New and self-conscious

[zach]

Hello gentlemen,

I just joined here.
I'm 38, in the somehow early stages of male pattern baldness (receding at the temples, a bit thinning on top, no bald patch in the back yet) and graying on the temples.
I am now considering going bald on top. Well, not completely bald - no headshave, just the shortest kind of stubble you can achieve with hair clippers without guards (I prefer some stubble to a slick dome).

For a while now, I have been buzzing the head, going a bit shorter each time I do it. I am now at 0.25 ' / 6 mm and already feeling pretty self-conscious.

I am also wearing an (almost untrimmed) black beard that is reaching my upper chest. I am very proud of that beard, so this is not up for discussion.
I do like the bald - bearded look, but I am now very self-conscious that (almost) bald and big beard might be too extreme a look for me.

Anyone else had any experiences in that respect? Any suggestions?
Thanks for your answers!
zach

[Hingatao]

Welcome to the club, Zach.

[jdcsky]

Welcome to the board Zach. If you can post a picture, it would be nice. 75% of shaved heads have some kind of facial hair so you are right with them. I can not understand why you think the beard would be too extreme with a shaved head. You most likely rock the look with a buzzed head and chest length beard.

[slybeard]

Look around here and you will see a lot of facial hair with a shaved head.  Give it a try and some time to adjust, at least 30 days.  Post a picture for us.

[TheSlyBear]

Bald and bearded is a great look. Be proud rather than self-conscious.

[geeman]

welcome, yes post a photo, im unsure on my beard, I grow it then trim it lol...currently growing it again

[nuts]

As you can see from htis board there are many bald and bearded men here and all look good.

[Sir Harry]

Welcome, Zach! No matter if you go sly or no-guard it all looks good with a full beard.

[baldjoeg]

The look of a  totally bald head and a beard or van dyke rocks.

[Razor X]

As someone who spent way too much time feeling self-conscious about a variety of things, I can relate to how you feel. But look at it this way -- you are 38 years old and you've earned the right to do whatever you want as far as your personal appearance is concerned. Don't let other people's reactions influence you. You're not in high school anymore; nobody else cares what your hair looks like. So do whatever makes you happy.  

[baldjoeg]

Well said Razor.

[wpruitt]

Welcome Zach

[Cave Dweller]

Welcome Zach!

What Razor X said.

The only way to find out if you like the look is to try it.

[zach]

Hello guys,

thanks for your friendly welcome and your nice works. Especially Razor X, there must be some truth in what you are saying!
I have been wearing this short hair (0.25') for a week now. So far, nobody said anything, neither positive nor negative.
I will see how it goes. If it goes well, I try to go shorter and zero shave in fall when I am away from home for a couple of weeks. If not, I will see. Maybe I will go back to a bit longer, maybe I will zero shave anyway.