23 and balding, what do

[Schopenbard]

Alrighty, I'd like some input on what I should do, if you please.  I'm 23, fairly tall at 6'1", and around 160 pounds.  A couple stylists have recommended I don't shave or buzz, rather that I'd keep it mostly on top (what's left) and short on the sides.

So, in your opinion, what do?

http://imgur.com/TteQyAk,cvw58EZ,hWTCnhk
http://imgur.com/TteQyAk,cvw58EZ,hWTCnhk#1
http://imgur.com/TteQyAk,cvw58EZ,hWTCnhk#2

[bennett11]

I would buzz it short top and sides.  Short on sides and long on top would emphasize hair loss.
At your age without balding I kept mine very short buzz, this many years ago.

[bald Luck14]

I think shorter on the sides and longer on the top might work. I think you still have a good amount of hair left on your head. More than I did at 23, LOL!

If you do a complete shave like I have, then you should consider your head shape. Otherwise, you might want to do a buzz just to be safe.

It all depends on what will make you happy and feel comfortable. Would you feel comfortable with a shaved head? The only person you should be impressing is yourself.

Hope this helps.

[reddog]

I would say either buzz it or shave it. I don't see much left on top to do much with. I just made the move a year ago, and shaved a full head of hair off. Once I thought about shaving bald, it was constantly on my mind. I liked the look so much, 14 months later, I'm still sly!

Mike

[Semi-Sly]

Well what did you think that a "stylist" was going to say?  Of course she wants to keep you coming in and giving her money!

I would never ask a "stylist" an opinion about my hair  - a real BARBER, yes; a "stylist" NO!

I think that you are definitely a prime candidate for a big change.  What you have now detracts from your overall appearance and makes people look at your thinning hair instead of your great face, jaw line, and eyes.

Since you still have all of those long scraps left on top right now, you might at least try out the "short on the sides, long on the top" look.  But, honestly, I don't think that there is enough left on top to do anything but just emphasize the fact that you are losing your hair.  If you do try this out, just be sure that you go to a real man's barbershop where they know how to do great fades on the sides and not the "haircuttery" blocked back and sides that most "stylists" do.

After test flying that look for a week or so,  you can still progress to the tight buzz or bald look

If you don't like that you can always grow back what you have.

Bottom line:  It is just hair - just some dead keratin that you are spending a lot of time obsessing about.  Test fly some different styles.  Keep the one that makes YOU feel good about your appearance!  The only really firm advice that most of us here will give you is that if you go for the tight buzz or shave you MUST keep it for a minimum of 30 days.  We all have found that it took a few days to get over the initial "shock" and for both we and those close to us to get used to seeing our new selves.  After 30 days, most of us never go back!  You will be amazed at how much "testosterone" you will feel once the scraps are gone!

[Cave Dweller]

Welcome to the board, Schopenbard.

I think your hair looks OK. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with thinning hair.

If you are not ready to make a major change such as buzzing or shaving, I would recommend just thinning out the sides a little to balance them with the top.

[bald Luck14]

BBBA makes a good point. The hair stylist might just want you to keep coming back for more hair cuts. So also consider how much money you'd save if you did in fact shave your head.

[tobler1]

Since your hair loss is fairly developed, I think you would benefit from a fairly short buzz.  I definitely disagree with those who've said it wouldn't work on you.  From what I can see, I think it would look quite good.

[DoberDaddy]

Hi,

You are pretty thin on top, and receded in front. I would just buzz it short... see how you like it... keep the beard!

Then maybe try a shave.

Steve

[invaray]

Just shave it all off with a razor and be done with it. Face your fear and get over it it is just hair and what you have will grow back, if you decide to let it do that.

[AJ Q-Ball]

Welcome Schopenbard! You have definitely come to the right place for advice.  To start off with, like BBBA said, the thinning hair does not do your looks justice.  It makes you look much older than 23 and not in a good way to be quite honest and you don't want that.  On a side note, by all means keep your beard.

As far as the top of the head goes, you will by far look your best shaved completely bald.  You can try a buzz cut like my colleagues have mentioned but I guarantee the bald spot at the crown will be emphasized more than it is now. I'm not speaking just to get you to shave but from experience.  Your hair is too far gone to do much with it. I believe you will look good bald. Also, you will feel so relieved to get past hair loss at an early age.  I'm only five years older than you are at 28 and I feel great not having to worry about hair.  Don't fret about not possibly being attractive to ladies because I've gotten more attention from them shaved bald than I ever did with hair.

Keep us posted on what you decide to do.

[Schopenbard]

Hi again!  I've been out for a good part of the day so I apologize for my lack of response--along with the mess in the background, I just moved in.  I'm extremely appreciative for all the advice given.  I suppose I'm typical with my thinking about how my hair looks and how often I do.  I'm at the point where I am willing to take a leap sometime next week or so, get the final advice of a barber, and just get it done.  I am leaning towards going for a buzz of some sort, given the advice given towards that direction, but if it does bring more emphasis towards the spot on my crown, I'll probably go further than that.  I'll do well to keep this up to date.

[Cave Dweller]

Final advice from a barber?

If you want to buzz it down, then do it.

[Goatee]

Buzz is the way forward for now. You have nothing to lose! Good luck

[balddaniel]

I think you are a good looking guy.  In my opinion I think you should try
A buzz cut the same length as your beard.  I think you would look
Very hot!  Let us know what you decide.