Unsly, temporarily

[reddog]

Hi all, Well... my s/o said she liked the bald look(at one point said she loved it) but thought she wanted me to grow some hair back. I am my own man, but I also want to look my best for her too. So I have been growing out the hair to a flattop(self cut). Only took 14 days to do the first cut. I think she will ask me to go bald soon, as she said she was looking at photos from last year, and likes the sly look better. I just want to be honest and not portray myself as sly when I'm not. Skyped with a friend today, and the first thing he said is that I look older with hair, just what I thought, too.

Soon to be sly again, Reddog...

[Sir Harry]

Red Dog, sly or not, we still view you as part of the sly brotherhood! To be honest, I am not sly at the moment, I have about 8 days growth, but that was due to a skin infection on my scalp that came from one of my surgeries. If the doctor clears me tomorrow, I will shave on Friday. That said, the flattop cut looks good, but if sly makes you happy, that's the way to go!

[isleepinthebuff]

at the end of the day, why worry, mix it up a little. You're lucky you can grow your hair back and have that change.

I actually think you look younger without hair because of how white your hair is. So I'd actually say it suits you

I cut my head badly last week (I'd finished shaving my head and in a lapse of concentration as I pulled my hand down I managed to swipe the razor across my head! duh!) I had three days of "hair" and couldn't take my eyes off the bald spot! So my hopes of a flat top are dashed.

[TheSlyBear]

The flattop looks great on you. Either way, you'll always "belong".

[slybeard]

I noticed you are not smiling with the flattop, does that mean something?  Its you choice, and I completely understand that you need to keep the s/o happy, but you look younger and happier sly.  It took my wife some time to make the adjustment, but now she likes my look and does not want me to grow my hair back.

[reddog]

Thanks for the comments guys, and yes, now I notice the unhappy look. I do like the sly look much better, and agree I look younger when bald. I have a feeling it won't be long until sly again. I told the s/o that I want her to do the headshave. It might give her some ownership in the look.

[nuts]

It's always important to please the s/o but also where possible to do what you want.  Personally I think the sly look is better on you but I am biased.

[xnewyawka]

Don't stress about it reddog, there are quite a few of us who grow some hair out now and then. I've actually been keeping a buzz cut lately myself, and haven't shaved the dome for a few months now.
You should never feel unwelcome because you decided not to shave. I will say that the smooth dome really suits you, especially with that goat.
Additionally, your s/o should understand that shaving is what makes you look and feel better, and ultimately you should be the one to make that choice.
I hope things work out in your favor.   

[slymyke]

Reddog,

I agree... my first thought was that you look happier in the Sly pic (as well as younger).  I'm sure she will be wanting you to shave it again.  Either way, you grew it back for her and she will remember that (extra points for you later).   Now you can go back to being Sly and just cash in...   

[Dmac]

My wife asked me last night to grow my hair back so I understand what you are going thru. So far I have not given in as I just feel better after my morning shaving routine but I am sure at some point I will have to give in. Maybe we can compromise and I just grow it during winter  I also just bought a bunch of stuff to shave with and upgraded my badger brush so not to gung ho on growing the hair out at this point.

[reddog]

Yes, dmac, I think you have a great idea. I think shaving in the summer and not in the winter is do-able, as the Minnesota winters are brutal. I also invested in shaving equipment and products. Also, I tend to have a lot of scalp acne when sweating in the summer. It all but disappeared when I was shaving, but now it is back. So another good reason to keep it smooth.

[g_bald]

Reddog, I think you look great either way, myself. You have great skin color and the goat is great. That being said, I think the sly look is an improvement for you. I'm still a bit uncertain myself, but I am liking the act of shaving and the pleasure my scalp generally has being 'coddled'. I promised myself I'd stick to the 30-day challenge...

I would hope, no matter what you decide, you still always feel welcome, for your insight and knowledge will go a long way to helping others as well!

[reddog]

Had "the talk" with my honey. Good news! Looks like I will be sly again next weekend. I will ask her to take off the flattop with the clippers, then do her first headshave on me. The anticipation is building! She is the best, told me she just loves the flattop, but wants me to do what I want.

[Sir Harry]

That's good to hear, reddog! I'm sure she sensed you were unhappy, and I'm willing to bet that sly is here to stay for you!

[mrzed]

You look younger in the SLY photo.  The white hair makes you look older, I think.

As far as family acceptance,  my daughter just said, it took her about 8 months to really get used to me being sly/bald.  But now she is OK with it.  No one asks me to let it grow back.  And I don't wonder what color the hair would be, although the shadow is still dark, not white.