Headshaving 101 - For The Uninitiated

It's a must for the first timer to use a brand new razor. Wet your scalp with warm water. Don't use HOT water. It will only cause more razor burn on your newly shaved scalp.

Lather up with shaving cream. Some people prefer a GEL over the typical can of cream. I find that gel prevents cuts a little more, but can also make it harder to get all of the hairs the first time.

Rinse the razor with warm water and begin shaving WITH the grain of your hair. I like to start with the back of my head first since it's the most sensitive area for me and I like to have a fresh razor on that area.

Move to the sides of the head when you are done with the back and then to the top to finish it off.
Once your head toughens up, and I'd say that would be after at least a week of scraping your noggin'-
you can do a second go-over AGAINST the grain.

Rinse with cool water and a splash of witch hazel or any other astringent. Then dry off, and apply a moisturizing lotion with an SPF of 15 or more if you plan on heading outside.

Started out using shaving cream in the mirror, moved to gel which actually works amazingly well but is more expensive, and have just been freehanding in the shower with nothing but water for almost four years.

I don't know if my head would have liked it razorburn wise if I just started out in the shower, but by the time I did change to that method, the melon was used to shaving.

If you experience razor burn, use a good aftershave lotion or skin care lotion like Afta by Mennen. The important thing about any aftershave product is that it should soothe your skin and help it heal. Aftershave products or skin care lotions that contain Aloe Vera or Vitamin E will help. Avoid aftershaves that contain alcohol. Alcohol dries out the skin, and this is the last thing you need after shaving.

And if you have coarse or curly hair, you should take extra care while shaving, because you are more likely to get razor bumps or ingrown hair. Shave with the grain and don't make more than one pass over the same area, and be sure your hair is very wet when you start shaving.

There's no way a newbie is gonna avoid getting the dreaded razor burn.
It comes with the territory.