Do I belong.......

[BruBru]

From the time I was 13 or 14 I have always kept my hair short (#1 or #2) so when I was 17 and my hairline started receding you couldn't notice it much. By the time I turned 21 I had full on hair loss. For 3 or 4 years I would just pretend it wasn't a problem. At 28 I was sitting with little left on top and the back is down thinning out along with it. It turned into a problem, not just because of how bad it looked but because of how hot my job was (freight loader for a major chain retailer).

I finally broke down and started using a Walh #1/2 once a week. I went with that for the winter months, and then over the summer I started going to a local shop and having them do a strait razor clean shave one a week (I am super lazy and will not do it myself). That started getting super expensive at $23 a cut, plus a tip. When it tuned winter again and me turning 29, I just started using the Walh again, now every other day with no guard on it.

Not bald but super short, and with spring/summer coming back (hopefully with this winter), I am thinking about getting a razor and keeping it clean everyday (or at least every other).

Do I belong?

Also: if I decide not to razor it everyday does the Wahl Balding Clippers give a closer shave then these Walh 79524-2501 (what I have)?

[EarlBald]

Of course you belong, BruBru.  I was a lurker for many years before becoming a full-time chrome dome.  Welcome to the group, and keep us posted.

[Frontier Guy]

Welcome to the community. You've been a member for a longtime - it's just a matter of how you choose to maintain your hairstyle: clippers or razor, and the frequently.

Stick around and participate. Lots of good information on a wide range of topics, and plenty of folks willing to offer their experiences.

[Cave Dweller]

What? You are under the impression that only those who shave smooth daily can be members? Good Grief, no.

Actually, people who do not shave or buzz their heads probably would already classify you as fully bald because the appearance usually is almost the same. A lot of guys here do not use a razor or shave every day.

You took control of your hair/balding situation and are doing what makes you feel good about yourself. Excellent.

Glad you are with us, sir.

[Blitzed]

Certainly you've earned your admittance and our welcome. And an acknowledgement as to how honestly you've faced your situation. Welcome! You have a question about any topic about shaving anything-we stop short of grooming the dog-ask and be prepared for answers.

And, wow, are you lucky, even at $23 a pop, to even have a barber shop that does head shaves! Save it for special occasions or when you deserve a luxury.

Again, Welcome, hope you'll join in often.

[Mikekoz13]

Of course you belong! We are here for people at all stages of balding and/or shaving.

Welcome and feel free to join right in on the conversations.... or even start some of your own!

[Mike E. P.]

Bru,

I started buzzing my head in my early thirties. As time went on, I went shorter and shorter till I was using no guard. I think I resisted shaving all the way because I was nervous to be completely bald. The joke was that once I razor shaved, no one even noticed. I was looking completely bald for years! So clipper cut or razored, I was a bald man!

$23 is a lot of cash to be putting out regularly for a head shave. I'm lazy, too. I shave my head about twice a week and that is sufficient for me. I've been doing that regularly since about October. At this point, it has turned into something I enjoy doing and the head shaves are getting more frequent!

Welcome to the club. You definitely belong here!

[Bald Guy]

After you start shaving with a razor, you'll find that it's a lot faster than using clippers, so it'll be great for the lazy.

[warhawk]

@Bru:  Welcome to the sly fraternity.  Glad that you joined us.

WARHAWK

[PabloSanDiego]

BruBru, certainly you're welcome to join us and of course you belong.  You are a very similar situation to where I was for the past few years.  So I'll pass along my experience, not to convince you to shave, but to show how I had many of the same concerns which turned out to be wrong, at least for me.

Also, I have the same experience as Mike, a few years ago I just sort of "gave up" and started having my barber take the #2 clipper, then the #1 and buzz my horseshoe.  I was a bit worried that the 100% shaved look was too radical for me.  Also, I was thinking that it was way too much work to shave my head every day, and that I'd be regularly carving my scalp up especially in the back where I can't see.  So I was paying $15 + tip every 2 weeks for my "haircuts".

After the New Year I thought more out finally shaving so I went down to the 1/2 blade on the clipper, which resulted in a buzz cut that isn't much different than what I'd have now if I skipped shaving for 2 or 3 days or so.  Then a few weeks ago I finally took the plunge and shaved all the way. 

So what I have now found out:

1.  It isn't that much extra work, I actually have found out I look forward to shaving every day.  Maybe this will wear off as the novelty fades, but for now I enjoy it.

2.  [knock on wood]  I bought the Gillette Fusion Power Glide razor and have yet to give myself even a single nick even though I shave by feel in the shower.  I'll probably end up cutting myself today now that I've written that!

3.  Because I was buzzing so tight (like you are), and like Mike's experience, people didn't really notice.  In fact when I look straight on into the mirror like when shaving my face, I look the same.  Buzz cuts are a great way to ease into the shaved look.  I have had many compliments and they seem genuine, not one person has been surprised or said anything negative.

4.  I really think I look better, when I look back now at my recent "horseshoe" pictures I cringe.  That's not a good look at all.

5.  Most importantly...as many other have said, the thing I keep thinking now is "why did I wait so long?"!

good luck and welcome.

[Lith]

Of course you belong! The fact you are getting shorter and shorter shows you do! If you decide to go fully bald or not we will support you! I'm 23 and decided to take the plunge because my "horseshoe" baldness was driving me crazy. I took the plunge and now I feel so much better and am so relieved I did.

[slymyke]

Welcome, BruBru!

The other guys have already said it so well, but I will echo their sentiments by saying that you belong just as much as any of us. 

Personally, I would be too lazy to go somewhere to have my head shaved.... I think it is easier to stay home and do it yourself).  You are already aware of how expensive it has become to have it shaved.  I currently only shave mine once or twice a week, and it works out fine.

[nuts]

Welcome.  Of course you belong.

Your description of the different stages of going to full shave is familiar to most on this board and the support available on a whole range of topics is most encouraging.

You will find you settle into a comfortable routine.  I started off shaving daily but after a while found every second day was perfectly adequate.  I actually enjoy 'my time' shvaing my head especially the smooth result at the end.

Post a pic and post often.

[djones]

 Welcome yes you belong..there is even a thread fit guys who don't wet shave..although alot of us get excited about our razors soaps and brushes etc..and that smooth feeling at the end

[BruBru]

Thanks for the welcome everyone!

I will try and get a pic up as soon as I can (long story short: was robbed by a few weeks ago and waiting for insurance to get me a check to buy new stuff).

Does anyone have any idea to an answer in my original post? Or is there a post already someplace with is answer?

Thanks again for the welcome!