By Theri DeJoode & Erica Grabczyk Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jan 23, 2007 at 2:54 PM

If you are used to a full head of hair, shaving your head may be somewhat scary and seem like a drastic change.  However, this can often be a freeing experience, and a welcome change to your usual style.  Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering taking the plunge:

  • Leaving a little more length can be a less drastic option if you don’t want to go all the way.  It can also be a test to see if you like the look of very short hair, and see if you want to go even shorter.
  • You may want to look into buying bald balm, which is designed to specifically guard against sunburn year round.  Sharps Mission Control bald head balm has an SPF of 15, and does not leave behind the glossy finish that many regular sunscreens do.
  • Be aware of your head shape before shaving.  Lumpy heads can cause dark lines or areas when the hair grows out, and head dimples can cause dark spots to appear when the hair grows out.  Also, funny shaped heads can look odd with a shaved head.
  • Aside from being a style statement, a shaved head can strategically mask a receding hairline.  This is a quick and easy solution which many men use in this situation.

James Vida, who recently shaved his head for the first time, says he wanted to try something different with his hair.  “This is a new style for me,” he says.  “I am anticipating wearing a lot of hats this winter and using a lot of sunscreen in the summer if I continue to keep it shaved.” 

Vida says he opted to have his head professionally shaved instead of doing it himself because he wanted it shaved with a straight razor.

Vida also says this was a convenient style that makes sense for him.  “Since my hairline is beginning to recede, I don’t have too many other options and my hair doesn’t look good when it grows out.  This is a really good way to cover up my hairline.”

Theri DeJoode & Erica Grabczyk Special to OnMilwaukee.com

Theri DeJoode is the lead barbette and owner of groom, 330 E. St. Paul Ave. She also is the technical director for American Crew.

Erica Grabczyk is director of groom and has been a part of the American Crew All Star Team since 2001.

groom's blogs are compiled by Kate Kliner.