Worried about how people will react.

[meganuera]

Hi guys,
So I signed up for the site and am writing this because I really want to shave my head, but am afraid of how people will react. Most of what I've seen on  here is people who are afraid of how they will look. I'm not really worried about that because I think I will look pretty good bald. I'm not losing my hair, although my hairline is receding a bit. So I don't want to shave because of that, but instead it's just something I've wanted to do for a long time. I just want to see what it's like. Also, my hair does whatever it wants so I don't think it's doing much for me anyway.

A few years ago I got up the nerve to buzz my hair but I really didn't like it. Not only did I get bad reactions, but I didn't like how I looked. I was also really self conscious about it. So I haven't had the nerve, or even the desire for awhile now, but lately I've wanted to shave it again. I got my hair cut yesterday and she cut it really short. About an inch long, and a bit longer on top. I got the idea to cover my head in shaving cream since it was so short, and I could kind of get a good idea how I would look bald, and to be honest I think I will look good. I really wanted to just get my razor and start running it across my head. In fact I had the razor in my hand, but I could not do it knowing I had to go into work on Monday. What the heck would everything think when I walked in there bald?  What about friends and family too? I hate the idea of everyone looking at me. Would they think I had cancer, or was mentally unstable? I also don't feel like putting up with all the bald jokes.

I'm sure everyone who wants to shave his head has these fears, but I'm not sure if I can overcome them. Does anyone have any ideas about how I can make this happen?

[bennett11]

I had the same feelings when I was young many years ago.  I kept it cut short with buzz and then simply shaved.  of course one gets comments - in fact people feel obliged to say something.  In no time shaved head is simply you.  then you know you have the confidence to be yourself.  just do it.

[mrzed]

Mega, I'm bald by choice. BBC. I did not have to shave my head, but chose to.  Initially very few comments. Now we joke about it.

If you read the discussion threads, there are many comments, " I wish I had done it sooner", and "what was I worrying about". It went so well.

If you want to shave your head, just do it.  You'll like it.  No need to worry about what others will think.  Even mom. 

[Cave Dweller]

Welcome, sir.

I think it is fairly common to have some anxiety over both how you will look and how people will react. It took me about two months to build up the nerve. Sure, you can expect some bald jokes from friends, but those usually are made in a good natured spirit. Most reactions guys report are either positive or indifferent.

If you really want to shave your head, then the only way to know what it will be like is simply to take a deep breath and do it. Once you start, all that anxiety goes away.

[reddog]

Oh man, can I relate to you. I'm also BBC. Last June I was thinking about getting a buzzcut, then I started see a lot of shaved heads, and really thought it looked cool. So I decided at 4 am to shave it all off. My s/o at the time liked it. So, to avoid shocking everyone, I posted photos on Facebook saying it was my
'summer haircut". Well, to my surprise, almost everyone liked it! Sure, a few couldn't understand why I would shave a full head of silver hair. When I hinted about growing hair back for the winter, many people said I should stay bald. I actually liked it so much, I couldn't wait to go places to show off my cool looking baldness.

It is your decision, but remember, if you hate it, in 2 weeks you will be back to a buzzcut.

[slymyke]

If you buzzed it before and really didn't like it, I'm wondering if you didn't keep it short long enough to get used to it.   

If you do decide to shave it, you will want to buzz it down as far as possible first.  Taking a razor to an inch of hair or longer can be painful and disastrous.

[geeman]

Yep...think we all had those thoughts....but it quickly passes,  welcome

[TheSlyBear]

Look at it this way: do you really want to live your life constrained by what others think? Or do you want to live it on your terms?

[Hingatao]

I was in exactly the same position myself before going bbc. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded as most people turned out to be completely indifferent to the change. Of all the people who felt compelled to comment, an overwhelming majority were positive. I'm approaching two years of slyness and I've received only two or three negative comments. I say go for and enjoy!

[Sir Harry]

As long as you don't scratch it, the itch will be there.....No harm in trying it, because it has been said before....If you don't like it, it will eventually grow back! Good luck!

[meganuera]

Thanks for all the input guys. I plan on keeping it short for a bit and letting people get used to it, and then if I can work it into the conversation, slipping it in that I was thinking about shaving it just to get some input and so it's not quite as awkward. That's my main issue, I know how awkward it is not just for me, but for the people that interact with me. I'm not ready yet, but I will be lurking for a bit I think.

The buzz lasted long enough for me to get used to; it took forever to grow out and I hated it. I felt like everyone was looking at me and I just felt weak with no hair. I never really liked buzz cuts but the idea was for it to be a stepping stone to a fully shaved head. I lost interest pretty soon after buzzing it though. After getting my hair cut I noticed that the hairline is receding. I could stay this way, or it could keep going, there's no way of knowing. I really don't want to lose my hair. If I'm to shave my head I want it to be my choice, and I'd like the choice of growing it back if I don't like it. But these things we can't help, and I don't plan on being a slave to drugs or rugs, as they say.

Is there a way to post a pic for a short time so I can get your reactions and input?

[EarlBald]

Welcome, "meganuera"--I know where you're coming from.  Just keep getting buzzcuts when the urge strikes.  I predict that the buzzcuts will become more frequent and your image will be one of progressively shorter hair.  Before too long, people will be used to your new look.  I predict that, at that point, you'll bring out the razor blade and shaving cream.  Keep us posted!

[meganuera]

Ok this should work.

Here's a couple pics of my shaving cream bald cap, lol. I'm surprised how well this works.

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/383x510q90/38/flcd.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img819/4634/ya14.jpg

I really don't like how I look in glasses, bald or with hair. But sadly my eyes are too sensitive for contacts. I think I look great bald with no glasses, but the glasses seem to make me look older/nerdier, etc. I think I look awesome bald though.

[EarlBald]

You will look great when you shave your head.  There's nothing wrong with the glasses.  Go for it, when you're ready.

[tobler1]

Based on your photos, I think you'd look very good shaved.  I say go for it!