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Planning the plunge by banmuir on 27 Feb, 2011 07:03
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Hi guys. I've been lurking for some weeks and have really appreciated the helpfulness of this site.
It's 'the standard' story - thick mop of unruly hair as a youngster, going grey at 17, starting to thin in the late-twenties, good-natured teasing with friends about 'balding' into the early forties. I'm 46 and for the past two years am in a new city with new work and around people who didn't know the 'before' -- but a visit to friends last November didn't elicit the usual teasing, and that got me thinking. I was also aware that my side parting was looking a bit like a comb-over ... I've encountered some frightful examples of that in my workplace, but of course, as I smugly knew, I was nowhere near anything like that!
The Ah-ha moment was while shopping for shirts in December - all those mirrors and bright lights in the change room didn't leave much room for hiding anything ... a bit of a shock! I made some off-hand comments to family over Christmas about losing my hair, but they were all rather kind in their replies. We all went camping together over new year, something we haven't done in ages, and I was very aware of how easily my scalp was burning in the sun, more so than before. (skin cancer is a hassle in the family, so we try and keep track of these things). I do a bit of hiking, and even a walk just a few weeks back required more hat cover than I'm used to!
Anyway, the sparsely covered 'parking lot' on my crown is claiming more territory than is right! Hairline is holding firm (like weeds on the road verge), and I suspect my bathroom mirror is a reject from a 'Snow White' set as it doesn't tell much of the truth at all! I live alone, and strangers in a new city are apparently too polite. Had a chat with my barber (not much English on his side, and not my Arabic on mine), I've always preferred my hair cut short so we put the clippers to work ... although nothing too drastic. Lots of compliments at work.
Knowing that this is a temporary stalling move, I did my usual thing and started researching the thing to death. I've encountered various 'solutions' regarding hair among people I've worked with -- personally they are not options for me. The next step was to work out what to do with what I've got, and while looking at hairstyle options found this site. To be honest I never thought bald was a hairstyle (but I have now been convinced!). My options are that I'm either going to end up with a multi-stage 'plan' that finally arrives at the inevitable, or simply bite the bullet and go straight for the finish line (do not collect 200).
I'm at the stage where I'm looking at those jumping off the high board - but it's a question of getting up there and taking the plunge myself. Once I get my mind around an issue, then it's easier to tackle. Thanks for the inspiration, guys, I would never have considered this before finding this site. -
#1 by The Scottish Ambassador on 27 Feb, 2011 07:13
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A big welcome to u
Looks like u already know what you want to do. Post a pic sometime soon.
Loads of support here on the best site with the best members on the net
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#2 by D.A.L.U.I. on 27 Feb, 2011 07:14
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Welcome, you truly have found the right place. And as most of the guys with mpb will tell you, the only question and regret you'll probably have the day you "do the deed" is that you waited so long to do it. Benefits will include looking more confident, and you'll act it; looking younger, and you'll feel it and being in control of your mpb, and you're almost there.
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#3 by sailor61 on 27 Feb, 2011 08:02
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Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Don't procrastinate any longer - buzz the remains downas low as you can, then get in the shower, lather it up and scrape it OFF.
For a kid (20s and below) I can understand the drawn out process. For those of us on the mature end of things it's different. We're past the point of needing peer affirmation - we like it but we don;t need it. Do it for yourself.
Let me tell you - as a recent convert (3 weeks) - you'll love it. I know it sounds absurd but, if you're like me, you will experience the improved self- image/confidence/etc. I can tell you it is a real reaction.
To quote a Nike tagline....JUST DO IT! -
#4 by Noodles on 27 Feb, 2011 08:25
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WELCOME to the SBG Forum, Banmuir!!
...There is an old saying that says "one pic is worth a thousand words"...
Need I say more???....
- Cap'n Noodles -
Once again.....
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#5 by seahawk guy on 27 Feb, 2011 09:57
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Hey, welcome to SBGs - a great site - all great guys here ready to encourage and support. Some have been sly for ages and some like me only a few weeks. Plenty of info on how to get the best head shave. You'll find we are all agreed that once you take the final step to becoming bald you really will feel great. Folk nearly always comment "wish I done it ages ago".
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#6 by banmuir on 27 Feb, 2011 11:37
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Thanks for all the encouragement.
I suppose there are two sticking points at present
- although my current work is in administration I do have several public roles. I've no hassle with peoples comments, I've put up with a lot of that over the years. I don't want the change to be an initial distraction given current issues being dealt with. It's a question of timing.
- reading some guys routines I've wondered if I'd cope with something like that!! The concern is also for moles etc. They bleed buckets when nicked.
Thanks again for the welcome. -
#7 by marty22 on 27 Feb, 2011 12:22
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welcome!
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#8 by Razor X on 27 Feb, 2011 12:46
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It really doesn't pay to overthink things. If you do, you'll always find reasons not to do it. Just do it and live with the consequences. It's not nearly as a big a deal to the rest of the world as you may think it is.
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#9 by ozzie on 27 Feb, 2011 13:17
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Welcome to the forum banmuir! You'll be surprised how little attention folks will actually pay to your new look. After an initial double take, most people will immediately go back to thinking about, and focussing on, what is most important to them: themselves.
In regard to the moles, first things first, shave your head (carefully of course) and then have a dermatologist check out the moles. Most likely the doctor can remove any that are likely to cause an issue for you while shaving. This is painless and it's a great feeling to finally get rid of those things.
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#10 by Basqueman on 28 Feb, 2011 23:14
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Welcome Banmuir. I was a little apprehensive myself. I started slow and cut my hair using clippers with no guard. I wore my hair this way for several weeks and then took the plunge. The people around me grew used to the nearly sly look. When I shaved, hardly anyone noticed. A few did but I received nothing but compliments. The Sly look is everywhere and is hardly unusual anymore!
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#11 by Ming the Merciless on 01 Mar, 2011 17:14
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Off, Off!
I do I mean "Arf, Arf!"?
No, I think not. Dogs look terrible shaved (see "Mexican Hairless"), but humans can look great.
Do it.
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#12 by Bilko1 on 01 Mar, 2011 17:22
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Welcome, bro.
Don't put things off, mate. My advice is get your hair buzzed to a zero & then get lathered up and shave your head. You will love it.......guaranteed ! -
#13 by The Scottish Ambassador on 02 Mar, 2011 01:58
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It really doesn't pay to overthink things. If you do, you'll always find reasons not to do it. Just do it and live with the consequences. It's not nearly as a big a deal to the rest of the world as you may think it is.
What Razor said! I cant put it any better -
#14 by banmuir on 02 Mar, 2011 10:44
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Thanks for the encouragement and advice.
After your initial replies I decided I'd bite the bullet this weekend, otherwise I will procrastinate - got a decent razor, and recharged the camera. Then an unexpected surprise came to light at work, and we are now in legal proceedings. The next two weekends are also back-to-back meetings. The biggest challenge right is to keep as much unchanged as possible as staff are going to be very unsettled for the next while.
I'll be around. This really is a great forum.