Time to Get Real

[hellocowboy]

Hey all.

Here's my story that lead up to me joining this site:

I'm 21, a junior in college in Texas, microbiology major.  A few months before my 21st birthday, I started taking notice that my temples were seemingly higher than they used to.  It ended up instilling a sense of paranoia as I began to think I was losing some serious hair.  That idiocy subsided, but my obsession to make my hairline straighter stayed with me.

I got all my treatment tips from Hairlosstalk, and started the Rogaine, Propecia, etc., the whole deal.  It didn't bother me at first, but more and more I started to do weird things.  I started checking my hair before every class, whether it was windy or not.  I'd walk as far as I needed to go on campus to get to a restroom that was empty so I could check things out in solitude.  I had to start getting up earlier so I had enough time to put on the topical products and style my hair.

Then, what really pushed me over the edge I think, is when I started using the concealer Toppik.

But the whole problem with all of it is that I really am not losing that much hair.  I just spent so much time listening to those whiney crybabies at the 'other' forums who think that a normal V-shape hairline is balding.  Some of them have a warped sense of reality, and I started thinking the same way.

About a month ago, I decided to buzz most of my hair off, to time it with my Spring break.  I could almost literally feel as if the stress was inside the hairs themselves, and when they came off, I mentally felt like I was before I started freaking out over nothing (I'm a Norwood 2.5ish for those who are familiar with the hairloss jargon).  Quite possibly the most liberating thing I've ever felt.  I have a Buddhist-leaning side to my personality, and looking back, it really bothers me that something so stupid was affecting me so much.

I think my problem was that I felt like, since I'm in college, I had to look like these annoying frat boys and their goofy 15 year old gelled hairstyles.  But I've never liked having to deal with hair.  I just never had the courage to cut it off.  Until now.

I admit, I'm not "sly" yet, but ever since I first buzzed it off with a 1.5 guard, I've gone down to a 1, and yesterday with a 1/2.  Every time I cut it shorter, I feel more and more as if I'm becoming what nature intended me to look like, to become what I was supposed to look like.  Sounds corny, but I truly believe I look better without hair.  I look at old photos, and I don't recognize myself.

What really helped me come to this conclusion is my older brother, who posts here under the name Blondeguy.  Rather than go through months of annoyance like I did, he had the correct idea and shaved it all off after a brief trial with Rogaine.  His hairline is a little bit higher than mine, and he didn't torture himself with false hopes for months like I have.  I've yet to see him in person with his new look, but from the pictures, he is definitely sly.

I plan on shaving it all the way in a few weeks to see what it looks like.  I'm not sure if I'll end up keeping it, because I really do like the stubble look (plus I've had the 2-day-facial-hair-growth look for about 3 years now) and I like seeing the coloration it gives my head, but I'm going to try out the shaved look for a little bit after my final exams are over.

But one things for sure, I'd rather be bald-by-choice and SLY than paranoid and obsessed with growing a few new hairs.  About an hour ago, I packed up my Rogaine, Propecia, and Folligen lotion into a small box, and I stuffed that thing deep into my closet.  My hair may continue to recede, but if anything, it will influence me to shave it all the way, if I haven't already.

Hope to talk to ya'll more.

[Kajun]

welcome Cowboy and glad you seen the light!!and glad you caught yourself before you spent yrs stressing yourself out.

[Robmeister]

Welcome Cowboy!!

[wpruitt]

Looking sly, Cowboy

[Tyler]

Cowboy, welcome to Sly Bald Guys!!!  You have a cool bro.  Glad you made the leap instead of wasting your time and money on the alternatives.

[blondeguy]

Hey, bro...I was wondering when you'd come to your senses and show up here.  I've got a HeadBlade with your name on it when you come down this summer.

[Tyler]

Hey, bro...I was wondering when you'd come to your senses and show up here.  I've got a HeadBlade with your name on it when you come down this summer.

Ah, brotherly love! 

[Robmeister]

Hey, bro...I was wondering when you'd come to your senses and show up here.  I've got a HeadBlade with your name on it when you come down this summer.

Hey, man....I've had the privilege of a visit from Tyler....and it is a privilege...so all I have to say is 

[Cam]

Awesome! That was a good story, I think an inspiring one for anyone that is having a hairloss problem. Kudos to you!

[Cam]

...and welcome to SBG!

[Tyler]

Hey, bro...I was wondering when you'd come to your senses and show up here.  I've got a HeadBlade with your name on it when you come down this summer.

Hey, man....I've had the privilege of a visit from Tyler....and it is a privilege...so all I have to say is 

I think Blondeguy was talking to his brother...LOL

[browny]

Welcome.  As the mum of a teenage son experiencing hair loss, I congratulate you on your courage.  The hair loss "industry" is doing a lot of damage to young men's confidence so thanks for your story.  With young men like you (and the rest of you supportive guys) I feel more hopeful in guiding my son through the next few years.

[Ian]

Yeah welcome,looks good

[jusbnme]

Welcome bro.  Good choice.  Enjoy and be free. 

[Beer Barron]

Welcome to SBG Cowboy.  Great story that may help countless others.  Nice job.