How I did it: The hardest part is talking yourself into it. If you're sure you want to, you're already done. :)  When I started, my hair was about shoulder length. I cut it with scissors until it was only about half an inch long, all over my head. Then I wet the hair, covered it in regular shaving cream, and let it soak for a while. I used a regular manual razor, but electric clippers would've been infinitely easier. Going with the grain of the hair hurt less--and it did hurt, after a while, because I had to go over the same spots several times. I couldn't get the spots on the far side of my head, behind the ears, etc, so I needed someone to help me. It took about an hour to shave, manually.

Lessons & tips: Make sure you're sure. I made the decision in a day and woke up hugely regretful, having a mild panic attack. But then I got over that, and it was all pretty cool! Having a bald head feels awesome, and it's not something many girls will ever experience. It's really an interesting experience, and it definitely sets me apart even now when I have hair again. Also, there's something cool about having a brand new coiffure. Um, let's see - I can't really tell you "make sure your skull doesn't look weird," but that doesn't really matter.

I shaved my head in winter. If you do this, wear hats! We have hair for a reason - insulation. It gets really cold without it. Also, you may want a wig on hand, just in case you need one, or for fun! I had an awesome hot pink one. Also, no matter the season, use sunscreen!

You'll probably need someone to help you out with the back, so think of that before you start shaving.

It took my hair about a year to get back to shoulder length. From what I've heard, hair grows anywhere from 1cm to 1/2 inch a month, so use those guidelines if you need it back by a certain time.

Resources: I just googled "shave head" or something to that effect and used what I found. As for supplies, all stuff I had around the house - scissors, shaving cream, razor.

Oct 28, 2008, 02:13AM PDT | 1 comment | 3 cheers