New to the site and almost ready to get rid of the hair!

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

Welcome, you're going to love the freedom.  We've had a couple of guys who recently ditched the dead animal and are enjoying the freedom from the tyranny of rug and rug vendors, not even counting the cash savings!
Don't get too caught up in the "reaction" business, many of us found that the comments were relatively few at work and no where near what we had anticipated, and the comments we did get were complimentary and supportive.  Also, and this is nice, the compliments keep coming--they really do. 

[Arnie]

Welcome to SBGs!!!

[CraftyGuy]

I might be obsessed with touching my bald head for a while, since I haven't really been able to do that for years. Ahh, the simple pleasures!

This pleasure does not abate. The feeling of rubbing a newly-shaved pate (or having it rubbed)  is one of life's great pleasures, and, at least for me, it never seems to get old.

I second what Bear said!  And welcome aboard!!

(and "howdy!" to a relative neighbor!!  I'm about 50 miles west of you in Fitchburg!)

[The Noggin]

Welcome to SBG!

There really is nothing to be nervous about. Just do what you like and everything will be fine.

[Sly Red]

Welcome to Sly Bald Guys from another GSG brother.

Cheers,

SimplyRed

[reb123161]

Do you remember your first date??  First time you started a game??  First job??  Man,  SHAVE it and GO with it...It Shall be fun...I promise!

[Troy]

I thought about your dilemma for a bit and can understand the urge to give the coworkers a preview of what you're going to look like next time they see you.  If that is most comfortable for you, go for it.  I think we should each approach tough personal situations in our own way.  Personally, I probably wouldn't go that route as I'd feel I was giving away some of my personal power.  I remember once when I shaved off my bushy brown beard and showed up for work without it.  For awhile, no one said anything and I wondered if they even noticed.  After a few hours, I got a few 'did you shave your beard' comments.  Bottom line is I think one's personal appearance is more important to themselves (as it should be) and others aren't too concerned about it.  Good luck and let us know how it goes. 

[gebodragon]

I'm on my 27th day of shaving my head, and those first few days of the "reveal" to friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc., were the most anxiety-producing for me, for sure--I think it is natural to feel some apprehension about the reactions. 

However, being past that, I can say, honestly--it wasn't nearly the big traumatic deal I thought it would be.  Overwhelmingly, reactions were less "big" than I thought they would be, and overwhelmingly, they've been accepting and very positive.  Many people have told me they really like it.

Honestly, I think most people secretly admire us for having the balls to make such a big radical change in our appearance (bigger and more radical for some than others, big for me because I still had a pretty good head of hair), because it's something nearly everyone has some insecurity about--it's easier to stay with what's known and comfortable and therefore "safe" even if we're not totally happy about it.

I have never in my life felt happier or more confident about my appearance than I have since shaving my head (and that's something I never would have anticipated).  It took me a couple of weeks to get totally used to the new look and over the nervousness of everyone seeing it for the first time, but now, I am no longer wary of catching glimpses of myself in the mirror.  And that, for me, is a new thing, because I've always had issues about how I look.

I think it's totally about taking charge and being proactive about something that is bothering you, as opposed to continuing to be controlled by it, and by the perceived and imagined opinions of others, which really don't matter and in some cases don't even exist. 

So do whatever you need to do to make yourself feel comfortable, but it's kind of like jumping into a pool--the faster you go in, the faster the water will feel great and you'll be enjoying yourself.

[BaldinBoston]

I did it! Today was the big day - the hair is gone and I feel free. No one has seen me yet, including my husband. I have the fan blowing on me right now and the fact that I can feel it on my scalp is great. The first shower without the hair (in years) was also awesome. Though I have yet to show off my new look, I'm feeling good about it. I don't think I look bad without the hair, which helps - and once I'm past the big reveal, I think I'll be really happy. Just the fact that I don't have to spend hours on my hair each week is very exciting. I'll keep you all posted on how things are going - I won't be going back to work until next week, but will be seeing some friends over the weekend, so they're the test group. Thank you all for your support!

[marty22]

try to post a pic when you can.

[TheSlyBear]

Congrats on your big step. Looking back, most of say "What the hell was I so worried about?", but most of us probably also remember how hard it was to get to that point. You've taken a big step; be proud of it. And of your new look.

[Rob]

Good to hear

Be great to see a pic when you've the time.

Goood luck with the reveal, though I'm sure you won't need it

[BaldinBoston]

I just posted a pic!  As you can see, I have some hair visible. It would hardly be a stretch for me to go totally sly, but I'm going to stick with this for now. At this point, it's about letting go of the facade and embracing my baldness.

I've never been particularly photogenic, but at least you can see that I went through with it!

[Troy]

Your big smile says it all.  Good for you for taking the big step!  Glad you are part of the group here.  Enjoy your newfound freedom. 

[The Noggin]

Very nice!  I'm sure you'll only get compliments for your new look.