Jumped right in...

[t3ase]

I've thought before about shaving my head bald (by choice) but never had the follow through. At the beginning of this year I moved to a new state, got enrolled in school, and have lately needed a bit of a "be somebody" push. Well, after being bored for a bit this morning, I started googling "what would I look with my head shaved?" and similar things for quite a while. After seeing some sites with simple answers, one or two that'd photoshop your photos for a price, I thankfully ended up on this forum. I was surprised at how helpful everyone is around here during my reading, especially when it came to helping indecisive people decide to do it.

Despite so many times of trying to cover my hair with my hand or stare and try to imagine being bald, I took the advice this morning and just did it.

At 10:53a I set up the bathroom with clippers, a razor with backup cartridge, gel, and a camera to capture a photo every 3 seconds. Almost nearly an hour later, I was the new me and I already dig it. I can't wait to get it a bit tan (yes, I know, SPF35+) and start truly enjoying it. No cuts, no incidents, just a nice new shiny dome.

As for the video:


Stills before and after (let me know if they don't show up and I'll upload them elsewhere):

Before: https://s-hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/183940_1746705160385_1621489599_1663751_7396499_n.jpg
Middle: https://s-hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/183784_1746112585571_1621489599_1662810_159900_n.jpg
After: https://s-hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/188941_1746709280488_1621489599_1663755_1036024_n.jpg

I'm definitely going to do the 30 days but I already dig it so I'm pretty sure I'll be slick for a while. Thank you all for your very helpful posts and I'll continue to be a member here for sure.

Now to remember to go pickup some sunscreen and something to wear under my motorcycle helmet.

[sailor61]

welcome to the forum.   looking good.  and the video was cool - did I count that you lathered and scraped 4 times?  just be careful you don't get your scalp irritated.

[Razor X]

Looks fantastic!  Congratulations on taking the plunge. 

[-Doug-]

Awesome transformation and awesome video! Welcome!

[t3ase]

welcome to the forum.   looking good.  and the video was cool - did I count that you lathered and scraped 4 times?  just be careful you don't get your scalp irritated.

Honestly, I didn't keep track. All I knew is that I wanted to take my time and do it right, without gouging my head or something. I knew if I was bleeding out anywhere or had any scabs, it'd take away from my confidence when it came to showing in public. From now on it obviously won't take that much time or that many "rinse and repeats." I will take note of your words though and make sure I keep it down so it takes less work.

I did follow the video with a shower and Nivea After Shave Balm on the head. So far no issues minus the occasional goosebumps from coldness. Feels incredibly strange but that shower previously felt GREAT.

I appreciate all the replies and comments so far. I had class tonight (my first truly public outing) and had a moment or two of self consciousness as I passed out test results to a class full of students for the teacher. I swear I heard a "because they're scared" at one point when I called names of those absent weren't replying and I asked to myself out loud "Really?"

However, even if they did say it, I felt okay with that considering I'm going to school to be a cop.

All in all, I have to say for those thinking of doing it:

Ya know, you can sit here and read everybody saying "JUST DO IT" as I did this morning. It won't matter what they say until you, yourself, know. And it's not a sudden epiphany where it all becomes clear, it's more of the fact you realize "hey, what the hell, I'm reading this forum so why NOT?!" I really don't personally recommend this for those with deeper self-esteem issues as-is. Shaving your head will NOT solve those issues and may, in fact, make those issues worse. However, that said, if you feel even just "okay" with who you are (read: you don't have be the most confident guy out there) and you're considering it, do it. You really have NOTHING to lose, minus the hair. I know reading it makes you feel one way but when you're going through the process, it's so different. Again, if you've just got an ounce of confidence in ya before you take the plunge and shave it all off, you're going to make it.

It may be rough for a little bit depending on how receptive you are to people (or on the other end of that: how paranoid you are) but you gotta throw that confidence you had before shaving back in your own face and say "ya know what, I'm doin' this" even if those times may come where you feel a bit outta place.

I won't say it's a spiritual rejuvenation or a cleansing, as I don't believe in that stuff. You won't add any confidence to your life if you had none to begin with when you shave everything. However, if you find that little bit that you have (or a lot in some cases) and use that as your foundation for doing it, I think anyone can pull this off.

It's weird the first day as you're passing cars in a parking lot and looking over to see yourself. Looking up at security camera displays and noticing no hair. It's not that its HARD, its just that its different. You're missing something that has been around you for years. Its a hard break up but as we all know, even breaking up with the one you thought you loved the most something else comes along and steals that spot right back.

Keep your head up, keep it shaved, and smile even if you're in line at the store looking up at yourself in the security TVs. You'll make it and in doing so, you'll be able to look back and know that you made it to a point that some people would love to have the balls to get to. That, in itself, is a confidence boost.

Anyway, now I'm ranting but yeah...

It's nice. It's definitely nice.

[The Scottish Ambassador]

Well done. looks gr8 

[marty22]

welcome and great job!

[CraftyGuy]

Welcome!

[Bilko1]

Very cool video. Loved the transformation.
You really suit the bald head. I wouldn't be too bothered about other folks reactions whether good or bad.

Keep the look, bro.

[baldjoeg]

T3ASE,

Your dome looks great.

Welcome to the forum.

Baldjoeg

[Razor X]

It sounds like you are at serious risk for being bald for a long time.  Sounds like you are digging the new look already, but after 30 days there's no way you'll want to go back to having hair.   

Most guys are afraid to shave a full head of hair.  It's a shame that they'll never know what they're missing. 

[wpruitt]

Looks good !

[t3ase]

Sorry, I was away in Vegas for the weekend.. Definitely had an interesting time there with no hair.

I appreciate the feedback everyone. I'll be lurking and posting here for a while it seems.

[beardedbaldgerman]

Great video! Great look!

[t3ase]

Not sure I ever really had a true doubt but I'm now officially hooked and it's only been a little over two weeks in.

A week or so ago we were at the local Albertson's (grocery store) which given that we're in a smaller town has the basics but not a lot of "extra goodies." To my surprise, there was a HeadBlade Sport sitting in the cartridge refill section! A new gadget  that is actually useful?!

Last night I placed my first "product" order with HB.
HeadSlick Shave Cream - I've heard good stuff about this and wanted to try it out.
HeadWash - So I didn't *need* this but it matches everything else and supposedly smells good.
HeadLube Lotion Matte - I've been using Aloe as a post conditioner after I left my balm in a hotel. Interested in seeing how "matte" it really makes it.
HeadShed Lotion - Another "what the hell, why not" purchase to replace the face scrub I've been using a bit too much of given it's price.

Now just to research more on the cartridge replacement options and pick out some new blades.

Cheers to everyone here and keep 'em slick!