Newly BALD at 44

[Acme]

I'm actually EXCITED to be writing this and join this FANTASTIC group.  I am 44 years old and just hours into being bald for the first time.

My hairline started receding in my very late 20's but it wasn't until very recently (last 2 years) that I thought, "Uh.... this isn't stopping and I don't know how much more I can take".  I was never going to let it get to the point of bald patches and I had trouble with the comb over because of my hair type.  It is pretty frizzy and doesn't lay well to cover the balding.  I also never considered taking medications (propecia) and wasn't too happy with the thought of transplant surgery even though I have an abundance of donor hair.  I didn't want to spend all that money and take the chance of needing follow up surgeries.  And if I gave up on follow ups, I wouldn't be able to shave my head because of the scarring.  One last thought was a hair "system" but that seemed ridiculous.  NOPE - I was going to have to shave it!

Of course, my entire life, I never thought anything negative of bald guys.  I just didn't want to be one.  I REALLY didn't think I could do it and I was afraid of looking like an alien.  But looking in the mirror and seeing through my hair to the scalp wasn't great either.  Talk about nervous.  I decided it was time.  I planned a 3 day weekend, came home from work, got out the clippers and hacked away.  Got out the electric razor and buzzed some more.  Than got out the straight razor and tried to really make it smooth.

Then came the really strange part..... I instantly LOVED it.  I immediately thought, WOW, I don't mind being bald.  I wouldn't even care if I was referred to as "the bald guy",  "baldy",  "Lex Luthor", or anything else.  I was armed with posts from this site and you tube videos so I knew I wasn't alone and I was going to feel better than I did before.  It's just a new hairstyle because the other one wasn't working for me anymore.

Just so you know, the picture is me just after I did the deed (NOTE: I have since swapped that picture).  I haven't been out yet sporting the new "do" but I feel so good and confident I didn't mind sharing it on this site.  Thank you to everyone who has posted before so I could have the extra courage I needed to do this.

I was lucky I didn't cut myself the first time shaving but now I have to do some research as to what products and methods are going to work best for me.

I sincerely mean it when I say THANK YOU to everyone!!!!!  And I am very excited to be a SBG.

[Sly Red]

Welcome Acme!  Bald and Bearded . . . a great look 

Red

[Timmer]

Welcome to SBG!!!

[Laser Man]

Welcome to the Forum.

It isn't strange that you instantly loved being bald.  I felt the same way and three months later I still feel the same way.  People ask me if I mind shaving and being bald and th answer is "no".  As many here will attest, the look and feel of being sly are great and shaving becomes a ritual that you enjoy.

When you go out, sport your new look proudly!

[Acme]

Welcome Acme!  Bald and Bearded . . . a great look 

Red

Thank you.  I let the beard come and go but thought I better let it grow a little before I shave my head.  I will probably need to have either the beard or the goatee to balance out the look.

PS.  I rarely tell this to anyone.  I had my beard permenantly fixed with electrolysis so I wouldn't have to keep shaping it.  Before, my hair was growing up towards my eyeballs.  I laugh inside everytime someone tells me they love how I shaped my beard.  And now, I think it's helping me pull off the bald look.

[buddha]

I'm another one who liked being sly right from the start. I'm not surprised at no cuts on the first try. I didn't start hacking holes in my scalp until I got cocky about my shaving abilities.

[Daven]

Welcome! A straight razor for the virgin shave? GUTSY dude, REALLY GUTSY.

Yeah, I agree, the look really suits you. I also loved it from day 1 and each time I see someone who hasn't seen me sly they sometimes don't notice, most of the time they like it. 

[-Doug-]

Welcome! I agree with Daven....that was a very ballsy thing to use a straight razor right out of the gate. However, Bravo Zulu on not ending up an bloody mess like I'm sure I would if I tried that

Post often and become an active member!

[Acme]

Welcome! I agree with Daven....that was a very ballsy thing to use a straight razor right out of the gate.

Post often and become an active member!

Oh.  I think I said the wrong thing.  I just meant a cartridge blade.  Not one of those old time knives.  It was just a gillette sensor.  I plan to hang around and be active.  I feel so much better just being bald and not having to worry about balding.  I want to offer the support which gave me the courage to do it.  That's why I shared my beard secret.  I want to help you guys like I feel I've be helped. 

[Arnie]

Welcome to SBGs!!!

[andrew]

Welcome to SBGs Acme and congratulations on your decision to shave it off.

Andrew

[zetaeffe]

Great post and looking great! 
Welcome!

[Magoo]

Hi !! .......and another hardy welcome. 

[R o b 6]

Then came the really strange part..... I instantly LOVED it.  I immediately thought, WOW, I don't mind being bald.  I wouldn't even care if I was referred to as "the bald guy",  "baldy",  "Lex Luthor", or anything else.

Congratulations! You're describing what a lot of us experienced once the anxiety of making the decision was overcome. And yes, with a few swipes of the razor, you take control of the situation and instantly go from "the balding guy" to "baldy" or "the bald guy." Sounds like you have it down but don't hesitate to ask or message the SBGs for tips and advice!

[The Noggin]

Welcome, great to have you aboard!