Not sure!

[Nate]

Some guys just do it

I am in your boat and I ponder my head shape and think sheesh I will look bad

And thats a good point RedGrave just stated in the fact other people really do not scrutinize your look. Not unless you are some hair model or you are constantly around vanity obsessed people and most of us arent

Something everyone here will tell us both is there is an initial getting used to period with ourselves our colleagues our friends and family. But after that time elapses its business as usual

[matt79alpine]

Hi guys,Getting ever closer,was wondering how long it normally takes to even the colour on your head(to your face/neck) i'm in the UK and summers all but over,but i'm pretty brown as i work out doors,just a bit worred about having a white helmet on my head for to long!! Cheers!

[The Noggin]

It depends on your skin, but it shouldn't take too long to get at least some tan. You can also try a self-tanning lotion.

I myself don't tan very much. Last year, after I went sly in April, my scalp didn't catch up to my face and neck completely. However, the sly feeling has been so overwhelming, the tan really wasn't an issue for me. Finally, the winter paleness has evened it out.

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

The "tan line" is really nothing to concern yourself w/, it passes quickly.  What people notice is the clean sharp look, not the line.  The good thing, and you'll have to believe us on this until you've actually done it, is that no one except you is worried about this.  They just don't notice.  You're spending a whole lot of time looking at this situation in the mirror--most of us have been standing exactly where you are now, covering what's left w/ our hands and lord knows whatelse trying to get a glimpse into our future.  Ultimately, it just doesn't matter.  The sense of freedom is just overwhelming and you'll realize that the only thing you regret is waiting so long--that is the only regret. 

[reb123161]

I have found the only heads I look at are ones that should be SLY----when I see another SLY phenomenon of nature, ONLY I look at the shave....and know what time of day it is for the dude!!!  What I mean with this post is---we WORRY more about our hair, or lack of, than everyone else.  SLY is freedom and power, man!  Set yourself free, brother.

[thebbqguy]

I really like the idea of shaving to a grade1 or 2,but not sure if its gonna just look really bad and don't think i'm ready to go sly. has anyone had a simular problem,does anyone know how bad thinning hair looks at a grade 1/2.
Thanks alot.

I first visited the forum in April 2010 and at that point I had been getting my hair clipped at the barbershop to a 2.  After reading around on here awhile, I purchased the Wahl Balding Clippers and went to 1 and then 0 (no guard) over the period of a few months.

Last week I shaved my head entirely.  There's really not a great amount of difference. I understand your thought process with the 1/2 guard because I took the same approach. It allowed my friends, family, and co-workers time to get used to the idea and it allowed my scalp time to "condition".  I have really fair sensitive skin and freckles.  The gradual approach worked for me, but I doubt it was really necessary.

Whatever approach you take, I'm sure it will work out fine.

[matt79alpine]

Hey guys,
Buzzed it down to number 1..........is Awesome!!!!!!!!!!! can't seethe thinning! it's like a year long weight has been lifted from my shoulds,i was dreading going back to work,but now can't wait! i've also lost the fear of going sly i reckon,i'm thinking i'm gonna keep this look for a while,as i like it! i wan't to say a massive thank you to all of you!! with out your input,i would still be stressing!!! i really mean that!!i will post a pick tomorrow!!! THANKS AGAIN!!

[xnewyawka]

Congrats Matt, sounds like your happy with it.
A #1 buzz is awesome, but a smooth shave is even more awesome!!   

[thebbqguy]

Way to go Matt. Can't wait to see a picture.

[Sgt. Pate]

Right on Matt!    Glad you found a look that you like!

[BaldWriterBob]

Good for you, Matt. Glad you're happy with the new look.