New member... Considering going sly.

[ejlewis]

Hi all -

I am 25 and have always had a full thick head of hair. It's always been the one thing I've been happy with about my looks my whole life and the one thing I thought I would never lose, being that all my grandparents, aunts and uncles and both my parents all have the same. Unfortunately my road took a strange bend. I ended up dealing with a serious, heavy drinking problem for the past 5+ years which I am just now beginning to overcome and work through. As a result of this about 6 months ago I noticed that the thick hair I had always prized was beginning to thin. Now you can visibly see my scalp through my hair and I've spent the last week or so fretting heavily about it. I've looked all over the internet for information on hair loss caused by vitamin deficiencies which can be caused by long term, heavy alcohol consumption. Reports are conflicting, with some websites reporting that the damage can be undone and others indicating there is no hope. I am now faced with the reality that due to my own habits I may never have a full head of hair again.

The good news is I'm off the booze now, been clean for a couple months now and I am never going to touch the stuff again. In my surfing I came across this forum and I'm seriously now considering going for the clean look. I figure if I can't have full, thick hair maybe I'm better off shaving it off completely. My only concern is the shape of my head. I have a pretty narrow face and I'm not sure if going completely bald would be a good look for me or not.

Any suggestions?

-Ethan

[The Noggin]

Welcome Ethan!

First of all congratulations on having pulled yourself out of the drinking problem. One of my nephews has one for many years and is still struggling, so I know it is very hard to get out of it.
With that in mind, going sly should be like a snap for you. Don't worry about your head shape. I'm sure it is within normal parameters. Of course, it takes some time for yourself and the others to adjust to your bald head. That's why SBG is promoting the 30 days rule. Read more about it in the Beginners section.

So, if you want to go sly, just do it. It is definitely worth trying it, even if you're not going to like it. I think it might be a part of the new era in your life, leaving the "Old You" behind inside and outside.

Good luck! 

[ozzie]

Welcome to the forum Ethan. Congratulations on the breakthrough. Now give yourself a treat and shave your dome. 

[Paul]

Welcome and congratulations on winning the battle over the bottle, Ethan.    Don't worry about head shape.  If shaving it off will help you further, go for it.  You've already displayed courage and willpower, now make those attributes visible by going sly.

[johnnyo]

Welcome Ethan, and congratulations on your decision to be sober. In the long run, that will be better for you. Now if you are used to seeing yourself with a full head of hair or somewhat, making the transition to shaved will be quite shocking. Maybe get it buzzed down to start with. You will gain confidence to make the move to going all the way. You can get alot of support from these guys. Hang in there. 

[ejlewis]

Thanks for the support, everyone! I agree it may be a fun way to begin the sober era of my life. I'm going to give it some more thought and if I can get the courage to do it I may give it a shot in a couple weeks. I'll keep you all posted.

[Papa Don]

Ethan, welcome to the forum.  I am so glad that you beat the bottle.  I lost my mother to alcoholism so in the long run, by beating the beast you have prolonged your life.  It may be life with thinning hair, but it is life.  Hair is just an accessory.

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

Thanks for the support, everyone! I agree it may be a fun way to begin the sober era of my life. I'm going to give it some more thought and if I can get the courage to do it I may give it a shot in a couple weeks. I'll keep you all posted.

One idea comes to mind, you're controlling an addiction, a recovering addict.  And, in the sense of your hair, you're also controlling a genetic predisposition to baldness.  Everyday you control your mpb by shaving and achieving a smooth beautiful dome, reminds and reinforces for you it's another day you can and will control your addiction.  You will be smooth, you will control, we've got your back.

[Rob-Raz]

It's been over a year since I have had alcohol myself....and believe me when I say it gets easier and easier. You really start to enjoy the "little" things in life again that used to not get a second thought. May as well take the plunge and enjoy one of those little things.....the undescribable experience of a clean shaved head!  Congratulations on your choice to turn your life around.   

[chgobuzzbald]

Use this haor loss as an opportunity for a clean and fresh start by removing this hair you no longer need or really even want. Take a look around at all the sly bald guys you see everyday. Be proud to be one of them.

[Morthen]

we all worried about our headshape at first. I thought my head would be too "long" which sounds weird but once you shave it off it usually looks much better than you think. I say atleast shave it down to a #0 and see what you think, then maybe go for shaving it with a razor. Worst case scenario your hair will grow back.

[xnewyawka]

Welcome Ethan, and congratulations on your decision to end the drinking and live life sober.
You now have another decision that I believe can really empower you. By shaving the noggin', you take full and complete control over a situation that is causing you more grief.
Give it a shot, try the shave. Remember, you're in control here. 

[Sgt. Pate]

Welcome aboard Ethan!  

[wpruitt]

Welcome Ethan

[reb123161]

Welcome!  Nice to have you here.