How to acheive the 30 Day Rule? (New picture in profile)

[BaldnBearded]

Hey guys, been a while since I've posted here.Im mostly frustrated because everytime I go sly, I end up growing it back after like two weeks.I really like being bald but just can't seem to acheive the thirty day mark.Between my facial hair issue of wanting a beard and being self concious about rocking the bald and bearded look to seeing photos of how good I looked with hair, I always seem to be set back.The last two months since I grew my hair back, I'm constantly self concious, and the mpb seems to be worse then ever.I actually now have a spot on my crown that is virtually smooth and hairless.I shaved my head last night and I really want to stay permanently bald.AThis time around I'm growing a goatee instead of a full beard in hopes when i adjust to being bald permanently, ill eventually have the nerve to rock a beard too.Any tips you guys can give me to not cave again?

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Good to see you back.  Tips, well, I looked back into your posts, and if I were in your place and was having a problem w/ doing thirty days I think I might try printing that picture you posted showing the rear of your head w/ about a #4 buzz--clearly the horseshoe is there--it can't be hidden anymore by any reasonable and safe means.  So what would I do with that print?  I think I'd put it on the mirror in the bathroom so that when the urge came not to shave one morning it might forcefully remind me that if I didn't  shave my head that morning I'd still llook balding all day, but not sly.  I wouldn't leave this photo in a bathroom any of your friends get into--this is for you, not about them.  Balding sucks, every guy here who's experienced mpb early or late knows that feeling.  Bald, smooth, neatly groomed beard at 1-2" would really set the whole thing off.  Distinctive, and it would look good at work in the dental coat, relaxed, or dressed up to head out. 
And I've got to say, you also had that great terminal of a full beard picture too, that was one of the  best treatments of a full beard and shaved dome I've seen, ever .  We have another member who has a need to keep sideburns, that treatment would probably work for him too.  With a great dense beard you've got all the hair above the neckline you need. 
Keep trying, it's not easy to make a positive change in your appearance, but in your case you've got a whole lot to work with.  And help other guys here too, that way you have to explain yourself as you help them.  We've been gaining a lot of young guys lately, you can use this positively to help others of your age and situation--getting outside yourself is the  best way to help yourself. 

[Razor X]

Good to see you back.  Tips, well, I looked back into your posts, and if I were in your place and was having a problem w/ doing thirty days I think I might try printing that picture you posted showing the rear of your head w/ about a #4 buzz--clearly the horseshoe is there--it can't be hidden anymore by any reasonable and safe means.  So what would I do with that print?  I think I'd put it on the mirror in the bathroom so that when the urge came not to shave one morning it might forcefully remind me that if I didn't  shave my head that morning I'd still llook balding all day, but not sly. 

Excellent advice.  I experienced the same thing you're going through now; I shaved and regrew several times before finally settling into the bald look.  I think the problem is that when we shave our heads, we tend to compare it to how we looked when our hair was thick and full and not how it looked when it was receding and thinning, which is what prompted us to shave in the first place.  A photo that shows your MPB at its worst is a great reality check.

Also bear in mind that you draw a lot more attention to yourself when you keep changing your appearance, whereas people will quickly adjust to the new bald you once they consistently see you that way.

As for the beard, if you're uncomfortable with the bald and full beard look, then you might be pushing yourself a little too hard by trying to adjust to both at the same time.  Grow the goat and get  used to the bald dome.  You can always grow out the rest of the beard later.  It may actually satisfy the desire to change up your appearance, since you'll no longer have the option of changing your hairstyle.  But for now, don't set yourself up for failure by trying to make too many changes at once.

You've got a great looking dome; don't be afraid to let the world see it.  Having made it through the hardest part -- the initial shaving -- you owe it to yourself to actually experience being a bald guy for a while.  So 30 days, no matter what, OK?

Good luck.  Remember to keep checking in with us so we can give your confidence a boost should you begin to waver.

[pdxtodd]

You look great sly.  I know that a lot of us hit that wall during our initial 30 days.   Like many things in life you just have to bust through that hurdle and don't give in.   Like Razor and Saint said - remind yourself of how bad it looks to be a guy who's losing his hair vs a guy who is sly and rocks the look.   Instead of posting your picture on the mirror I suggest posting Jesse's picture.   If I ever look like this I give my sly brothers the rights to strap me in a chair and shave it off.

[tomgallagher]

Also bear in mind that you draw a lot more attention to yourself when you keep changing your appearance, whereas people will quickly adjust to the new bald you once they consistently see you that way.


Very true.

[Stu]

Any tips you guys can give me to not cave again?

Just look at the pic in your profile every day - it looks perfect... hard to top that.

[R o b 6]

Have to agree with Stu. The slick sly head and beginnings of the goatee look great so far. Even if you change up the facial hair, it'll still go well with the shaved head. It's a keeper if you ask me!

[BaldnBearded]

Hey guys, Im at a week sly this time around.Starting to doubt this look again.Sometimes I feel I rock it well,other timesI feel I look ridiculous.I really hope i can stick it out. Here's an updated pic with the goatee.I don't know,some reason I just feel like I'm starting to look like an old man or a biker dude.I just hope I get comfortable like this eventually cause I really dont want to go back to male pattern baldness style

[Morthen]

i think you're crazy if you think it looks bad. Looks pretty natural on you, you look great with a shaved head and consider this. every other alternative short of just keeping hair with the receding and thinning, is all expensive and NOT permanent. Do not waste your money and time on products like pills, plugs, rugs or HT surgery, you will regret every single one of them. Stick with it you'll come around eventually.

[stasiu]

YOU ROCK SLY ! ! ! 
You market yourself well SLY in those B+W pics with consistent facial hair and facial features (friendly eyes).  Keep in mind that your smooth bald spot in back wants to convert the rest on top, so freak that bald spot and keep smooth!  We're here to help those 30 days !  ---Stasiu

[Razor X]

You look terrific; the bald head looks perfectly natural.   Do you have those MPB photos handy?  Take a good hard look at them to remind yourself that sly is better.

[J.J.]

Hey guys, Im at a week sly this time around.Starting to doubt this look again.Sometimes I feel I rock it well,other timesI feel I look ridiculous.I really hope i can stick it out. Here's an updated pic with the goatee.I don't know,some reason I just feel like I'm starting to look like an old man or a biker dude.I just hope I get comfortable like this eventually cause I really dont want to go back to male pattern baldness style

Chil, man you look GREAT with the sly dome.  Old man?  Hell, no...you're a good lookin' dude who happens to rock a shaved head like few can do.  Stop agonizing; keep smiling.  You look awesome.  Seriously. 

[Gambrinus]

Yeah, I'm wondering if you are looking at the same picture that I am.  You have one of those round heads that alot of guys would kill for.  Keep your head up, you look great.

[RyanJP]

That's funny because everytime I grow it out for a week or two ( which is becoming rarer and rarer ) I go with my gut, follow my new roots ( get it   ) and go sly, it's easier, I like it, I'm comfortable with it and I don't have to go to a barber......and alopecia has been sneaking up on me in the last year, just a little.

As your name says.....chill/ relax and take a good couple of minutes to think and commit to the 30 day rule, and on day 31 you don't like it grow it out,  I'm advising you to stick with it because it does suit you well my friend.

[wpruitt]

It's the look for you Chillpil5