Gillette Fusion - first impressions

The Gillette Fusion razor was recently released (to great hype, of course), and early reviews are popping up in various places. I picked mine up a couple of days ago, and thought I'd share some quick initial impressions, based on 2 shaves.

As I tend to expect from Gillette products, I've gotten really good, close shaves. There's an area around my adam's apple which is very difficult to get smooth, but the Fusion has managed to get it smooth without too much hassle, and that impresses me. It's an area that other razors haven't been able to do much with, so I'm very happy with that result.

Irritation is similar to the Mach 3, with no noticeable improvements. That's very good, but I was hoping for some improvement. The commercials talk about the Fusion applying less pressure (since it's spreading out the pressure over more blades) and that this would result in less irritation, but I'm not feeling it so far.

The handle feels heavier than the Mach 3, and I like it. The pivot point of the blade head seems better positioned, moving closer to center than the Mach 3.

Overall, excellent initial results. I'll keep using it for a while and see if I continue to like it.

Is it worth the price, though? Replacement blade cartridges are very expensive. As I write, Drugstore.com has a pack of 8 going for $22, and that's with $5 off. That'll get you 12 Mach 3 cartridges and some change. I don't think the Fusion is 50% better than the Mach 3, not from what I've seen so far.

Mailbag: Double-Edge headshaving

I received the following email from Herbert recently:

Hello, I am thinking of shaving my head, mainly because of a very dry scalp which no shampoo seems to be able to fix. I currently use a straight razor and Double Edge razor for my face shave (Straight with the grain and the double edge against). The after shave balms and moiterizers I use really give my skin a softness and sheen I never had using the usual shaving products.

I never liked ever using a multi-blade system and shaving my head with a straight razor sounds a little dangerous. But I thought a Doubled Edge razor might work. I have two Murker razors, but niether have a pivoting head. I saw a beautiful DE at classic shaving called "Vision"
that looks like it may work very well for a head shave. What are your thoughts on head-shaving with a DE razor?

I have tried shaving with a DE razor (specifically, the Merkur "classic" Safety Razor), and didn't have great results with it. I posted a blog entry about it back in May, in case you want to read about my initial impressions.
I'm used to modern cartridge razor systems, like the Schick Extreme III or the Gillette Mach 3, but I used the Merkur Classic for several weeks last year. Results on my face were decent, but shaving my scalp proved less than satisfactory.

The biggest problem seems to be the lack of flexibility of the blade. Cartridge razors have a bit of flex to them and can adjust to the countours of the scalp to some degree. The Merkur Classic's blade is very rigid. A rigid blade works fine for the face, since that area is fairly malleable and will adjust to the blade, but the scalp doesn't have nearly so much give and it doesn't adjust to the blade at all.

As a result, shaving took much longer (approximately twice as long in most cases), and even then I couldn't achieve the same quality of shave as with a cartridge razor. I would frequently miss some small spots, and skin irritation levels were higher than I like.

I only shaved with the Merkur for a few weeks, so it is possible that I just don't have sufficient practice to get a good shave with a DE razor. As a long-time DE user, perhaps Herbert would have more success than I did.

In general, though, I don't recommend using a DE razor on the scalp. Based on my experience (and some comments I've read from other DE shavers), I think it's harder than it needs to be, and results with a cartridge razor are better and easier to achieve.

Gambling on baldness

So what does it take to get your head shaved in Malaysia? Apparently, all you have to do is sit around and play Mahjong in a public place.

There has been widespread public indignation over the action by Kajang police to shave bald 10 senior citizens caught playing mahjong on the second day of the Chinese New Year.

The 10 men claimed trial in a Kajang magistrate’s court yesterday to a charge of illegal gambling at a public place.

A 31-year-old coffeeshop owner, who was also shaved bald, pleaded not guilty to allowing the 10 to gamble at his Hulu Langat shop.

The incident has sparked a probe to determine if police were abusing their power. It's not necessarily clear-cut, either, as it is apparently standard practice.

"I appeal to the Selangor chief police officer to see if the police officers had gone overboard and abused their power," he said at a press conference yesterday.

"It is true that shaving a detainee's head is part of the procedure. But with the majority of the men detained being senior citizens, was it necessary?" he said.

Involuntary headshaving has been used for thousands of years as a way of humiliating others, and the outrage expressed by many people in Malaysia certainly seems justified.

Mailbag: electric shavers vs blades

I just re-started shaving my head again. I use a gillete sensor on my head every other morning. The sensor is nice but I get tired of putting shave cream all over my head and going over it with a razor. I am now thinking about getting an electric razor. My question to you is do electric shavers work well on the head? How do they compare to a standard blade w/ shaving cream?

The only electric razor I've used on my scalp is a small travel shaver that I use every once in a while when I don't feel like doing a full wet shave. With that razor, I don't get a terribly good shave, but it does smooth things out in many areas and give me another day before I feel the need to shave again.

I haven't used any of the better electric shavers on my scalp, so I can't comment on them directly. I have gotten feedback from others, though, and the impression I get is that you can get a decent shave with an electric, but it won't be as close and smooth as you get with a full wet shave.

In particular, electrics seem to have a problem getting close in areas where the scalp surface isn't entirely even. The face is generally malleable and bends with the razor, but the scalp doesn't have the same amount of soft tissue underneath; as a result, it's much easier to miss some spots.

Still, the comments I've received from people who use electrics are generally positive. It's not as close as a blade, generally speaking, but it's enough for many people.

Mailbag: Art of Shaving Lavendar Scented Shave Cream

Reader Sonny La Roma sent along this review of the "Art of Shaving" Lavendar Scented Shave Cream.

The Art of Shaving is a full service salon for men located in NYC as well as a few other cities including Las Vegas. The market their own skin and haircare products that are sold via their salons and thru Barney's as well.

I have been using their Lavendar Scented Shave Cream for the last 5 years and love it.

Major pros: High emolient content makes for a smooth and effortless shave. No drag at all on scalp. No nicks because of terrific glide factor. Lavendar scent is great.

Cons: A bit pricey. Standard tub is $22

Sounds nice.

Snarking the Fusion

In case my previous post on the Gillette Fusion wasn't snarky enough, the Independent chimes in with their own comments about the newly-announced razor system.

I don't know how much R & D went into Fusion, and P & G wishes it probably didn't. But I am sure it was a cast of thousands of highly trained razor boffins, and I am sure they examined every possible permutation of razor and chin before coming up with the genius idea: add another blade!

I have the feeling there will be many more cynical comments about the 5-blade Fusion soon.

Never enough blades

Until the 1970s, safety razors used a single blade. Then came the double-bladed cartridge razors, which carried us to the 90s. Then we got the 3-blade Gillette Mach 3. Then we got the 4-blade Schick Quattro.

Many people found the explosion in the number of blades to be rather silly. When the Mach 3 came out, there were lots of jokes about razors with a huge number of blades. Those jokes continued when the Quattro came out. Personally, I figured that the trend couldn't last too long, as there just isn't enough room to cram in a lot more blades without making the razor unwieldy. Surely, I thought, four blades would be the end of it.

Turns out I was wrong and the jokers were right. Gillette has announced a five-blade razor. It's called the Fusion, and they've put together a flashy little site to promote it. And there's plenty of early commentary about it as well.

It won't be available until early next year, and I'm sure there will be a big media blitz to alert us once it's available.

Odds are, I'll be trying one out when they're available, just so I can post a review of it. It's going to have to be pretty freaking amazing to get a good review, though. My cynicism meter's on high right now. I'm almost certain we'll soon see stories about new law suits, and then the announcement of a 6-blader with a laser-guidance system.

The power of 4

A couple of months back, Schick took Gillette to court over their advertising claims about the M3Power razor. The court ruled that Gillette's advertising was misleading, and ordered them to stop making certain claims in their ads.

Now that the Schick Quattro Power has been announced, they're starting their own advertising campaign. I haven't seen any TV ads yet, but a reader sent me a link to a promotional website: That's the Power of 4.

It's set up like an informercial. For those of you who thought that the M3Power's claims weren't exaggerated enough, Schick's got what you're looking for. Warning: Site contains Kato Kaelin.

Schick Quattro Power announced

Looks like Schick is joining Gillette in the 'stick a battery in your razor' club.

The Schick Quattro Power Razor is designed to reduce cut force and give a more comfortable shave, the company said. It will sell for around $10.99 for a razor kit, which includes a razor, cartridge, stand and a AAA battery.

Thus far, no word use of the word "micropulses".

This scalp for rent

So can a young female student raise a big wad of cash to finance school and a big vacation? Perhaps by shaving her head and using it as advertising space?

After the shave, came the tattoo.

"I’m not going to lie," DeMers said. "That hurt so bad."

Maybe $18,000 will ease the pain.

That’s how much DeMers, a 20-year-old Sparks student who wants money for a European trip and a college education, was paid to have the name of an Internet casino imprinted, not just once, but twice, on the top and back of her newly bald head.

She will have to keep her head shaved and the tattoos visible for a year to keep the money.

Gilford shaves

In a follow-up to this post, the Citizen Online updates us on the wonderful shavers in Gilford, New Hampshire.

Those traveling in the Gilford area over the next few days may notice a larger number of people with shaved heads than is usual for a small New Hampshire town.

This is because many in town turned out Saturday at the Belknap County Sportsmen's Club and at Patrick's Pub and Eatery to benefit a national childhood cancer research foundation and a local boy who is currently battling brain cancer

[...]

Beland said that before Saturday's events, $10,000 had been raised for the St. Baldrick's fund and at least several thousand had been raised for the Palisi family. He said Saturday he did not know how much more was raised.

It's great to see so many people turn out and shave their heads for a good cause.

Bald for a video card

It turns out, shaving your head might be worth a video card, at least if you're at the right promotional event.

The afternoon started with a call for women in the audience who were willing to have their head shaved for an older video card, which carries a retail price of $170. Two women leapt at the opportunity.

"It's hair; it grows back," said newly shorn, 21-year old contestant Teresa Holt.

St. Baldrick's in August

St. Baldrick's Day events are often held near St. Patrick's Day, but can be held any time of the year. As I'm checking the news, I've noticed several St. Baldrick's stories appearing in August.

For instance, police officers and firefighters in Gilford, New Hampshire held a St. Baldrick's event on August 10th.

Today, also in Gilford, the folks at Patrick's Pub are holding another St. Baldrick's event. They're doing it to support 6-year-old Nicholas Palisi, who has completed conventional cancer treatments without success, and needs funds to try more experimental treatments.

And in Arbutus, Maryland, Kimberly DeBoy of the Cutting Edge salon is making plans for a big shaving event in 2006. The article has a brief history of the St. Baldrick's event, and then talks about DeBoy's experiences and plans for next year.

Nationally, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation reported raising over $5 million in 2005, with events in six countries. Sadly, Maryland boasts only one - the aforementioned Baltimore Baldies - which is why Kim has issued a challenge - she’d like to see other salons in the area organize their own events, and compete to see who can raise the most money and shave the most heads. "I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do this," she said. "It was amazing how many people wanted to help."

[...]

Although people can donate any time, and donations are coming in, Kim knows the real money comes from the event itself, and she and Candy are planning the 2006 shave-a-thon, which will come "as close to St. Patrick’s Day as we can." With a 900 sq. ft. shop, Kim is thinking about finding another, larger venue for next year, with more chairs, more barbers, and more heads ready to be shorn.

In other words: bigger, better and balder.

It's a great charity, and it's good to see St. Baldrick's busy throughout the year.

The League of Bald-Headed Men

The Herald Sun of Australia has a story about the continuing growth of the League of Bald-Headed Men.

The League of Bald-Headed Men has been around for a little while, quietly finding its feet in a world awash with hair-product its members are never going to need.

Now it's breaking out.

This month, the league will be launching the Bald Bar on top of the James Squire Brewhouse and Portland Hotel in Russell St.

Naturally, the League has a website of it's own that you can check out. It's all about accepting who you are.

Mailbag: About time

I received a great email this weekend from Ernie. It's the type of story I've heard before, but he really tells it well.

Hey, I just wanted to write in hopes to let a few others know they aren't the only ones out there. A bit about myself: I'm currently 45. Since I was 22 I've been so embarrassed about losing my hair that I either wore a hat or just plain avoided situations (pools, swimming, sports) that might bump off my hat. I felt like I had some sort of sickness.

Then I finally had enough and sought a doctor for hair transplant. All looked great in the photos. So I went ahead, I was told I'd need 2 to 3 scalp reductions. After my first one I went back to the doctor and saw many more guys then first hand. To be honest I was in shock at how easy it was for me to tell they'd all had work done and actually how bad it looked. So I stopped at that time, now with a big scar on my head and still no hair. I eventually went to hair pieces. They were all high quality human hair and no matter what anyone said I could always tell, even though in photos it was difficult, I continued to wear them, but always with a hat, almost like a back up system in case my hat had to be removed, or fell off, in either intimate settings or court, weddings funeral and such. I was always stressing and worried. Then I would never let anyone touch my head for fear of detection, not even my wife. Then at around 2 weeks it would begin to smell a bit, or at least I could smell it, then the itching and if it was hot, damn it was just terrible.

Last year I began thinking about shaving my head, it's in style and all. However I met with some resistance from my wife. Her concern was that I would not be happy and then have no hair; she knew how sensitive I was about my head. But her biggest concern is that I would look even more intimidating than I already did. I am 6'4, 270 with fully sleeved arms and a muscular build. To this date in time, even my kids had know idea I even wore a piece, they only knew me as "dad with a hat". Or if any one did know, no one ever said a word.

It took me almost a year to convince myself just to remove it and shave it off.

So now listen anyone in a similar situation. Yes it was scary shaving it off, but it has been absolutely the best thing I've ever done to date.

Upon first shaving it all off I was white as could be on top: my face was usually either very tan or red from hours in the sun on my bike, so it stood out. But as I walked out of the bathroom, my wife smiled and said damn you look the sexiest I've ever seen you. White but sexy.

She took some of her self-tanner and applied it to my head in hopes of toning down the white until at least the sun caught up with me.

I then went down stairs, without anything covering my head, the first time in about 20 years... think about that. Twenty years. Before I'd even reached the landing my oldest daughter yelled at me to come back. She was still in bed, however saw me pass. She just smiled and said damn dad you look 10 years younger and sexy as hell. What made ya do it. I just said it's been hot out and I need a change. (she is 22). As I continued down the stairs to my chair to put on my boots, word traveled quick. Now my second oldest daughter and her boyfriend came down. Again both very positive on how much they liked it, he even commented that now he was shaving his head (the next day he did). They both said I looked like Stone Cold Steve Austin. I didn't even know who he was, had to look him up on the internet... yea there is a resemblance.

Then the next daughter came in with her boyfriend, she rubbed my head, smiled and said it looks hot, but be careful with the sun.

My last but youngest daughter was the only one who said she didn't know if she liked it or not. So I asked her why, her response was far from what I expected. It wasn't that she didn't think it looked good, however her comment was that I already scare the crap out of her friends, now they'll sure to be scared of me (she's 15).

It's been almost 3 weeks now, I haven't worn a hat in that time. If I'm in the sun I sometimes wear a bandana, but it looks cool; after all I'm a biker and it fits.

I've had nothing but positive comments, far more than I'd ever dreamed possible. I've now had many younger females at the gym comment and begin to talk to me, at first about my head, but then to other things... most of them wanting to rub my head.

All of my daughters' friends have also commented on it and how much they like it.

So guys, don't wait 20 years and go through what I did... just do it.

My wife, interestingly enough.. I have a friend who has shaved his head as long as I've known him, when my wife sees him she always says hi and rubs his head. A week or so had gone by and she'd not really even touched mine so I got kinda weird about it and finally asked her. Her response was kinda sad, that she haddn't been allowed to touch my head in over 20 years, just hard to break bad habits. She's always loved shaved heads but was afraid to tell me because of how sensitive I'd always been about mine. Kinda sad, huh?

Oh, and that scar on my head from so long ago, yea it's there, but only one person has noticed. I just told them I had surgery when younger, they said it adds to my look.

So guys I know it may be scary, but trust me: I know that's hard, but take it from me a guy that's been there... take the plunge. I shave my head every day in order to avoid the partial shadow. That'd be my only tip.

Thanks for the email, Ernie. A lot of guys live much of their lives embarrassed by hair loss, and it's always great to hear about people breaking free from that worry. It's amazing, the psychological freedom that comes from shaving it all off.

Shaving for the role

Nancy Duckles of Tennessee is an actress, and she has shaved her head.

Instead, she wants to feel authentic when she gets on stage this weekend to play a woman with ovarian cancer. She both produces and plays the lead role of Vivian Bearing in "Wit," Margaret Edson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play being performed this weekend by DuckEars Theater Company as a benefit for the American Cancer Society.

"I never considered not shaving my head. I was afraid if it didn't look completely natural, I'd lose the audience; they'd be paying attention to the fact I was wearing a skullcap. I wanted them to take the journey with me," she said.

Women shaving their head for a role is not very common, but it does have precedent. Glenda Jackson famously shaved her head to play the role of Queen Elizabeth I in the BBC series Elizabeth R.

Still, a woman shaving her head is still very rare, and it's considered a much greater sacrifice than if a man would shave his head for a role (for instance, Michael Rosenbaum).

Shaving poetry

Over at the Trinidad & Tobago Express, Tony Deyal is waxing lyrical about shaving.

Ever had one of those mornings when things don't gel and you work yourself into a lather? Life seems like a precarious dance on a razor's Edge and happiness a Blade Runner in a virtual reality nightmare. As you scrape yourself off the primeval ooze of existence even the slightest movement sounds like sound-barrier breaking booms, Mach 3 at least. It feels like someone stumbling through the stubble, the dark shadowy undergrowth. When that happens to me, even my dear wife's attempts at soft-soaping me fail and I get schick to my stomach. Have I lost my cutting edge? Is this a job for Remington steel?

It's an interesting article, especially if you're in the mood for connecting shaving-related terms together in whichever ways might strike one's fancy. And jokes. He's got at least three shaving-related jokes in the article, which is three more than I've encountered anywhere else.

Instead of striking, shave!

According to this Chandigarh Newsline article, Regional Passport Office employees across India are shaving their heads to protest the potential privatization of their jobs.

All the employees of the RPO came out of their office chambers at lunch time and participated in the head-shaving ritual. All the male employees, except those who are Sikhs, got their heads tonsured by a barber in front of the RPO. This kind of protests are being held by employees of all the 27 Passport Offices (POs) and Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) across the country.

It's certainly a lot more creative than picketing, and perhaps it will get them some publicity.

The image of walking into a passport office and finding everyone there shaved bald is an interesting one.

Need reasons?

The Dunner's Stunners blog has a list of 20 reasons to go bald-by-choice, in case you're looking for justification.

Aside from the usual reasons (save on shampoo, save on hairstyling time and money), he's got a few less-often-cited reasons to give it a shot. Check out #10, #15, and #16, for instance.

Headshave as analogy

PJStar.com has an article that's not really about headshaving, but it does use shaving as an analogy. For some reason, I found that interesting.

For a long time, I pretended to actually have hair. I cultivated my few remaining strands with love and care. Finally, I looked in the mirror and asked myself: "Who are you fooling?" I grabbed my Gillette disposable, lathered up with Edge and did the only thing that made sense. And now here I am, all these years later, the happiest bald dude this side of Vin Diesel.

Headshaving is common in sports, but I just haven't read an article that used it in quite this way before.