Should I do it? Been wanting to for a while but ...

[RoWilJr]

Give it a go and shave sly. Bet you like your new look.
[/quote]

This^^^^^if you don't like it, grow it back 
Good luck and keep us posted 

[Slyfive]

Good job Sy! I can't really add more, the guys have already done a great job, but I do want to point out that a girl asked you out, irrespective of what's on your head, so you're obviously a cool guy... And soon, you will look ever cooler. So sit back, shave, and just enjoy being you.

[kalbo]

Welcome SyZ, let me add to those who encourage you to shave your head. You have already given it much thought. I am sure you will like it. Best regards.

[Bilko1]

I agree with all the other guy's comments on here.

If you are thinking about it then you really should do it. Even better suggestion: allow the girl-friend to buzz your hair short & then let her shave you smooth. You will both enjoy the experience. I think it is the logical next step for you, now.

All the best,

Bilko

[SyZ]

I did it!

Here is a picture of me last night:

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/me.jpg

Here are two I just took after coming back from getting it done, but I think I need to go shave after a shower to actually get it bald:

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/shaved2.jpg

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/shaved1.jpg

I'm happy with how it came out, I didn't end up having any horrible bumps or scars on my skull/scalp that would make it look bad, although I have a tiny scar on my back left (I'll take a picture of it later)

So does it look ok? Now for some questions/concerns ...

1) The woman told me my scalp is VERY dry. She put maybe an ounce of conditioner through my scalp and my skin basically absorbed it. Should I be using any sort of product on it? I picked up http://www.headblade.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HB&Product_Code=10100-2&Category_Code=aftershave and http://www.headblade.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HB&Product_Code=10600-7&Category_Code=preshave

2) Should I shave it daily? Every other? Weekly?

3) Still use shampoo/conditioner?

4) Anything else I should know?

Thanks for the replies / support!

[kalbo]

Thanks for sharing your pics, it is a good improvement from your thinning hair. Its time to take out the razor and shaving cream to complete the look. Shave every other day to avoid irritation and to help toughen up your scalp. Use shampoo or whatever you use on your face, do away with the conditioner. Happy shaving.

[marty22]

good start!

[Sir Harry]

Looks good! It will feel good when you go all the way!

[SyZ]

Here's three from after I shaved:

http://s1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/?action=view&current=shaved3.jpg

http://s1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/?action=view&current=shaved4.jpg

This is the back of my head, couldn't get a better shot:

http://s1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/?action=view&current=shaved5.jpg

I think I cut myself in a few places, is that normal the first time? Now if I can just get some color I should be good 

[Frontier Guy]

Congratulations on joining the Sly civilization. I hope you are feeling an extraordinary sense of relief. Looks really good.

It's been 22 days since I shaved, so I'm not an expert - but I can give you first-hand rookie experience.

I suggest shaving daily - one 'cause it's a pleasant experience, two because it will help you quickly improve your skills dealing with a new shape, and three because it's a great reinforcement of the sly look. Thus - adhere to the 30-day challenge.

Take your time and go easy. I did create a few nicks the first couple of days and then it lessened, though I manage occasionally to draw a drop of blood or two now and then.

I use my regular shampoo ('cause I have plenty on hand) to wash my scalp and cut through any oils and such. And then I use a little exfoliant (St Ives Apricot Scrub) to loosen any dead skin. Just a little and not hard enough to create irritation.

And afterwards I don't use a conditioner - but will put on sunscreen if I'm going to be outside more than just a few minutes.

My most important bit of advice ... Enjoy your new look! You look great. You will be surprised when you catch a glimpse of yourself in a mirror or a window. And you may think people are staring - they really aren't, but I think the newly shaved are just a wee bit self-conscious.  If someone is staring, it's probably because you are just so good-looking they just can't help taking a moment to admire.

Welcome to the Team.

[stasiu]

WOW !   What a change for the best !

[SyZ]

Congratulations on joining the Sly civilization. I hope you are feeling an extraordinary sense of relief. Looks really good.

It's been 22 days since I shaved, so I'm not an expert - but I can give you first-hand rookie experience.

I suggest shaving daily - one 'cause it's a pleasant experience, two because it will help you quickly improve your skills dealing with a new shape, and three because it's a great reinforcement of the sly look. Thus - adhere to the 30-day challenge.

Take your time and go easy. I did create a few nicks the first couple of days and then it lessened, though I manage occasionally to draw a drop of blood or two now and then.

I use my regular shampoo ('cause I have plenty on hand) to wash my scalp and cut through any oils and such. And then I use a little exfoliant (St Ives Apricot Scrub) to loosen any dead skin. Just a little and not hard enough to create irritation.

And afterwards I don't use a conditioner - but will put on sunscreen if I'm going to be outside more than just a few minutes.

My most important bit of advice ... Enjoy your new look! You look great. You will be surprised when you catch a glimpse of yourself in a mirror or a window. And you may think people are staring - they really aren't, but I think the newly shaved are just a wee bit self-conscious.  If someone is staring, it's probably because you are just so good-looking they just can't help taking a moment to admire.

Welcome to the Team.

Thanks for the long post!

I'll reply to your last paragraph first - I'm actually fairly confident with how it looks - in fact today I'm thinking of just going to the mall and randomly walking around and getting smiles from good looking girls

I wouldn't say I'm self-conscious, just ... 'concerned' would be the correct word. I need to get some coloring on my scalp to match more in line with my face, but I burn easily and I'm hesitant to just sort of go outside with sunscreen on and soak in some sun (more than I usually do walking around campus on a normal day, that is)

Is this '30 day challenge' referring to shaving daily the first 30 days to get your scalp adjusted?

[Frontier Guy]

Is this '30 day challenge' referring to shaving daily the first 30 days to get your scalp adjusted?

I believe the 30 days is more to get yourself adjusted, than your scalp adjusted. Shaving for 30 days establishes a routine, ensures a long enough time for you to adjust to the new look and to adjust to the responses of others around you. It's kind of the Sly way of keeping you on the wagon until new habits are established.

At least that's how I'm interpreting it!

[SyZ]

So I have been shaving four days now, and have a few questions and wasn't really sure where to put them.

I've been using the Headblade Sport and Head Slick, and noticed that after using it my scalp is smooth but also sticky / there's some friction when I run my hands over it. Is this normal? I wash my head with cool water at least 30s after I'm done so it can't be that I'm not cleaning off the slick thoroughly. Should I be using any special lotion or product afterwards? I also picked up

http://www.headblade.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HB&Product_Code=062011&Category_Code=kits

so I have all those lotions and products but haven't used any yet. Tomorrow I will be spending a lot of time outside and not really sure which to use. So far I have not had any sort of shine, and was also wondering if this is because I'm using the slick and it's clogging up the pores?

My other question is in terms of actually shaving, should I be going both with and against the grain? I went with the grain the first three days and noticed on the back of my head it still kind of felt like sandpaper. Today I spent about 5 minutes more and it was noticeably smoother. Thanks!

[balddoc]

Welcome SyZ! You rock the sly look, dude.

Some answers to your questions:
Shave with the grain at the back first, and then against on your second pass. Then the whole dome will be silky-smooth. After shaving, I splash on some aftershave lotion to catch any microabrasions or nicks. Go slow with the HeadLube Glossy, and rub it in well. That usually gives a great shine without a greasy feeling.

Your head will tan really slowly, unlike your face. Just deal with your white head for now, it will slowly start to blend in. Mine is still a shade lighter than my face after two months, but definitely a huge improvement to when I first shaved.  You can try some self-tanning lotion if you like, but they don't tend to work so well on the head, and there is the danger of ending up with an orange head.

Good luck and congrats on taking the plunge.