What should I do?

[Mikey T]

Right now I'm 17, almost 18 years old. I still have a good amount of hair but it's deffinetly going away. I have a pretty bad receeding hairline, and the area around that is deffinetly going thin. Right now I have medium length hair, and usually sport a baseball cap. I'm sick of hiding it, was thinking of shaving it very short, or maybe even all off. Should I wait untill I lose more hair or just do it now? I'm just finishing up my junior year in highschool and I'm scared how people will react.

[Frontier Guy]

Welcome. You'll get lots of good advice and support from the guys here.

I'm lots older (57) but from your post it seems like your hair is already consuming too much of your thinking time and causing worry.

My suggestion, which is worth what you're paying for it (ha), is that you go with a buzz cut to get a sense of having really short hair if you don't want to go all the way with shaving it. You could, even, gradually shorten your hair so it's not as much a surprise to people.

Today was my first day at one of my jobs since I shaved bald and all the responses were neutral to favorable.

Summer's almost here ... perhaps shave it all the day after school ends using the justification you want a cooler cut for the summer. And see how it goes.

Stick around and share your experiences. Everyone here helps everyone else.

[Mikey T]

Thanks! It's nice to know there are people out there I can talk to, that actually understand me, I'm really excited to shave it off!

[IllinoisBaldy]

Welcome to SBG Mikey.  I was 16 when I realized I was losing my hair so I understand your concern.  Unfortunately, I went down the hair transplant route when I was 19 and regretted it soon after.  My advice would be to shave it off, get used to your new look, and never look back. 

[stasiu]

Welcome to SBG !  You did not mention if you have p/t summer job.  It's summertime and you out of school for a few months, so I'd say go to barbershop and tell him/her to "peel it".  Ask if he/she does headshaves.  I'd def try going sly for summer -- unless job issues prevent.  Lead the way as a sly teen this summer !  Don't forget reaction of family, friends, g/f !  Keep us posted !  I think you really wanna try sly. 

[Mikey T]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to after school lets out, only thing holding me back is I'm not sure If I could pull the look off at my age. I guess I'll have to do it and find out.

[Sir Harry]

Since school is about to let out, I'd definitely buzz if not shave it for the summer....You said that you were a junior in high school, which means you have a year left...If you feel comfortable going sly in front of your classmates, and the school dress code allows for shaved heads (I don't see why they won't allow shaved heads), have at it! BTW, Welcome to the group!

[kalbo]

Welcome Mikey. Summer is the perfect time to shave your head. You are almost an adult. Consider it as a rite of passage.

[Frontier Guy]

I see thousands of people per day (I'm in the tourism industry) ... and among them a fair number of teen guys who have shaved their heads. They all look great and confident.

You'll be surprised at how much YOU like it, and the summer will allow you (and close friends) to get used to the "new and improved" you before the fall term begins.

[Lynchy]

Welcome man!

As said above just go for it! If you want to do it then just do it IMO.

I'm only 23 and think I can pull off the look.

Anyway good luck and keep us posted!

[mrzed]

Just met a 19 year old guy this week with a shaved head.

He was doing it in support of a friend with cancer.  He shaved in March and plans to stay shaved until August (at least). I encouraged him to remain bald. We'll see.

So, if you need an excuse, find someone with cancer and say you are doing it in support of them. It's an acceptable reason for shaving your head. In the meantime, you can give it a try and see how you like it.  If anyone fusses, you have an acceptable reason, even if not the primary reason.

[Mikey T]

Thanks for the support guys, I'm not going to lie, losing my hair bothers me quite a bit. Everytime I see it, it brings me down a little. I feel like its holding me down and I just want it off. I'm just scared because I'm not sure if women my age will find me attractive with this look.

[mangosink12572]

Shave it and if you do not like it  - - -let it grow back - - - -

Give it the 30 days  and see how you enjoy the beautiful BALD MELON.

There is nothing like a smooth shine on the dome.

[Paul the Headblader]

hello. taking it easy won't really help. shave it all off and feel free.

[RoWilJr]

Go with the buzz cut for the first part of summer...then shave to achieve the Sly. If you don't like it, you still have time to grow it back before the next school year.