Pro Barber Teaches Amateurs How to Shave Their Heads | GQ

There has never been a better time to learn how to cut your own hair. But giving yourself a haircut isn't exactly a cake walk. We're here to help. Amateurs Zoe and Simon both wanted to shave their heads, so we asked celebrity barber Mark Alan to give them a step-by-step lesson, teaching them everything from what equipment to use to what technique to use to get the closest shave possible.


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[DrZiplock]

I've always maintained that everyone - man, woman and other - should have a shaved head at least once in their life. The sense of liberation it gives is extraordinary, it really can't be described. Plus, your scalp suddenly feels sensitive so that things like the sensation of water falling on your head becomes oddly low-key pleasurable.

[MainBizoh]

I just shaved my head because I was bored. I’ve been growing my hair out for over a year and it felt really freeing for some reason

[grantm]

The best part about a buzz cut is being able to 'squeegee' your head with your fingers after a shower and it dries almost instantly.

[imagesinla]

I had dandruff for years. When I shaved my head the dandruff had no hair to hide in, and when I grew my hair back I no longer had dandruff.

[guitarman]

The young woman had no fear, she just went for it. She did a great job and really suited it.

[TrevTheGinger]

Been cutting my own hair for over half a year, not too hard once you know how to move in reverse in the mirror

[charisma-hornum-fries]

About the toothbrush thing... My clippers came with a brush and some oil to clean and maintain the machine. The sensation of the machine across my head is addictive and the biggest high. Glad I’m not alone in this.

[bennu]

I’m about to shave my head for the first time, this is insanely helpful - thank you 🖤

[kanchoo]

Been doing this for last 20 years. The best "pro-tip" which isn't mentioned here for someone to do this alone, is to stand in front of a medicine cabinet with a mirror and open the doors so you can see as far around the sides/back of your head as possible. By adjusting the doors and turning your head you can literally see 95% of what's going on instead of guessing/trying by feel.

[caseyglenar]

I’m 70 years old, female and not real pretty. I hate my hair and have wanted to buzz it forever. I guess I should do it since I can’t get out much. Thanks Covid-19.

[greengreen]

I love this tutorial, it's not like super posh or fancy people teaching. it's very welcoming to anybody and down to earth :)

[bigr]

Dude looks way better with the Short hair

[Hylss]

The first time I did this it was scary, but now I do a buzz cut twice a year at least. It just feels great and I've gotten over my insecurities about my head as well.

[willienelsongonzalez]

I’ve been shaving my head for the last 6 years. The longest I’ll let grow is about the 2 week mark and then it’s out with the trimmer, foam and razors! It feels awesome having a smooth shaved head! My hair was thinning out and starting to recede so I thought “be a man and own it!”. Best decision I made! Feels good looks great!

[aurielove]

That’s it I’ve decided i’m finally doing it! Can’t wait! I’ve had my hair short for over a year and now i’m ready to buzz it been thinking about doing this for so long! I’m excited :)

[NeilTruick]

I've been cutting my own hair for almost 30 years. Electric clippers only, no guard, and a quick pass with the disposable razor on the back of the neck. Mirrors are your best friend during the process, while hoodies and beanies are good after (sometimes, your head gets cold). To the list of required items, I recommend a small screwdriver to remove your clipper head for post-buzz cleaning. Three or four tiny drops of the provided oil are all you need on the metal underside to reduce friction. Good luck to you all!

[sep]

They all look better after the cut. I've been doing this myself since the beginning of the pandemic and it gets easier every time. I do #4 on top, then a section below that 3, lower 2 and bottom hairline 1. And when there is a bit of an edge between the sections I take the low number guard and pull the lever so the clippers move back, giving it a tiny bit more length, and go over that. Tadaaa smooth transition.

[Scribbby]

People in here like, where was this during the lockdown.
What they don't realise is, that this is actually for the second lockdown.
Tells you something when they're both buzz cutting their hair. It's gonna be a long one.

[cat_dog]

i got upset about not wanting to put my hair up before i went on a run this morning but i didn’t want sweaty hair so i literally shaved it

[Maddie]

That girl has such a pretty face that any thing looks good on her. She looks really beautiful with super short hair. I have very short hair super pixie and I love it.