So it's started happening...

[Natedawg]

So I've been buzzing my head (clippers - no attachments) since '04 (when I was about 24), and shaving it clean with a razor since '07. I originally started cutting my hair so short because said hair never agreed with me (ultra-thin; oily; high-hairline). I figured I'd give baldness a try. Been keeping it that way and loving it since the first buzz. I knew it was the look for me, and I still do.

Recently while razor shaving, I started noticing that it felt like there was less stubble/resistance on the top of my head. I started thinking that there was no way I could be going bald at the tender age of 31. Hell no! So, I let the stubble grow for a few days (I normally shave with a razor every other day) to see if this was the case.
It is. My hair is growing much more sporadically on the top of my head than it used to, even compared to 6 months ago. It was very noticeable with the aforementioned stubble.
I'm balding.

Honestly, I'm not sure quite how to feel about it... On one hand, I'm obviously already equipped to handle it. It's not going to make any difference in my look. I knew even before this started happening that I was going to be bald for life.
You'd think this alone would be enough to push any negative feelings about it out of my head. However, on the other hand, I'm going bald at 31. Seems too young.. or maybe I'm just not quite ready to face becoming older haha!
I'm not actually upset or anything, it just feels... surreal. The only person who has gone bald (not by choice) on both sides of my extended family was my uncle (dad's brother), who also did so at a younger age. Guess I drew the lucky card on that one, huh? Didn't think it would actually happen to me.

Sure is a good thing I beat mother nature to the punch, huh?

[Razor X]

It's normal to have mixed feelings about it.  There's a big difference between being bald because you choose to and being bald because you have to. There was a whole Seinfeld episode about it.   

[Paul the Headblader]

Nice post.
I'd also love to be naturally bald, so I'll have less to shave.
Guess I'm not that lucky.
Yet

[warhawk]

hey nate:  glad that ya beat mother nature 2 the punch.  U look like a natural.  4 me the sly life gets better each & every day.

WARHAWK

[D.A.L.U.I.]

The really great thing about sly is that it hides balding in plain sight.  Balding sucks, being bald is fine, and until you've experienced that seemingly contradictory situation it sounds funny . 

[Natedawg]

Thanks for the replies and kind words, amigos!
The irony of the situation is indeed delicious, here. I just thought I'd share that little wake up call. That on top of welcoming our first born to the world a month and half ago, it's been quite a year of lifelong changes already!

There was a whole Seinfeld episode about it.   

Oh yeah! The one where Elaine dated the guy who shaved his head. Nice reference. 

[Mr Jules]

Natedawg,

You beat me to it. In the few last weeks, I've noticed by the time of the 5 o'clock shadow, that mother nature is doing a random job of balding the top of my head. The widows peak is disintegration and there's now a mix of low sand dunes and grey stubble.

Very pleased to have picked the right time to shave sly.  Now I'm half way between BBC and BBN, it really feels like a one way advancing years ticket. Also getting the first hint of what I'm going to look like with the horse-shoe stubble.

So you have my fullest sympathies. Great to be sly. And the MPB genes are pushing you along, too.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

That on top of welcoming our first born to the world a month and half ago,

Oh boy, congrats, that's great--and if you thought mpb was just starting, that fact alone will push it into high gear.   

[Natedawg]

Very pleased to have picked the right time to shave sly.  Now I'm half way between BBC and BBN, it really feels like a one way advancing years ticket. Also getting the first hint of what I'm going to look like with the horse-shoe stubble.

So you have my fullest sympathies. Great to be sly. And the MPB genes are pushing you along, too.

Hey thanks, Mr Jules.
At least we were able to show nature up for once. It always wins, so it's nice to get a preemptive strike in there. Always been proud to be BBC, but like you said, now our decisions are definitely being reinforced.

Oh boy, congrats, that's great--and if you thought mpb was just starting, that fact alone will push it into high gear.   

Many thanks, saintc! Our baby boy has already managed to make me FEEL older. I'm sure my looks will follow suit. 

[Baldstu]

Well it less traumatic than losing your hair much younger ,

[Slyfive]

First of all, congratulations on the new addition to the family, you must be proud! 

Secondly, in response to both you and Jules, I started shaving because of MPB (so the hair situation wan't great to start with), but I have begun to notice the same missing patches around my hairline and crown, just random bits missing, and although I now love being bald, and wouldn't go back, I still have that same pang of realisation that you felt.

I'm also the only baldie for 3 generations in my family (except my great uncle by marriage), so I know how you feel man, it's almost like finding out you've been short changed when you didn't even know you paid in the first place. Also, don't feel bad, 31 one isn't that early, I turn 23 on Friday, and I know there's a few others here who are going through the same at 18 or younger, my good vibes go out to all you guys that are losing it at an early stage, and to all you more experienced guys that helped us through it.

[Natedawg]

Thanks for the reply, Slyfive! I am very proud of my baby boy, when he lets me sleep enough to feel pride (lol). 
I hear you in that men much younger than me have started losing hair... Just never thought it would be the case for me, but of course, who really ever does...? We all just have to roll with the hands life deals us.

Happy early birthday, btw! 

[Slyfive]

Thank you very much, buy the way, that beard is AMAZING, makes you look extra slick.

[Mike]

I had a similar problem. I started shaving because my ex girlfriend pointed out that my hair was thinning at the peaks. I was 19 and always digged the look so shaved it off. I let my hair go for a week before shaving and didn't notice any difference really. Well, I grew it out for 50 days recently and noticed that it was thinning more than before. No one else really noticed it but it stood out to me. I am only 22-soon to be 23 and it took me back a step or two. I started shaving by choice, now I will continue to shave because of what started as a choice is now almost mandatory. Plus, people are all used to me being Sly these days anyway.
 Congrats on the new baby!

[Natedawg]

that beard is AMAZING, makes you look extra slick.

Haha thanks, dude! I take pride in it. I get more attention and conversation because of it than I do my slyness. 

Congrats on the new baby!

Many thanks! Glad to hear you enjoy being sly. Keep up the great work, baldy!