I want to shave my head, but I have a few hangups...

[state]

I'm a 24 year old guy living in DC.  The last few years I've been noticing my hair getting thinner and thinner, and my hairline moving slowly backwards.  It was especially noticable when i got my hair cut a few days ago.  My dad is completely bald and most of my uncles are halfway there as well, so I know it is only a matter of time.

I looked into anti-baldness treatments but price, potential side effects, and the fact I already take 4 prescription pills a day have turned me off to them.  The alternative is shaving my head.  I've always hated dealing with my hair, so I thinking about taking the plunge.  I have two big hangups:

1.  The back (and the rear part of the top) of my head is bumpy.  I dont know if i was dropped on my head as a baby or what, but if you tried to roll my skull across the floor it would not work.  I'm afraid this is going to be very noticable.

2.  My head is going to be stark white.  Tanning season is several months away, so the contrast between my face and head is going to be pretty high.  Should I just wait for summer so I can get some color on top?  Also, I'm a serious cyclist and spend alot of time in the sun wearing a bike helmet.  I already get funny tan patterns on my forhead.  I'm sure it will be 200% more noticable with a bald head.  anyone have any experience in this area?

any input is appreciated!
 

[Blagadan]

1.  The back (and the rear part of the top) of my head is bumpy.

Quite normal. if you are worried then start with a trimmers for a while, cut it down to a 2 or a 3.

2.  My head is going to be stark white.

Nah, i doubt it will be as noticeable as you might think. if you are worried go to a tanning salon.

I'm a serious cyclist and spend alot of time in the sun wearing a bike helmet.  I already get funny tan patterns on my forhead.  I'm sure it will be 200% more noticable with a bald head.  anyone have any experience in this area?

No experience but isn't there some sort of helmet liner you could wear, like a very light beanie or something?

[PBurke]

welcome state. in my opinion there is no time like the present. as far as bumps, i am at a loss for advice. if you can't deal with them it will grow back. and for the tanning, it will take a little time to get color anyway. if you don't want to be spot tanned you can get some sort of skully type hat to wear under your helmet. we have all been through the color dilema. it is just part of it. you will notice way more than other people. so my advice to you would be: GO FOR IT. i got a frtune cookie once that said:  If we do not try, We will never know. good luck and post some pics. if you need anything else just ask. hope this is helpful. paul

[MagmaBabe]

Welcome to the SBG's state 

[schro]

Paul, I thought you were used to bumps on your head. 

[spaceape48]

Have some bumps myself, along with some indentations and what have you. They just add character. If your worried about your tan then work on it some or try some of that sunless tan stuff. These guys will tell you what works. Maybe you could wear a bandanna or do-rag when biking to keep the oddities down? Good luck with it though.

[ar3inc]

Welcome to the group, State!  Yeah what they said.

[Professor Melon]

  Welcome, State. As others have said, the bumps and crannies just add character to your dome. I'd shaved it now. You will not immediately identify with your bald persona; but stick with it. The longer you do, the more the advantages and naturalness of being totally bald will be appreciated. Glad you never fell for the horrors/expense of plugs or rugs. Find out which gel and razor works best for you, then go absolutely clean. You won't regret it. It's a statement you can live with for many decades.  Show  us a before and after pic. All best, Professor Melon

[Tyler]

Welcome State!  Give it a go! If you don't like it, it will grow back.  You can always go down to a 2 or 1 on the clippers at first.  I know companies like UnderArmour make caps that you can wear under your helmet so that you don't get the tan lines from the slits in the helmet.

[state]

This thread is ancient, but I wanted to thank everyone for their help here.  I shaved my head about 2 weeks after making this post, and you guys definitely helped me take the plunge.

The best part about the shaved head is the confidence it gives me.  I never worry about how my hair looks or if people are going to notice that I'm balding.  It's awesome.

Much belated thanks to everyone...

[The Scottish Ambassador]

Great stuff. Post up a pic soon. And join in too. Its a gr8 site

[Timmay]

after 2 years you finally come back and give them all thanks LOL... Oh well better late than never.  Glad you like the shaved head

[Michael]

GO FOR IT!  What I did to help the whiteness was to use Loreal's or Jergens's self tanning lotion.  I used the darkest one. All the companies seem to have one (Coppertone, etc.) One application was all it took to cut the glare.

[Mikekoz13]

Well Thanks for the Thanks................

Don't be a stranger!

[MLNHD]

Hey State, welcome aboard. 

Don't sweat the lumps.  There are very few "bowling ball" round/smooth skulls out there.  The extra shape most of us have just makes the terrain more interesting and individually unique.  A lot of guys fret over their perceived bumps/lumps/humps and find after shaving they aren't nearly as pronounced as they feel to the fingers. 

Give it a go.  You'll never know otherwise.  Oh, yeah, and give it 30 days of daily shaving....and don't obcess with the hand mirror.

Good Luck!