Daily shaving and perception question

[Crown]

Hey everyone just a couple questions and comments regarding my decision to shave sly. 

I'm 24 years old and I'm at about a norwood 2/3. I've been balding since I was 17.  I currently shave my head once a week with a .5 clipper.  I really like the look of the short buzz cut with a beard.  I have a "baby face" so the beard makes me look older.

I have come to terms with balding and accepted it so that is not why I am posting.  I'm wondering about the daily maintenance and perception on a young guy.  I have very sensitive skin and even when i do have my face i get horrible razor burn. Thats the last thing I want.   I'm also in the process of interviewing for new jobs and I dont think a sly head my be accepted for my profession (teacher) for such a young guy. Also a shaved head with a clean shaved face (interview protocol) may look weird, again because I am young.

Any advice or information would be appreciated.  I have read through the sticky threads also.

[Razor X]

I think you're overthinking things.  A shaved head is not an impediment to getting a job -- unless you're auditioning for a shampoo commercial.      Most of the general population does not make any distinction between shaved and closely buzzed.

Whether your skin can handle daily shaving or not is another story. Everyone is different. My skin tends to break out when I have more than a day's worth of stubble. If you use a decent razor and shaving cream,it's usually not a problem.  Shaving daily is actually a lot easier than maintaining a short buzz cut.

[beardbald]

I don't suffer with razor burn I'm lucky. I think these days there is a perception that if you shave your hair off then you're balding anyway and have probably done better than having a comb over. Well that's what I encounter.

[slybeard]

Like Razor said, razor shaving and a buzz is the same perceived by most to be the same thing.  Most guys that shave do so because of the feel, not the look.  And facial hair does help balance a shaved/buzzed head.  So going for your interview with a neatly trimmed beard and you buzz cut is fine.  IF you are concerned about razor burn, do not razor shave the day before your interview - if you want to try it, do it when you do not have interviews scheduled to avoid a red head from razor burn or nick and cuts. 

[Crown]

Thanks fellas that helps me a lot.  I was thinking about having a barber do it the first time to see how my skin reacts before I try it myself.

[TheSlyBear]

I'd probably keep what you are doing now up until after the interview. You know you look good now, so you have that level of confidence. Experiment with new looks and techniques afterwards.

[mrzed]

Michael E P should chime in. He is a teacher with a bald head!

[Mike E. P.]

I am an old guy with a bald head and a teacher - now a principal. I wouldn't bat an eye at a young guy with a bald head. It's just another style. And as long as the facial hair was neat, I'd have no problem with that either. I also have a beard. But I agree with the comment to go with what you like and are comfortable with. You don't need to worry about a new look. Just be confident, smile and answer the interview questions with examples from your experience.

[AJ Q-Ball]

I'm also a teacher and have never had an issue with my bald head being accepted. I'm not too far removed from 24 either. I'm 29 now. I have gotten a plethora of compliments so you have nothing to worry about. As far as preventing razor burn, stick with going with the grain. Keep us posted on everything!