Just found this forum today and had to sign up! (23 years old)

[hisnamewasbishop]

Hello! I'm 23 years old and my hairline has gotten to the point where I feel I must shave it off. I think my hair has been receding since I was like 18 but I didn't start to notice until I was maybe 21?? I remember the moment perfectly and since then I have gone through all sorts of emotions. I was definitely in denial for a long time but for the most part it's just been a really depressing experience. For years people have complimented me on my hair so to have one of my favorite features start to leave me it hit pretty hard.

For the last year or so I've been shaving the sides of my head and leaving it long on top. I get complimented on it from time to time but the thinning has progressed and I can only pull this off for so long. I'm hoping to find some confidence here that will allow me to go through with it and just shave my head. The main thing from keeping me back is the impending reactions and comments from coworkers/family once I shave my head. If I lived somewhere where I didn't know anybody it wouldn't be a problem for me.

Anyways if you read all that, thanks and hello!

[Razor X]

Welcome aboard.  You don't have much thinning or recession taking place from what I can see.

[hisnamewasbishop]

Well, I've become a MASTER at hiding it, especially in pictures, but it's not something I'm proud of. I really just want to own it.

[Tyler]

Welcome to SBG!  I wouldn't worry about what others think so much as I don't think they'll care.  You're current hair style is already more "out of the norm" than a shaved head.

[Hingatao]

Welcome to the club. You're a nice looking guy. A shaved head would look good on you.

[mrzed]

I like the photos of the almost shaved sides and the longer hair on top.  That's about 1/2 way to being bald.

Tyler had some good comments.

Do check out the 30 day rule.  For most guys, it does not take 30 days. People come along in less than that much time! My circle of friends did.

If you don't think you're ready for razor sly bald, get the clippers out, remove the guard and have at it ... super short, like the sides of your head are now.  Up close, looks like you have some hair, at a distance you look bald.

Hang out here. Follow some of the posts, you are not alone in your feelings.  There are lots of young men on here who have embraced head shaving.  And it's a good fit.

Welcome. Thanks for posting.

[hisnamewasbishop]

Welcome to SBG!  I wouldn't worry about what others think so much as I don't think they'll care. You're current hair style is already more "out of the norm" than a shaved head.

Haha totally true! This might sound incredibly superficial but, in a way, because I have an abnormal hair style it's almost as if I have this image to uphold, I've become the "guy with the hair". Which is incredibly dumb because I can be whatever I want to be but it still affects me.

Thanks for all the supportive replies!I keep on telling myself, "oh I'll shave it next week" but then I don't follow through. Just hoping to find some courage here and I believe I will! I've attached some images that better exemplify the current status of my hair.

[slybeard]

You have enough hair that it is your choice, IMO.  I had always told myself that once MPB was noticeable, I would shave.  That time for me cam at the age of 48.  Most of my friends and family had not noticed the thinning when I decided to shave.  Now several years later, if I go a week or so without shaving the MPB it obvious.

Once you reach the point where it is too much to deal with it to "hide" the receding hairline, you can either choose go all the way, clipper it down to 0 and then make is smooth with a razor.  Or many guys choose to take it gradually but buzzing it down to say a #4, then after a period of time, switch to a #3, then #2, #1, 0, and then smooth.

Friends and family may will give you a hard time at first, but will soon adjust to the new look.

[Mike E. P.]

I had a similar story. I had a thick head of blond hair. All the girls loved it. And then at 17 I started to notice it receding. I was worried and depressed over it for years. I finally shaved my head when I was about 35 (by that time it was looking pretty bad and there was no denying  my balding). Years of worrying came to an end.

You will easily be able to pull off the shaved head. If I  were you, I'd do it now and put that worrying to an end.

[Semi-Sly]

IMHO you have plenty of hair to keep it for a while, but only if you want to.  You have a great head shape, nice clear skin, and some natural color to your skin.  You will look GREAT sly.

Just remember the 30 day rule.  When you make a major change in your appearance it takes YOUR brain a lot longer than other folks to feel comfortable with the change.  So, when you take the bull by the horns and shave your head - commit to keeping it shaved for 30 days before you make any decisions about it.

We will be here for you, whatever you choose.  Post photos and we will be honest with you.

[Sir Harry]

Welcome!

[tobler1]

You've got cool hair, and I think it suits you.  However, from what I can tell, you've got a great head shape, and, if you do shave, I'll think you'll look fantastic.  And it's easy enough to go from "the guy with 'the' hair" to "the guy with the awesome shiny dome."

[SlyMike]

The hair looks great, and you'd look great with a shaved head too, the choice is yours at the moment by the look of the pictures.

[wpruitt]

Welcome Bishop

[hisnamewasbishop]

Welp, I did it! Haven't BIC'd it yet but I worked up the courage to shave it off