Very Nervous

[Mauricio]

I've been wearing a hairpiece for the last 12 years and I absolutely hate it!  To be honest, I seldom go out without a hat unless I'm at work.  I really want to shave my head but I am a bit fair skinned with darker hair and I know it is going to be completely obvious what I did.  Are there tanning creams that might lessen the contrast between my skin and hair? I'm also a teacher and I totally dread the million and one questions I know I will get when I return to school this fall.  I know I should just suck it up and not care about what other people think, but it just makes my stomach turn every time I think of the reaction I will get.  Does anyone have similar experience?

[Rob-Raz]

I never wore a hairpiece so I can't comment on that. But if you hate it...do something now!! As far as a million questions.....what better way to get peoples opinions about the new you??   Sure you can tan ur head with products....or take that opportunity to get out more without a hat (use a bit of sunscreen...trust me) and get that head tanned!

[SBG Math Guy]

I'm a (new) teacher.  Just got my certificate in June. 
I never wore a hairpiece but you should relax.  You have about 2 months
to get used to having a shaved head.  Some of your students
or colleagues may ask you why you keep your hair short but that's about it.

Think of the worst question you think they will ask you and practice giving
a response in front of the mirror.  Sound ridiculous but I'm serious.  What
question is it that would give you a hard time?  Write it down, ask yourself
that or those questions in the mirror and you have 2 months or so to prepare
yourself to answer them.

Good luck with everything and keep in touch.  Let us know how it goes.

[Mikekoz13]

Welcome to the Forum Mauricio!!

Many of us have been very nervous before our first head shave...... it's normal. But the bottom line is that it's your head, your life. If you're not happy with the way things are then change them. It doesn't matter what others think when your own happiness is involved.

Now is the perfect time for you to shave...... Summer and away from school. By the time school is back in your head will be nice and tanned. And yes there are some tanning products that many here like.... Jergens makes a nice product but I don't remember the name.

Please keep us posted and PLEASE ask any questions or just lay out your thoughts on here for a little support.

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

I can't speak to the rug part, but I can tell you that my determination never to wear a horseshoe was in large part due to a teacher who kept his--being kids we called him "Harry" Toiletseat.  Kids will respect the sly look.  And, worried about what people will think ane questions and remarks?  Frankly, and I don't mean to be harsh, but believe me they have been questioning among themselves why you have a dead squirrel on your head.  You'll only get compliments.  To the bone, it will be all evened out by school term.  You're going to love the freedom.

[BlackJamesRackham]

the feeling you have is natural.

but, if you try out shaving your head for 30 days, you're quickly going to realize how liberating it is. no more "i need to wear a hat at all costs" types of days, no more fiddling around with your "hair", no more worrying about rain or hat hair or anything. it truly is liberating.

and now is the perfect time! shave it and get some sun! you'll tan up that dome in no time!

[Papa Don]

Welcome Mauricio.  To be rather blunt about the rug, I am sure that the kids have already labeled you.  Perhaps you just haven't heard them.  Kids are cruel.  They say just what pops into their heads.  My suggestion would be to become the cool teacher.  Lather up and take the plunge.  Future remarks from the kids will be positive!

[phigg]

I can't speak to the rug part, but I can tell you that my determination never to wear a horseshoe was in large part due to a teacher who kept his--being kids we called him "Harry" Toiletseat.

ROFLMAO!  OMG, I never thought of it like that!  Wearing a toiletseat on your head!  No wonder I absolutely loathe the look of a horseshoe.
I've always felt, if my hair wants to leave me, then don't let the door hit ya in the ass.  But I had to wait, because my wife and kid were initially freaked out by my wanting to go sly.
However, I finally got them on board with it.
I took a regular picture, and photoshopped it to make me look bald, so they could see what it'd look like.
When I saw that, I thought, wow.. I'll look pretty good like that, I think.

[Ming the Merciless]

Trust me.  Some folks will be surprised at first, but then "it's just the way you are."  If someone remarks, "What did you do to your hair?"  Just reply, "Hair?  What hair?"  And they say, "That rug you used to wear."  Just say, "Rug? Toupee? I never had one of those."  Deny, deny, deny (in a light-hearted way, of course).  They'll give up; life will go on.

As many have said here, you care more about about your hair (or lack thereof) than anyone else does.  You could even sport a mohawk (far more transgressive than Sly, which is, frankly, now very mainstream) and in a month no one you know would think anything of it.  Well, if it were dyed green, maybe...

[TGB1]

Go for it!

[mangosink12572]

Do it and enjoy being SLY BALD like all of us  - - - -Most of us have been through the same thing  - - - -

[jaypksfo]

Im not Bald (naturally) at all.  I shaved it off about 2 months or so ago just to try something different.  Its been fun - yea - you get some looks and comments, but so what - Its a head for gods sake!!  nothing weird about it!  Just take the plunge and if it doesnt look good to you, then you have timeto go back to the old look

[Sgt. Pate]

I think people naturally respect someone more for choosing their appearance than for trying to hide it!    You should have heard what they said about the rug!  

Seriously, you'll feel so much better shaved and lots of guys have the shadow.  The confidence you will have will far outweigh any nervousness.  Give it 30 days and you'll feel like you've always been Sly!    Freedom from bondage is amazing!!!

[Stu]

I think the number of questions you get will be minimal.  Most people who do this think it will be a major event to deal with, but I think in general, it turns out to be a non-event, except of course for you.  If your rug is as evident as most you see, people will probably give you props for ditching it and going natural.  Good luck, and post a pic when you do the deed.

[pdxtodd]

I'm a former hairpiece wearer and can completely relate to the fear, uncertainty, doubt, and difference in skin color.  I was amazed at how much of a non-issue removing my hairpiece and shaving my head was to everyone.   I literally had one person comment about it and the comment was "ah got a haircut" -- and that was it.   I had the difference in skin color and used Jergen's Natural Glow and it evened out in a couple of days.   The fear is totally in our own heads -- its a non event for everyone else.   Take the plunge - the sooner the better - you won't believe how great it feels to not have to deal with your hair piece and how much better you look and feel.   If you have any questions let me know!  I was there in your shoes 8 months ago.