Head shaving
From ArticleWorld
Head shaving is the process of shaving the hair on one’s head.
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Who shaves
Head shaving can be done for cultural, religious or aesthetic reasons. Some examples include:
- Many bald people will shave their heads to prevent the appearance of balding. It has become a popular means of coping with baldness, as many professional athletes like Michael Jordan and Andre Agassi have done so.
- People may shave his or her head for medical reasons, for instance if he or she is undergoing surgery.
- To support others. If a child or woman looses hair due to a health condition or medical treatment (such as chemotherapy) loved ones may shave their heads as a showing of solidarity.
- The armed forces typically shave their heads upon enlisting, or at the very least cut their hair extremely short.
- Other reasons: head shaving can be done as punishment or to dehumanize, haze, homogenize or humiliate people.
Negative connotations
Head shaving was widely unpracticed in the Western world throughout much of the 20th century. This is in part due to the fact that it had links to skinheads and other similar racist subcultures.
In the early 1990s in the United States, however, male African Americans began shaving their heads and the practice grew increasingly acceptable in the mainstream culture across all demographics. In other Western cultures, the acceptance level varies greatly.
Practice
One can use regular razors or an electric shaving kit to shave one’s head. It must be done using shaving cream or shaving oil. There are some companies, such as Headblade, which produce material specifically made for head shaving.
Safety
After first shaving, one must be aware of the potential negative effect sunlight may have on their heads and must take measures to prevent sunburn or other medical complications by applying sunscreen or a hat to the shaved area.