People have shaved their heads through the ages for various reasons. The monks of the East have been credited with doing it first, as a shaved head for them meant renunciation of the world and a sign of humility before their creator. The skinheads of the 60's in England did it to show their unity and solidarity with the middle class. Similarly, different people have used head shaving to make statements of their own. Of late, people also have their heads shaved for the sake of fashion; imitation of celebrities is not entirely ruled out. Some also shave their heads due to sheer frustration with hair. (These men usually revert to their earlier ways, as keeping a shaved head is not comparatively easier.)

A teenager shaving his/her head as a sign of rebellion isn't an uncommon sight either. Well, the most common reason for men to shave their heads is male pattern baldness. Some men are genetically programmed to lose the hair on their head, either completely or in patches. These men usually shave their heads to either disguise the hair falling out or to go bald in a more even fashion.

A head should be shaved in the following manner: First, the hair must be wet. This softens the hair and helps protect against razor bumps and ingrown hair. Next, trim the hair to stubble, as short as possible. Then work in a shaving lubricant (cream, gel or oil). The better the lubricant is worked in, the better the shave in terms of closeness and comfort. First shave the soft and lighter patches of hair thereby giving more time to the lubricant to soften the coarser patches. Razor strokes need to be even and slow, keeping in mind not to pass the same area twice as this may cause irritation. After shaving, follow with an aftershave/skin care lotion for soothing and healing the skin. A shaved head must be protected from cold and sunburn, because the skin of the head is very sensitive to both elements.