Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: Bald Hobbit on October 21, 2012, 09:53:14 PM

Title: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 21, 2012, 09:53:14 PM
So, I would like to convince my mom and dad, who are not likely to approve of it, to allow me to shave my head. I am not balding at all, so I don't have that to argue with. I'm still living with them, so I'll respect their wishes and rules. But I would like to know what I should say.
Title: Re: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: mahaw90 on October 21, 2012, 10:23:35 PM
how old are you?
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 21, 2012, 10:34:07 PM
I'm 19.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: chgobuzzbald on October 21, 2012, 11:27:34 PM
In the US 19 is old enough to vote, enlist in the military, buy beer in some states, so at 19 you can choose your own haircut.

Never ask for permission for or to do  ANYTHING in life from ANYONE, rather ask for forgivness later if someone is upset with your actions, including parents.  Now go get your hair cut the way YOU WANT.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Sir Harry on October 22, 2012, 01:24:22 AM
Put it in this perspective: "It's just a haircut"! In my younger days, when I came home with crazy designs shaved in my head, the folks were upset, but they got over it...same with piercings, tattoos, etc. At 19, you are a legal adult so shaving your head should be your choice.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: skinheader on October 22, 2012, 02:33:23 AM
Dude just go do it. I first shaved my head when i was 17 or so. I was sick of my thick hair so one day after school i went to the barber shop and got it all clipped off. came home, and my parents got a shock but there was nothing they could do. they couldn't glue my hair back on. They will get over it
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: mahaw90 on October 22, 2012, 02:46:09 AM
Go and do it, and see there reaction. If its pretty bad, then in 3 days you will have hair again, so not the end of the world. You never know, they might like it.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: mrzed on October 22, 2012, 04:39:47 AM
See http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=18531.msg287267#msg287267

Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 22, 2012, 07:35:36 AM
The thing is, I don't want to pull the "I'm old enough to do what I want" card, or I'll have more pressure to do things like get a job, etc. Not that I'm against that, but I'm very busy at present. And again, I'd like to respect their rules while under their roof. If I lived most anywhere else I'd already have done it.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Plano on October 22, 2012, 08:19:25 AM
Granted, the first mistake you made was asking them. See if they'd mind if you got a BUZZ CUT, instead of going fully sly. That way you can get them in phases, rather than all at once.


Title: Re: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: mark on October 22, 2012, 08:40:16 AM
Get a job, go to college or trade school, move out, then shave everything.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: schro on October 22, 2012, 08:45:30 AM
Chris,
So, you haven't asked them? That being said, how can you know their response? As a parent of two kids, I appreciate your concern for their opinion and am glad you can respect playing by their rules while under their roof (I wish more kids had that attitude).

I have to agree with Plano (on the gradual part, no necessarily the "first mistake" comment). Try a buzz cut first. Get used to the idea. Who knows, you may not like it. In a slice of irony, maybe your parents will love it and you'll hate it  ;D! Not likely, but who knows.

Good Luck,
Schro
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: buddha on October 22, 2012, 09:47:14 AM
OK, a disclaimer first. I'm coming at this from the point of view of a 59 year old guy who, when I turned 16, had no more summer vacations from school all through college. My parents told me right up front that I needed to work and contribute to the household. My mom worked in the office of a temp agency in downtown Chicago so starting the Monday after my last day of school that year I worked temp jobs every summer throughout the rest of high school. While in college during the school year I worked 20 hours a week in the school library and later on as a student aide with the campus police. When I finished college I started a full time job almost immediately and have been gainfully employed ever since. In my opinion, as much as I hated it back then it turned out to be a really good thing and I'm glad that I was given no choice in the matter. After a while the money I earned became almost secondary in importance. I gained the experience that only comes from being out in the market.

There is something to be said for the idea of taking the reins of your own life at the age of 19. However, a problem that I see is that you have no job. In real world circles this implies that you are dependent upon them for things like shelter, food, and clothing. So one day you walk in with a smooth dome and they freak out and an argument ensues during which you throw in the "I'm 19 and I can do what I want" statement. What if, at that point, mom and dad fall back on their trump card which might come out as "Fine, pack your bags, you're on your own." At that point your powerlessness is on full display.

The way I would do it is this. I would un-busy myself from some of the things I'm currently busy with that are not necessary for my survival and start earning some money of my own so I don't have to go begging to my parents for everything. I would offer to kick in something toward the household. If that was refused I would buy some groceries and cook some of the family meals. I would also buy my own clothes and finance my own social life. Then, on the day of the aforementioned confrontation I have a position of strength rather than of powerlessness. I can then pack those bags and set off on my own and truly be Joe the Boss of My Own Body.

Until the point that you have something resembling that position of strength you're kind of at the mercy of your parents' discretion. I mean the other side of that "I'm 19 and can do what I want" coin is that you are also old enough to be earning your keep.

Sorry.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 22, 2012, 10:41:28 AM
Chris,
So, you haven't asked them? That being said, how can you know their response? As a parent of two kids, I appreciate your concern for their opinion and am glad you can respect playing by their rules while under their roof (I wish more kids had that attitude).

I have to agree with Plano (on the gradual part, no necessarily the "first mistake" comment). Try a buzz cut first. Get used to the idea. Who knows, you may not like it. In a slice of irony, maybe your parents will love it and you'll hate it  ;D! Not likely, but who knows.

Good Luck,
Schro


I asked them earlier in the spring, and they didn't like the idea, but were willing to let me buzz it after family pictures weeks later, to see if it would be okay to go further. I never got around to it, but I was 18 then, I just turned 19. That could help. How to "announce" it to them without making them angry?
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: TheSlyBear on October 22, 2012, 11:09:28 AM
Just do it. That will be announcement enough.

At 19 you're old enough to not have to ask your parents' permission to get a haircut.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Andrei on October 22, 2012, 11:37:12 AM
From what I understand, you simply want to change your hairstyle to the bald style, it's not something you plan in order to get even with them for some reason.
You're 19 and living with your parents' and following their rules, but does your haircut fall under one of their rules?
I mean, ok, you're not independent, but this doesn't mean you can't take some of the decisions on your own.

Have some faith in your parents, speak with them again, explain them how much you really want this and maybe they'll understand and support your decision. Especially since this is not something permanent.

Start from a short buzz and gradually take it shorter.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Razor X on October 22, 2012, 11:45:42 AM
Just do it. That will be announcement enough.

At 19 you're old enough to not have to ask your parents' permission to get a haircut.

I agree. Besides, once it's done there is nothing they can do about it. They'll get over it. It's really not that big a deal, anyway.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Drainman66 on October 22, 2012, 12:58:45 PM
I agree with Buddah, but first this kid should start by cleaning his room.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Natedawg on October 22, 2012, 01:26:53 PM
The way I would do it is this. I would un-busy myself from some of the things I'm currently busy with that are not necessary for my survival and start earning some money of my own so I don't have to go begging to my parents for everything. I would offer to kick in something toward the household. If that was refused I would buy some groceries and cook some of the family meals. I would also buy my own clothes and finance my own social life. Then, on the day of the aforementioned confrontation I have a position of strength rather than of powerlessness. I can then pack those bags and set off on my own and truly be Joe the Boss of My Own Body.

Until the point that you have something resembling that position of strength you're kind of at the mercy of your parents' discretion. I mean the other side of that "I'm 19 and can do what I want" coin is that you are also old enough to be earning your keep.

Couldn't agree with this viewpoint/advice more.

You are old enough to be on your own, but you still live with your parents, and don't financially support yourself in any way. You have very little space to argue your age, so it's a good thing you don't want to play that card.

That being said, I say just shave it and let them deal with it. They won't kick you out of the house for shaving your head if they haven't yet kicked you out for being lazy.  ;D
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on October 22, 2012, 01:49:22 PM
They won't kick you out of the house for shaving your head if they haven't yet kicked you out for being lazy.  ;D
O0
Title: Re: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: mark on October 23, 2012, 05:12:54 AM
To the OP. Did you READ what budda took the time to write in here for you? He gave the best advice of anyone and you chose not to comment on it. I find it funny that people even care. Go be productive.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 23, 2012, 08:00:44 AM
I'm sorry I didn't repond to buddha, but he voiced my concerns really well. I really didn't want to wait any longer, so I didn't know what to think about longer term. So I didn't know what to think about his post. Sorry.

And I'm doing it today. Mom and Dad don't like it(though they took it humerously), but they're recognizing that if it's a mistake, it's mine to make, which is a little more than I did. So I'm going to end today without hair. I'm excited and freaked out.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Drainman66 on October 23, 2012, 11:37:39 AM
Sounds like the kid might have some hair on his balls after all. Lol
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Plano on October 23, 2012, 02:02:52 PM
Sounds like the kid might have some hair on his balls after all. Lol

Not for long! LMFAO!!!

Post pics or it didn't happen!  O0
Title: Re: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: buddha on October 23, 2012, 02:20:35 PM
The way I would do it is this. I would un-busy myself from some of the things I'm currently busy with that are not necessary for my survival and start earning some money of my own so I don't have to go begging to my parents for everything. I would offer to kick in something toward the household. If that was refused I would buy some groceries and cook some of the family meals. I would also buy my own clothes and finance my own social life. Then, on the day of the aforementioned confrontation I have a position of strength rather than of powerlessness. I can then pack those bags and set off on my own and truly be Joe the Boss of My Own Body.

Until the point that you have something resembling that position of strength you're kind of at the mercy of your parents' discretion. I mean the other side of that "I'm 19 and can do what I want" coin is that you are also old enough to be earning your keep.

Couldn't agree with this viewpoint/advice more.

You are old enough to be on your own, but you still live with your parents, and don't financially support yourself in any way. You have very little space to argue your age, so it's a good thing you don't want to play that card.

That being said, I say just shave it and let them deal with it. They won't kick you out of the house for shaving your head if they haven't yet kicked you out for being lazy.  ;D

To the OP. Did you READ what budda took the time to write in here for you? He gave the best advice of anyone and you chose not to comment on it. I find it funny that people even care. Go be productive.

Thanks fellas.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Viking on October 23, 2012, 05:57:00 PM
Have you asked or they said why they would be unhappy with you going sly??

You say you don't work, maybe they are uneasy with you going sly as they may feel it might make that part of your life harder?? If you're 19 and not loosing hair then they may be worried by what potential employers may feel about employing this "skinhead".

There may be other reasons, just have a chat with them. I know my dad isn't massively keen on me having a fully sly dome (he's bald himself so it's kinda his fault!  ;D), he'd occassionally say stuff like "do you not fancy growing your hair out a bit?", I was in my mid 20's, fully employed and out of the family home by this point but it did kinda concern me he didn't seem to like it. Turns out he had a run in with a Hells Angel with an iron bar at somepoint in the 70's who I was rapidly starting to resemble, we talked it out and I explained I wasn't that person and all is cool.

Sometimes you need to remember your 'rents aren't just the fun police, they are people too!
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 23, 2012, 09:23:31 PM
I did it! Mom and Dad laughed it off, though still feeling weird about it as far I can tell. Two friends have told me I look badass, and the father of one of them said it looks good.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Plano on October 23, 2012, 10:25:59 PM
Pics or it didn't happen! Lets see it, boy!  >:D
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Frontier Guy on October 24, 2012, 05:30:02 AM
I did it! Mom and Dad laughed it off, though still feeling weird about it as far I can tell. Two friends have told me I look badass, and the father of one of them said it looks good.

If you actually did it (I'm just riding on Plano's good-natured skepticism) commit to maintaining the look for 30 days, for all the reasons enumerated in other topics. And post updates here of the surprises you encounter along the way.

Glad you are among the Sly.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: bennett11 on October 24, 2012, 05:44:27 AM
congrats.  the initial reaction is more of one of shock.  Parents likely happy that you are going on your own.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Drainman66 on October 24, 2012, 08:11:44 AM
If you want to be really badass now you have to go out and get a tattoo, but don't tell your parents until you get one.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Sly Red on October 24, 2012, 08:40:05 AM
If you want to be really badass now you have to go out and get a tattoo, but don't tell your parents until you get one.

Yeah, and several piercings!  >:D

Red
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 24, 2012, 11:27:36 AM
Naw, there are personal reasons I'm not doing that, relating to values and psychology rather than fear. I'm thinking about bulking up though.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 24, 2012, 04:14:03 PM
And yeah, I'll post pictures when I get my hands on a pair of sunglasses later today.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bilko1 on October 24, 2012, 04:54:45 PM
Well done, Chris_John!

How did you feel "losing" the hair? Relieved that you finally went through with it or not?
Post some pics.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 24, 2012, 06:38:36 PM
I've been wanting to do this so long that I suppose I had built up expectations that are different than it turned out. I don't know if I'd say I feel relieved or not, but I definitely feel different. I think I'll go with the 30 day rule, just to see if I really want this or not. At any rate, while the transition's been interesting, I really wonder what it'll be like once this is normal to me, or if I'll like it more than having hair.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 25, 2012, 12:21:11 AM
Thank you for all the advice, and I'm sorry for when I ignored anyone. And now...

Pictures. The first one is after going a while without shaving, the second is a third sooner. How do I look?
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: kalbo on October 25, 2012, 02:38:26 AM
Congratulations on the decision. You rock the shaved look. Hope you keep it.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: mrzed on October 25, 2012, 03:06:10 AM
I think a number of the  guys here would call it bad@$$.

Yes you rock the look.very nice!
Thanks for sharing the photos. I like the shine.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: marty22 on October 25, 2012, 05:00:35 AM
great work!
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Frontier Guy on October 25, 2012, 06:13:41 AM
You said: "How do I Look?"

I say: You look great.

Now: How do you feel?
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Sir Harry on October 25, 2012, 07:45:38 AM
Looks great! O0
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 25, 2012, 08:32:13 AM
You said: "How do I Look?"

I say: You look great.

Now: How do you feel?

See above.



Thanks guys.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Plano on October 25, 2012, 09:38:10 AM
Lookin' sharp dude. Keep up the good work
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 25, 2012, 09:56:10 AM
I think a number of the  guys here would call it bad@$$.

Yes you rock the look.very nice!
Thanks for sharing the photos. I like the shine.

Thanks. Someone at college asked how I got it so shiny, which afterwards made me feel really good. I responded with "cold water." I need to shave again, it's all sandpaper...
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Andrei on October 25, 2012, 10:09:49 AM
Thank you for all the advice, and I'm sorry for when I ignored anyone. And now...

Pictures. The first one is after going a while without shaving, the second is a third sooner. How do I look?

Looks great.

See, it wasn't that difficult;) Hope you're keeping it!
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: theman on October 25, 2012, 10:16:53 AM
Looks great.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: stasiu on October 25, 2012, 11:10:46 AM
Congrats !  That is an awesome shine !  Makes me wanna go and buff your head ... LOL !   You really look like a sharp young dude !  Even if you do not stay sly after 30 days, you'll be able to go sly with total confidence anytime ... but once you experience the smooth feeling and sexy look ... you'll be inclined to have hair less often  :)
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Drainman66 on October 25, 2012, 03:00:54 PM
Now you look Badass and intimidating good job kid.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 25, 2012, 03:25:25 PM
Thanks. Yeah, one of my friends said I look bad@$$ and that I look like the kind of guy that he could hire to go do certain jobs for him(he's a very morbid person).  O:O
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: warhawk on October 25, 2012, 04:50:45 PM
Hi CJ:  Good job.  You look like a natural.

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 25, 2012, 08:37:51 PM
My dad actually just helped me with the materials needed. He found some shaving cream(I thought we only had aloe), which really helped, and then showed me where our fresh razors are, as well as give me some lotion for after the shave. I asked if he felt weird about this, and he responded that he'll get used to it. So I think I'm gonna be going smooth as long as I want. THis feels great.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: kalbo on October 25, 2012, 08:40:26 PM
Good for you Cris_John. Maybe you could inspire your dad to go smooth too.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 25, 2012, 09:02:15 PM
Nah, I don't think it's his style. But that would be interesting.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Kahuna on October 26, 2012, 10:21:06 PM
You are looking good like a SLY guy should.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: mrzed on October 27, 2012, 04:11:23 AM
Nah, I don't think it's his style. But that would be interesting.

I don't think that i could have convinced my dad to shave his head. But he died in 1989, and bbc was not a fashion then.

Really cool that your dad helped our. I like that.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: alaskandave on October 27, 2012, 04:33:32 AM
I know i'm repeating what everybody else has said but, if you have to ask you parents permission to get a haircut there are some serious issues going on in your household. Sorry man that you have to go through that.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 27, 2012, 07:10:02 AM
I know i'm repeating what everybody else has said but, if you have to ask you parents permission to get a haircut there are some serious issues going on in your household. Sorry man that you have to go through that.

Don't worry about it. Nothing wrong with my household, it's just that I tend to overthink things. I guess since I haven't moved out yet there wasn't a real point after graduation where I just felt I could make my own decisions. My family's actually very close and healthy.
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: OMBrandon on October 30, 2012, 10:39:36 AM
Congrats!

My family took a while to get used to it, but now that they are they genuinely like it.  You look great with your new dome and as you make it through your 30 day you will learn better how to shave and care for your head.

Keep it up!

Brandon
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: Bald Hobbit on October 30, 2012, 10:59:02 AM
Thanks a lot Brandon. I will.

Oh, and just an aside, if that latin under your picture is "Death to Tyrants," that should be "Mors Tyrranis." Sorry, I took latin a while back, and I'm kind of a grammar nazi. I'm really rusty though...
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: lordpeich on October 31, 2012, 05:05:06 AM
Well done!
Title: Re: How to convince my parents to let me go bald
Post by: alaskandave on October 31, 2012, 08:01:40 AM
Glad to hear it. I stil live at home as well.