Day 1...

[AndrewD]

Only a few hours down and I'm already loving my decision to go sly.  I was a member of the hair club for about 5 years, and over those years I've come to regret that move more and more.  I started going bald when I was about 19 or so, and being so young I was incredibly self-conscious about it (I understand it's probably the same at any age, but at the time it felt like the end of the world).  So when I was 24 I decided to join  the club and do something about it.  Well, as I'm sure many of you know from either experience or other posters, all the club does is switch your low self-esteem's focus from going bald to being one of those guys with a toupee.  So it has been a struggle for several years for me, weighing the pros and cons of getting rid of the faux hair, or continuing with the shoddy product and ridiculously high monthly bills for fear of showing my bald self again.  Well, I'm 30 now and a person changes a whole lot between one's early twenties and late twenties, and I finally came to the conclusion that I need to let go, embrace my bald self, and finally be who I am.   I'm just a few hours removed from the wig and I couldn't be happier about my decision.  It's like a big weight has lifted off of me.  Naturally, I'm still a bit nervous about how co-workers/friends/family are going to react, but that slight fear is far outweighed by how much better I'm feeling about myself.  I found this site just this morning, and it was a very helpful catalyst to finally push me over the edge to rip that thing off my head and go sly.  Thanks all and I look forward to being part of this community for a long time to come.  I already feel like I'm part of a new special club, one that's much better than those guys over at the hair club...I'll add some before and after photos soon.

[aarrggh]

  Welcome and excellent decision.............
  And whats more important is you make it another Sly Andrew too this site   

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

Congrats, you were born to be free .  I recently Google'd toupee, and among the odd facts that search engine produced was one report I should have linked here, the wig business is down 30%!  Hopefully the guys here at SBG's have had some part in bringing guys to accept their mpb as a genetic trait, not a disease or defect, and offered a sane and safe solution.  We welcome you and all those whose lives have been affected by the robbers at HCM, et als. who have preyed on the indecision and angst of the balding--we are free, you are free and all can be free of their crap.  

[Morthen]

Congrats, I know how you feel, being nervous to how others are going to react is natural. But do not let negative comments get you down, if it makes YOU happy stick with it and others will come around eventually. I'm sure most people will react positively though congrats again man!

[Razor X]

Congratulations on your newly found freedom.  It's always a little scary when you first shave your head -- whether you were weariing a toupe or not -- and face the world.  But it's not nearly as bad as you expect it to be.  Almost everyone here will testify to the fact that it usually turns out to be a huge non-event, and the only comments you receive are likely to be positive ones.

[Papa Don]

Andrew, Welcome to the site.  Good luck with seeing your friends, family etc..  Do expect some shock on their part.  You may recieve some smart-arst remarks, but I think it is part of it.  Just laugh along with them and they will soon come around.  In your life, you are the most important thing.  Be Happy!!!

[samtheman]

Congrats Andrew!

I will tell you some of the looks on the faces of my friends and family have been priceless, almost worth the shave just for that! I've been going out of my way to make it fun. And as far as comments go that people might make, I've been rather quick to point out how much I'm liking my new style before anyone has really had a chance to say anything, and so far nobody has felt strongly enough to disagree or try to change my mind. But the looks I get at first are great, I've been acting like I don't know what they are talking about when they first ask.

Friend: "What happened to your hair?"
Me: "Is there something wrong with it?"
Friend: "You don't have any!"
Me: "What are you talking about?? It was there when I went to sleep last night!?"
Friend: "....."

[ozzie]

Congratulations Andrew. Welcome to the SBGs! 

[OzPete]

Welcome Andrew!

[pdxtodd]

Welcome Andrew!  I too was a "Club" member.  A few years longer than you.  I'm glad you felt the instant relief.  No more appointments, no more products, no more worrying about the edge showing, no more writing huge checks to the Club.  The 4th is my 6 month anniversary and I am so glad that I made the same decision as you.

As for other's reactions - get ready and brace yourself.  I was totally shocked by what people didn't say after I walked back into work after my haircut appointment.   I had one comment - "I see you got your hair cut, can we start on that project now?" - and that was it.   My 4 year old daughter still teases me by telling me that my hair ran away.   Other than Emma - there hasn't been anything but positive comments.

[timetobeme]

Hey Andrew,

As someone who shared in your former predicament I can totally relate and say congrats in your new found freedom!!!  You made the right choice and I'm glad you did it before waiting as long as others (like myself did).  Welcome to the club, brotha!!!

[revived]

awesome!!! well done mate!
sounds like you are loving it. Don't worry about what anyone thinks or says! you feel good so thats all that matters.

[The Noggin]

Great decision, Andrew!

[Tyler]

Great decision Andrew!! 

[Gambrinus]

Andrew welcome to the Un-hair club for REAL men.