Been away and need some support

[stemikger]

Hey guys, I've been away for a while and although was wearing a crew cut, I stopped shaving.  The last several months I tried growing my hair back and I just find I'm stressing too much about my hair.  As far as shaving down to the bald look, I have a problem sticking to the 30 day rule.  My wife still is not a fan of the bald look and I have a problem getting past the comments when they lean toward the negative side.

On a personal note, some days I love the bald look and some days I hate it, so I too am my own worst enemy.  As far as the practicality of it, there are no downsides.  I work midnights and I take a shower in the afternoon and usually take a shorter nap before I head off to work.  I love the fact that I don't need to worry about my hair.  I really wish I could embrace the way I see others do and walk with confidence, but I just can't get to that place.  I'm 49 and I know I should be more self confident at this stage of my life, but when it comes to this I'm having a little difficulty.  Any suggestions?

Also, I am thinking of trying the Headblade for the first time or possibly The Whal Balding Clipper.  My routine is to do it every three days or so.  I would love to hear suggestions on this also.

Thanks and hopefully I'll stay a bit longer.

[isleepinthebuff]

Well looking back at your posts from 2008, you've had a while getting used to the idea, so I think you need to explore why you feel you can't stick to the look. I think your problem is you're in no man's land, you're receeding but not balding. So it means there's always that  "maybe I could grow it back" but then it's not how you want it to look because you're aware of your hairline!

Looking at the pic you posted in 2008 I actually think you better with a shaved head than hair. it suits you. (and I'm not someone who just tells everyone that they must shave their head!)

I personally wouldn't buy a headblade as I don't think you're fully committed to the look, so get some decent clippers and with the different grades change it up. have a 2 sometimes but on the days you fancy a change do a 0. That way you have control, plus time to get used to but it'll give you some flexibility. If you grow it longer than a 2 between shaves, so be it! it's not something to worry about

Don't spend so much time pondering it. Just do what is right for you.

[stemikger]

Thanks Slyest.  I appreciate the feedback.

[buddha]

I'm 49 and I know I should be more self confident at this stage of my life

One thing you can stop doing is "shoulding on yourself". Brother, you are who you are, stop thinking that you should be someone else. As you are right now is a guy who doesn't know if you should be bald. So what? Does this make you any less a man? Does it render you less than satisfactory? Dude, you have got to learn to just take 'er easy. So you're 49, do you desire a heart attack at age 50?
Go with the crew cut for now or grow a ponytail if you want. Maybe at some point you'll decide to shave and maybe not. Either way it's just not that big of a deal. Relax, grab an oat soda, turn on the teevee and watch some mindless pap.
As far as I'm concerned you'll always be welcome here.

[stemikger]

Thanks Buddah!  Cool post.  I have my chill moments, but I'm a worrier by nature, so it's always something I have to work on.  But no doubt I'll take your advice.  And thanks for welcoming me back.

[xnewyawka]

Hey stemikger, good to see you post. I have to agree with the buddha man. First off you need to stop worrying about it, and just go with how you feel. If you want to keep it buzzed I suggest getting a good clipper, if you don't have one already. This way you can pick the length you want and go from there. No one expects you to shave your head if you don't want to, though there are some members here who are a bit pushy with their opinion.
Hang in there and do what feels right for you. 

[geddyflea]

Only you can determine what is best for you.   My wife wasn't a fan at first but has warmed up to it.   Personally I have found it liberating to not have to worry about my hairline receding or balding.   Maybe try the 30 days again next summer, when it is nice to cool off?

[Timmer]

I'm lucky, my wife doesn't like the bald look on me much, but she's pretty smart about it.  She says I don't get a say on how she wears her hair, why should she get a say on how I wear mine? 

Your head, your decision.