When you are shaving your head, an important first step is getting your hair/stubble wet. Hair gets softer when it is wet. Soft hair is easier on the blade, tends to cut straight (which helps to avoid razor bumps), and provides for a more-comfortable shaving experience.

So how exactly should you go about getting your hair as wet as possible? I'm aware of three different ways.

The best way to ensure that your hair is as wet as possible is to take a shower. Get under that showerhead, soap up your head, and enjoy it. Some people choose to shave right there in the shower; others might dry off (except the scalp) and shave at the sink. Either way, your hair should be ready for shaving.

Another possibility is the 'wet towel' method. Soak a towel in hot/warm water, and wrap it around your head for a few minutes. It wouldn't hurt to splash some water on your head first. I've heard suggestions of between 3 and ten minutes for the length of time you should wear the towel; for most people, 3 minutes sounds about right for me. If you have trouble with razor bumps, do it for 5 or more minutes.

Finally, there's the method I use myself, which consists of splashing warm/hot water onto my head for several minutes. I like to fill the sink halfway with warm water, then fill my cupped hands with water and 'rub' it into my scalp. After several minutes, I can usually tell when I'm ready to shave; the hair feels softer.

Any of these methods will probably work well for most people who shave their heads. People suffering from shaving problems, like razor bumps and razor burn, would probably benefit most from the shower method. I use the 'splash' method myself because it's quicker and I haven't had any problems with it thus far.