Advice to a 19 year old about to go Sly.

[Swivenhodge]

Hi Guys,

I am a 19 year old who is receding at the temples and thinning at the crown, my hair has always been fine so styling has always been an issue. Because of this I have accepted hairloss easier than many might and whilst I am fairly confident in simply shaving it off and getting on with things, I would like some practical advice on how to deal with peoples reactions etc. day to day; simply to get through the initial process and early doubts.

Thanks for any advice.

Ps. Has anyone noticed all the emoticons you can put on this are Sly? 

[TheSlyBear]

You sound a lot like me (35 years ago). I never really liked my hair to being with, so when it started going away, I just shrugged, started buzzing it off, and got on with my life.

With regards to dealing with reactions, don't.

It's your head and you don't owe anyone any explanations. And never apologize for your choice.

[Natedawg]

Welcome.
I know it's easier said than done, especially at your age, but try not to worry so much about what others think. This is something you are considering for YOURSELF, not for others. Sure, there will be initial reactions, but in time, those who truly matter will come to accept it as who you are. Those who haven't met you yet, will only know you as sly (if you decide to stay that way). Negative reactions come from negative people, and should be treated as what they are: inept opinions.  However, you should remember that you are your own worst critic. It's true.

If it helps at all, I received nothing but positive reactions from friends and family and coworkers.
Oh yeah, the jokes will come. The trick is to laugh with them.

Now get on with it, fella.   

[Frontier Guy]

Swivenhodge,

First, welcome.

Second, congratulations for dealing with this in such a positive manner. Because of this I think you will have a very easy time with the change. Those who are most troubled with going sly seem to be the ones who have been living in denial for years or decades.

I cannot relate directly, as I went sly by choice just a month ago at age 57.

But I can tell you that I think you will be surprised that most of the reactions are either positive or neutral; and very likely few will be negative. And as Natedawg advised, ignore them.

My response to almost anyone's reaction is to make a joke of it - that's my nature. Where'd my hair go? Gee ... rolling eyes upward ... it was there this morning. Or ... Sheesh ... I went to the barber and asked her to trim the gray and look what happened! That's the last time I go to the barber! ... I think you get the idea.

The situation will be what you make of it ... if you want to take a negative response and dwell on it you'll allow it to be negative. If you take a negative response and make it a joke, you can all have a laugh.

In all honesty, I think you will be very surprised how few people respond, and the positives will far outweigh the negatives.

Stick around and share your stories here. This is a good audience for advice, encouragement, support ... and a few chuckles.

[marty22]

welcome!

[mrzed]

Welcome.

Best advice for you?  Shave your head today. Just do it.

Then post a picture on SBG. Then encourage other guys to shave their heads, too.

[balddoc]

Welcome. Like Natedawg, I have received only positive comments since doing the deed. You will too. If you've become concerned about your hairloss, it's time to do something about it. Just shave it - you can always grow it back if you don't like the look. But invariably you will. And then who cares what other people say...

[mrzed]

I have received only positive comments since doing the deed.

Same here. All positive comments. Many very encouraging.  Shave bald. Put on a big smile and wear it proudly.  It's a commanding look.

[Swivenhodge]

Thanks for a great welcome and some helpful advice. Hoping to post a picture of the new look in just over a week. (Going on holiday and want to look something like my passport photo! )

[kalbo]

Welcome to the bald brotherhood. Your outlook is admirable, enjoy your journey to slyness.

[antoniom]

Its totally up to you if you do choose to wear a chrome dome or just cut your hair down real low if you choose not to go clean but you still have some hair on your head its just cut low so it looks like your bald

[Sir Harry]

Welcome and good luck with what you decide...Remember, if you go sly and don't like it you can always grow your hair back!

[RoWilJr]

Welcome and good luck with what you decide...Remember, if you go sly and don't like it you can always grow your hair back!

+1

[Lynchy]

Welcome!

You won't regret it once it's done!

[JasonR]

Just do it. It grows back. I think most men look better with short hair (and shaved heads) anyways...

Do it and don't look back!