Not so quick intro.

[MrDip]

So here I am at 37.  I've had gradual hair loss for about 7 years now.  I've tried the drugs and went off them as I wan't feeling "normal" and so slowly over the years my hair has become thinner and thinner.  I didn't hate going bald because I saw hair as the "be all and end all" of style or masculinity or attractiveness or any of the stuff that consumes many balding men.  Of all my friends, family and work associates I saw the most masculine, funniest, most stylish and most interesting men I know are ALL bald guys who've embraced it and gone the shave or 0-1 buzz.  Maybe going bald and embracing it made them focus on developing themselves as people or maybe there is some correlation there or maybe I've just been lucky.

I HATED going bald and fought it because since birth I've had a large dip running from the left hand side of my head to the right across the centre of my head where the fontanelle didn't join properly as a baby.  Apart from that I think my face shape isn't terrible for going buzzed or fully shaved and front on it looks fine.  I tried buzzed in the past but couldn't keep it because THE DIP terrified me more, I didn't want people staring at me or talking about it behind my back.

In the later part of 2113 things started to build up and I got sick of being self-conscious and constantly focusing on hair loss and my head shape; the nightmares,  the dreams and dread about hair loss and head shape and obsessing about it which has consumed so much of my life for years now.

On December 31, 2013 I made a decision that it was time that it stopped.  I have a dip in my head,  that isn't going to change.  I have hairloss,  that isn't going to change. If people want to stare or whisper or laugh then so be it.  I am strong enough to be a man about it and say.  I am Mr Dip, the dip is mine and now I own it.  Since I finally accepted all this when I look in the mirror at my head it doesn't seem as big a flaw as it I made it in my mind.  My head just has more character than most and all the agonising seems   

I'm now buzzed #1 and I feel great for the first time in so many years.  It is such a relief to finally lets this go.  One day not so far away I will be a sly bald guy.

[slymyke]

Good for you, MrDip!   I like how you have overcome two things that can become so paralyzing. 

Welcome to the forum!

[Cave Dweller]

Bravo, MrDip, and congratulations! Were that everyone had your outlook and confidence!

Actually, I would be willing to bet that most people who see you take little to no notice of that dip you mentioned. We tend to be our own worst critics when it comes to our respective imperfections.

Glad you joined us.

[MrDip]

Thanks slymyke & Cave Dweller.  I've done quite a bit of reading here in the last couple of days and its helped a hell of a lot to read other peoples stories and know I'm not the only one that has these experiences.

[DOC_OSMC]

Good intro my friend!  Glad you overcame the fears and took the plunge!

As Cave Dweller said we're our worst critic and notice things about ourselves that others pay no mind to.

I did the buzz cut for a year before I went full sly...enjoy it and we'll be here when you take to the razor!

[Sir Harry]

Welcome, Mr. Dip! Nice story and intro, enjoy the forum and if you have any questions or concerns, ask away, mate!

[mrzed]

Welcome. You've come to the right place.  I hear it coming?.  Another fellow who will shortly say,"Why did I wait so long? I should have done this sooner."

[Frontier Guy]

Welcome Mr D ... 2014 is going to be a much better year for you now that you have this great attitude.

[Mr Jules]

I'm now buzzed #1 and I feel great for the first time in so many years.  It is such a relief to finally lets this go.  One day not so far away I will be a sly bald guy.

You have made a step in the right direction. And sounds like you want to own your new look. Next stop: sly bald guy. You know you want to have a go. 

Welcome to the SBG forum.

[Slick A]

Good for you!

[geeman]

Nice one, welcome to the brotherhood

[-Doug-]

Welcome Mr. Dip! Glad to have you with us. Post often and become an active member.

[Mikekoz13]

Great first post Dip! Way to own what you are and move along with your life!

[MrDip]

Thank you all for your overwhelming support, it means a hell of a lot to me to know there are people behind me I can rely on for support and advice.

Just wanted to update you all with my experience returning to work.  I was back at work Thursday and Friday last week so there weren't many people in the office and I got a great response to my new super short do.  The general consensus was "Looks Great",   "It suits you"  and I even got a "Not many people can pull off that look but you do it well"  Whether that's politeness or not I'll take it.  I didn't get any of the lingering looks or sneaky glances I expected so I was really happy. 

Monday rolled around and I was ready for dealing with the vast majority of people returning to work. Although I hadn't had any negatives I was ready, knowing universal approval never happens.  Well it was all good responses right up until I came across the only other bald shaved guy in the office.  He should know better than anyone else how it feels to deal with this but he decided to call me camel because I have 2 humps.  Funny eh?  I figured if anyone should be good about this transition it would be him but I should have expected it.  He was the one person that had commented on my thinning hair in the past.

I could have said something hurtful in response but instead I just laughed it off.  I can't say it didn't really throw me but I haven't let it slow me down.  Thankfully every other person has been really positive about my new look and so I'm taking it as a HUGE win!

[nuts]

Well done.  There is always one turkey in any crowd.

Looks good but beware the Oz sun until your head tans a bit.