New here, soon 2 be sly but slightly apprehensive.

[Soon2bSly]

Hi guys

I've been a lurker for a while now and though its about time i sign up and introduce myself  . Im 24, from England and have been losing my hair since about the age of 19. This site has been a great help with helping me come to terms with the fact that i am losing my hair as i had felt myself becoming more and more depressed about the situation. Its refreshing to see how positive everybody is as losing hair is normally seen as a negative thing. I also admire the encouragement that you provide to people that are on the fence and the sound advice that has been given to those who seek it. Anyway.. a little more about me.. My hair has got to the stage now where i can no longer hide the fact that im losing it and would like to just get rid of it all and free myself from what seems to be a bit of a nightmare at the moment. Im starting a new job in a few weeks and this seems as good a time as any to take the plunge and shave it all off. My only concern is that i have a long, thin face and also a large forehead, not an ideal shaped head for the sly look. I've attached a couple of pictures anyway and would really appreciate your honest opinions on whether you think it may suit or any other advice that may be helpful.

Thanks in advance

[Razor X]

As counterproductive as it may sound, usually a forehead that looks large tends to look less large when all the hair is shaved off.  Receding hair tends to make the forehead look larger, and shaving off all the hair tends to de-emphasize it.

Don't obsess too much over the shape or size of your head.  You're losing your hair, so you're going to end up with a lot of scalp exposed no matter what.  You just need to decide if you'd rather have a partially bald head or a completely bald one.  In the vast majority of cases, a completely bald head is preferable.  Just do it and don't think about things too much or you'll end up talking yourself out of it.  It may take a little getting used to, but you'll be much happier once you've taken the plunge.

If you feel that your face is too long, try shaving your beard and just keeping a goatee.   A full beard tends to make long faces look longer; bare cheeks tend to demphasize length.

[c16188]

Hi,
just do it; take the plunge and shaved it all off!
You will look much more better!

[The Scottish Ambassador]

Go for it m8 

[marty22]

Not sure you are ready to join us as of yet. Its up to u whether to do a trial run and shave it off.

[Noodles]

Soon2BSly,

Take the PLUNGE!!

You'll love the BOTH the FEELING and the FREEDOM!!

 - Cap'n Noodles -

[sailor61]

Welcome to the gang!  For what it's worth I think guys all think/worry about the shape of their heads when getting ready to take the plunge - and it seems as it's a valid concern only very rarely.  My personal opinion is you would look great sly - but my opinion isn't what counts. What counts is how you feel about it - if the change will make you more comfortable then JUST DO IT.

[Arnie]

Welcome to SBGs!!!

[Papa Don]

Welcome S2BS.  Don't fret about the size or shape of your head.  Listen to the previous suggestions.  Not only do I have a long face with large forehead, I also have big ears that stick out.  In my opion, the shaved head reduces all of these flaws.  Ultimately, the choice is up to you.  Personally, I do believe you can carry it off.
Good luck with your decision.

[BillOnBass]

Hi Soon2bSly,

Your story sounds pretty similar to mine.  I started losing my hair around 19 or 20 and it became very noticeable around 22.  After a couple years of not leaving the house without a hat I decided to buzz it all off.  I wasn't too thrilled with the look, but the feeling of liberation was incredible.  I was driving home from the barber shop just laughing and smiling at myself in the mirror.  A week later I shaved it clean and have been doing so for 1 1/2 years.

I suggest trying out a very short buzz first just to get used to the look of less hair.  If you aren't satisfied with it just go for the full shave.  You say you're starting a new job in a few weeks; IMO this is the PERFECT time to buzz or shave it down.  If no one at your new job knows you then they'll have no preconceptions of what you're "supposed" to look like.  Personally one of the hardest parts of going through with shaving my head was worrying what others will think of my new look.  For my friends and family it took maybe a couple weeks at the most.  For new co-workers of mine, they were used to it right away!

I don't see anything wrong or out of place about your head shape.  Just remember that everyone's their own worst critic when it comes to appearance.  I say buzz it down and then shave it off!  The liberation after your first shave is just an incredible feeling.  I wish I could go back to my first headshave...

[Soon2bSly]

Thanks everyone for your replies and advice, it's really appreciated and has been a huge factor in giving me the little push that i needed to ditch the hair (and what is rapidly turning into a combover). I think im going to buzz it down first of all, see how it looks and then go from there. May be a little dramatic going straight to sly. Definitely want to go sly eventually though as i think its a great look and i've not seen one person on this site who it doesnt suit. Will put a few more pictures up in a couple of weeks when the deed is done. 

Thanks again   

[wpruitt]

Welcome ... and do what you want !!