The requirement to shave your head

[Bilko1]

Perhaps a requirement in military organisations would be ok but not in general. I think that each person should make their own decision whether or not to opt for the shaved head look.

I was not "forced" for want of a better word, to shave my head. It was my own decision. I am bald-by-choice and proud to be so.

Making a head shave a "rite-of-passage" would only provoke resentment in some corners of society, me-thinks.

[Marshal S.]

One thing to remember is that not every man has MPB.  It is only we few, we lucky few, we band of brothers, (and some sisters), who have to deal with it [Shakespeare off].

I think the ideal would be that one can have as little or as much hair as s/he wants.  As Razor X mentions, it would be just another style to be sly.  Yet people still have a hang up about hair--any hair at all--being the norm.  I think, like most issues, we will back into this change too.  We'll decide to do it and wait for the right people to die.  

[Vogi_the_bald]

I have not read the post, but I say Yes and no. I say it should be a CUSTOM. We break many customs and make our own. For me, I always take a spoon full of sugar before I get a tattoo. Don't ask me why, I just do. Just as I think that you should not have facial hair until you turn 21. Maybe it should be a right of passage and have it for the whole year of the 18th year of your life, you should be a JR. Sly. On your 19th birthday, you can choose to have hair or remain sly. BUT it is not a requirement.

[EarlBald]

I agree with the general flow of the conversation here.  The best way to encourage sons to shave their heads is for Dad to shave his.  I like the story about the boy who was inspired by his Sly uncle to shave his own head.

I have an observation and a couple of questions for you, Tyler.  First of all, not to be too picky, but it should read "every male should have to shave HIS head."  Sorry, grammar geek in me.  We are reluctant to use the generic "he" for males and females, but if only males are involved ...

Tyler, do you have sons?  This makes a difference about how hypothetical your question is.  Also, do you have an answer to your own question.  One is implied in your blog post, but I thought I'd ask.  If you think that the answer is yes, you're definitely in the minority here, but I'm curious about how you think this should be carried out.

[Baldstu]

Dont likeauthoritarianism in any form , forced haircuts no way , let men make there own choices

[greatnessinc]

My nephew is 5 and everytime he sees my headblade(s) he asks what are these again? I tell him they're for shaving my head then I ask him if he wants a haircut like me. He laughs and says no.

[EarlBald]

One place where some men have to shave their heads is in many police academies in New Jersey.  The link below is from one man who was about to start training.  He wanted to know if an electric razor would work. I liked in particular one succinct response:  "Be a man.  Use a blade."  I read elsewhere that the man who reorganized police academies in New Jersey, who himself shaved his head, came across really undisciplined, out-of-shape recruits and gradually tightened up the training requirements.  The police commanders were so pleased with the results that they let him institute a shaved-head rule.  Not all academies in NJ enforce complete head-shaving, but some do.  I think that this is one area where a shaved-head requirement could be made more widespread.  After all, this is for basic training, which no has to participate in (unless he wants to become a cop, of course).  Does anyone know if police academies elsewhere require shaved heads for trainees?  BTW, thank, all police officers out there, for your service.

http://forums.njlawman.com/post/important-question-2371453?highlight=head+shave

[fcb2001]

Im one of those that say it should not be a requirement enforced by parents but instead, parents should express support when their child decides to give head shaving a try.

This is my position. If  I have a son at some point who does want to shave his head no matter what the age is I would support the decision.

[aleforna]

hi to everyone.true not forced is better

[EarlBald]

Hi, Aleforna.  You actually look really handsome in the picture, and if you are losing your hair, it certainly doesn't show.  You probably would look good shaved totally bald, but you have various options.  Try cutting your hair shorter and seeing how it looks.  If you decide to go the razor route, a lot of us here, including me, are willing to encourage you.

[aleforna]

thanks!i'm actually not at the point where it's really bad yet.

[Mike E. P.]

You don't need to have a specific personality to be bald.  That's ridiculous.  Bald men come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities.  Does she think quiet, introverted guys look better balding than bald?  Not sure that I would be listening to this friend.  She should be supporting you in whatever you choose. 

[Cave Dweller]

I'm with Mike E. P.,  Aleforna. I think your friend has some stereotype in her head of what a bald man is like.

We all are different. Just read some of the threads on this forum if you need proof of that.

When I was considering/worrying how I would look fully bald, I wet down what was left of my hair and slicked it back against my scalp. It made it much easier to see all the imperfections and odd slope of my skull. Funny thing is, once I went through with the first shave, no one - not even my wife - noticed those flaws until I pointed them out. A lot of guys have reported the same thing on this forum.

[mrzed]

And just give heed to all the BBC guys here on SBG. 

Whether your hair is thinning or not, a guy always has a choice to shave his head and keep it that way.  I think that the guys with bald heads, whether by choice or now, generally carry a pretty confident look. They know what they like. They don't care to mess with hair and they shave it off. They carry it well.

Shaving your head bald is not that big a deal once you've done it.  I think there is always some trepidation before you get the blades out and actually take off your hair. But the transition is over pretty quickly. It's a sharp look.

Just do it.

[aleforna]

thanks guys.