virgin Mary, so if you are in need of a lucky break, a bath in this may enable you to be shown some mercy.
SAFFRON BATH: Saffron was sacred to the Moon and Fertility Goddess, Ashtoreth. Saffron is a very expensive spice and you need to only add a couple of strands to your bath water to turn it a yellow colour. Don't add too much or you will turn yellow. You'll be a jaundiced colour. So either make an infusion from it first or just add one strand. Saffron was used to purify oneself before healing rituals, increase psychic powers and also attract love, happiness, lust, and strength.
SAGE BATH: Sage is an herb of wisdom. Make a brew of the herb and pour it into your bath. Some companies (like Ombra and Kniepp) make a sage bath, but you can also just buy the tea bags. This is a good bath to take just before studying for a test or if you are trying to find a solution to a problem.
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