Update: Can I even pull off the sly look? (Pictures)

[Razors Edge]

I'm 28, and my hairline is definitely receding, and has been since at least 24-25. It runs in the family. I do not want to go through treatment for a variety reasons (e.g. cost, potential side effects, not guaranteed, stress, etc.). Besides, even if it did work, wouldn't I just be delaying the inevitable? At least, that's my thought.

I also do not want to just watch my hair slowly disappear slowly, either. I just do not want to be that guy. As it is, I already do not like my current recession.

So, I am just left with the option of shaving my head. I have a few concerns, but biggest and main concern would be can I even pull off the look? Another concern I have is that I have a scar on the top of my head from when I was 15, a laceration that resulted in a few staples, but I do not know the size of it, as my hair currently hides it.

Otherwise, like many, I do have my concerns about family/people, but I think I can face them, and eventually get pass them, if I can indeed pull off the sly look.

So, thoughts?

Before:



After:

[leighmundo40]

Well, I actually think you look fine in the photo (if not a bit glum!) it looks like the gradual kind of recession.

Try gradually cutting your hair shorter and shorter? buzzing it to get an idea.

I know that there are lots of guys on here who have scars, Im sure they will advise.

Oh! Welcome BTW!

[Razors Edge]

Thanks.

For the record, I am not very photo genetic, and I have a bad habit of blinking my eyes, so I was just trying to not blink in that photo.

Also, while I understand it's gradual now, I rather not wait until when it's not.

Besides, this does not feel gradual:



Note: Current Photo.

[sahil15]

Welcome to the forum mate....

Firstly take it from someone who is is a nowrwood 7 at age 25...... hair loss SUCKS but its not the end of the world... from you photo I can tell it is gradually receding so yes as Leighmundo said gradually cut your hair shorter...

Its good that you know the consequences of hair transplant/treatment and I feel you are almost there... A lot of people worry about scars on their head but it turns out that they had nothing to worry about... cut it shorter and you will get some idea.

P.S. I think you would look really cool sly

P.S.S. Leigh when are we going to see a pic of you without a hat.... come to the dark side already... lol...

[mrzed]

Let's remove the receding hairline from the discussion for a moment.  A bald head looks good on a guy.  Yes, you can pull it off.  Take some time and look around at the other guys in your community who have bald or very shortly buzzed heads.  They look good.

Scars are generally most noticeable to the owner of the scar, not to others. And think of the people who have 'cherry birth marks'.  You can't do anything about them, they are a part of who YOU are.  A few stitches on your head is not an issue.

Keep the beard. Shave the top.  You'll rock the Sly look. 

Now, put the receding hairline back into the equation. You want to shave your head bald NOW.  You've got good motivation. Let's take ahold of this before it looks really bad.  Go for it.

Once you pass 30 days, you won't want to mess with hair again.

[Razors Edge]

Scars are generally most noticeable to the owner of the scar, not to others. And think of the people who have 'cherry birth marks'.  You can't do anything about them, they are a part of who YOU are.  A few stitches on your head is not an issue.

Keep the beard. Shave the top.  You'll rock the Sly look.

Yeah, I know you are right. I am my own worst critic, as they say.

For example, I am little self-continuous about some of the uneven spots on my beard, and yet, in 3-4 years since I grew my first beard, I have not had any negative comments, or even a weird look. At least, that I am aware of. Instead, people who knew me complimented me on looking more mature/grown up, and people who do not, no longer mistake me for being a sophomore in high school.

[bennett11]

i would start with a buzz and go from there

[Viking]

Shaved head with a full beard is a killer look!! I know it's easy for us to say this but often it is the best way, it's hair, shave it off and give it a go, if you don't like it then it'll grow back in a few weeks, hey even do it when you have a couple of weeks holiday time from work if you're not confident it doing it in the public eye.

What I say is to try and not just think of a shaved head as the last or only resort, it is a look / style of its own, I don't shave my head to hide or disguise my hair loss, I shave it as it is the style I like best with what I have to play with. Men loose hair, it's happening to hundreds and hundreds of millions guys out there, it is the most natural thing in the world and you've done nothing to make it happen and there aint nothing you can do to stop it happening, do what you feel best about it. All I know is don't waste too much time worrying over it and just get on with life as I can guarentee the rest of the world doesn't give a whatever about how you style the top of your head!!

[Razors Edge]

Well, I did it.

I went to a local salon, and buzzed my hair, and afterwards, I shaved my head at home. Not smooth, though. However, I think I made the classic rookie mistake, and shaved too hard, because I have a headache now. I also left area or two with a small patches of hair towards the back by mistake. No nips, cuts, or blood. Thank goodness for baby oil.

Also, I do not necessarily need the smooth bald look, but any recommendations to make my head/scalp feel less rough? Any other advice?

Oh, and the scar on my head is nothing really. Just a small faint line. Staples really did the trick. Much better than the childhood scar on my chin from stitches, I must say.

I'll update with a photo later.

[bella]

You'll get the hang of it pretty quick.

How do you feel?  Congrats on taking the plunge!

[Adamski1972]

Well done on taking the plunge!

[baldjoeg]

Razors edge, Congradulations on taking the plunge. I am sure you will enjoy your new look once you get used to it. Keep the beard for sure. Your confidence will build also with time. Welcome to SBG,

Adamski, Your beard is looking great. Great look with the shaved dome.

[Adamski1972]

Thanks Baldjoeg, the full beard is definitely growing on me! I'm loving the overall look. I thought initially I would prefer the matt finish but definitely a fan of the shine now.

[mrzed]

Well, I did it.

Also, I do not necessarily need the smooth bald look, but any recommendations to make my head/scalp feel less rough? Any other advice?

I'll update with a photo later.

Take it easy for a few days. The smoothness will come when you go against the grain, but don't rush it.

Looking forward to seeing the bald head.

[zetaeffe]

Great move! Am sure you look great!