Should I Do It?

[luckyone824]

My receding has been getting worse. I've been working out at the gym frequently to compensate and now actually like my appearance more. However, my balding is noticeable. The widow's peak has become more accentuated (http://www.flickr.com/photos/90483978@N05/9206253096/in/photostream/) and on top, it's getting somewhat thinner and drier. My barber even noticed it and joked that I would be bald in 5 years...

I've become really self-conscious. I'm thinking that shaving it will my nice way to get rid of my vanity. I did it in May, but I think this time I shouldn't let it grow back for several months. I'm just not sure about doing it... Should I do it? Would it look really bad?

[jarheadj]

Dude, all I can say is it's only hair. Hair (or lack thereof) doesn't define you!! If you shave it and don't like it, it'll grow back in a few months. The one thing I have to say from experience is that if you shave your grape and "own" the look, then your confidence will explode and folks will respond to a confident guy. I remember the first few times I buzzed my head down, I would go to work or school sheepishly, explaining that the barber "made a mistake" so I HAD to shave it down and folks responded with, well, pity. Once I decided that this was about ME and how I wanted to look and had it bic'd down to the grain, I approached life and people with; "this is me with a slick head and I like it. If you don't like it then get a life." and folks who cared to comment shared that they liked my confidence and that it brought out my eyes. All I can say is; do what you want to do but make it yours and be proud!!!!!

[mrzed]

Nicely said, Jarhead.

I'm BBC. i have a 'widows peak' about the same as you. Except it's been there all my life.  So guess it's just a hairline, not a widows peak. I just like the bald look.

As Jarhead said, I own my bald head. This is my hairstyle.  The only slight push  back that I ever sensed was within the first 30 days, and it was mild.  Thus, the 30 day rule.  Keep it for 30 days to give all a chance to get used to it, including you. View the 5-10 minute shave each morning as an opportunity to pamper yourself.  Select after shaves, or creams/scrubs/exfolients that have scents that you love.  I have a coconut macaroon sugar scrub (oils, sugar and natural fragrances).  Has a wonderful feel as I rub it into my head at the end. And a wonderful smell of coconut, brown sugar, and cinnamon!  Nice highlight each morning.

Go for it with a good attitude. 

[isleepinthebuff]

From the pic it doesn't look too bad, keep it short. From what your barber says you have five years to enjoy your hair, you'll have plenty of time to shave it off.

However you've done it before, so if you want to give it a go. remember how you felt last time, did you like it? hate it? feel confident? unconfident? remember those feelings, it'll help you choose whether you do it again.

[Timmer]

I completely agree with Jarhead...and that's rare for a retired AF MSgt to admit.

I've been with the group on and off for about three years.  One thing I've noticed is by the time someone signs on here to ask for advice they already know that they want to shave it clean, they're just looking for some encouragement.

Do it.  Give it a shot for 30 days.  If you don't like it, let it grow back. 

[luckyone824]

I'm going to give it a shot tomorrow morning. I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks!

[bennett11]

buzz it short and the shave - you will like the result

[g_bald]

The thing about style is you have to own it. Or at least present that way to everyone else. Keep your chin up and walk proud and people ought to really pick up on that.

I generally encourage everyone to *try* it - see what it does for you. As Jarhead states succinctly, it's hair and it will grow back. You're not trapped in some Faustian damnation or in one of Milton's 9 circles of hell...

And, you never know, it may feel like a million bucks and may be one happy decision for you, taking away Mother Nature's ability to slowly take it away for you... 

[luckyone824]

I went to my stylist today and just got a #1 buzz and it looks good. I'm gonna keep it like this.

[isleepinthebuff]

So there are two threads pretty much saying the same thing??

[Michael]

Jarhead really was right! Let your confidence explode!

[Bilko1]

Hi !

I would say get a #0 buzz & then after a while of having the #0 buzz have your head shaved. You would suit it.