First time caller, long time listener.....

[TWR]

Hi Guys - I've been lurking for a while now and thought I would take the plunge and connect with the community as I try to decide whether to fight nature or embrace it...

Long story short, I've always been the guy with the hair.   It was even mentioned in my university's valedictory speech.   But, at 44 I'm starting to come to grips with the fact that it's been a good, long run and may be time to face the bald music.  Specifically, I'm considering taking it down to a #1 or #2 guard at the end of the month.

Like most here, I'm concerned about the reaction.   Luckily, I have a good friend who is a photoshop wizard and has taken my photo and magically made me bald.  I've shown the photo to my 2 young daughters and the reaction from my oldest was: "Daddy, no offense but you look horrendous!!"   I'm also a bit concerned as I have a relatively high profile position at a large public company and this definitely won't go unnoticed.

I've attached the before and after photos for your thoughts and comments.  I've already met with a surgeon in Beverly Hills about potentially doing a FUE procedure, but I'm increasingly reluctant to go down that path after spending some time on these boards.

Anyhow, thanks in advance for your thoughts, advice & wisdom.

Tyler

[Tyler]

Hey Tyler,

Welcome to SBG!  First off,  your family is always the worst critic when you start out, but typically come around very quickly when they see how happy you are with it.  Second off, myself and other execs in the world rock the shaved head and nobody cares.

In regards to the FUE, just don't do it.  You're only going to end up with scaring that will remain even if you want to shave it later.  Do the 30 day rule and I'm sure you'll never look back.

[reddog]

After seeing the before and after, all I can say is, what are you waiting for?! 100% better bald. You look at least 10 years younger. Do it gradually if you must, but do it. How about a charity headshave. Your employer should understand, and then you can just keep it shaved.

[geeman]

Welcome, great advice already, and I'm just echoing what's been said.... Family and friends think it's the law to comment, and it's usually negative, women especially, as in general, they don't suffer hair loss like men. Fact is, you are losing your hair, you have a choice, go waste a ton of money and try and put off the inevitable, or like my fellow brothers, realise that it doesn't matter.... And it really doesn't.... Life will go on.... Your family WILL get used to it, as will you, it really isn't that big a deal, and once you've done the 30 days, you'll wonder what all the fuss was about and also why you waited so long.

[slybeard]

Your bald photo looks much better.  It is the change that takes most people time.  I suggest you go "cold turkey" and just shave it and get over all the comments in a few weeks. 

Or, as an alternative, you could attempt to make gradual changes by getting progressively shorter haircuts, then transition to a buzz cut.  Then progressively take the buzz shorter and shorter.  Once you get to a "0" buzz, the next step is to shave.

To me, the alternative just prolongs the agony and stress.  Just do it.

[Hingatao]

I agree that the bald look looks better on you. And slybeard made a good suggestion about doing it gradually to help ease the transition.

[tobler1]

We're admittedly all pretty biased, but I'm with the Greek chorus.  I think the proposed bald look would suit you nicely.

[USP678]

Please do not go down the road of hair transplants.  This is all smoke and mirrors and you will never get a full head of hair with these procedures.  Also, it may look nice to start but it will not down the road.  Most before and after photos are photo shopped or use different light to give the illusion of a thick head of hair after: you can even do this experiment on yourself by simply going under light to show your thinning and back away from the lighting and you will notice how your hair looks less thin.

Please hear what the others are telling you.  You will never regret shaving but you will possible regret a hair transplant.

[Semi-Sly]

Well, I have to be honest; that tuft of hair you have left on top just screams attention at your receding hairline and forehead.  No one will look at your eyes as long as that neon sign is up there.

My cousin just spent a fortune on FUE and he had to have his head buzzed down to a #1 to have it done anyway.  After the FUE he has had a red and nasty looking scalp for months.  And to top it off, the transplanted hairs are all going to fall out and then he has to wait another 6 months to see how many of them "take".

Please don't do the FUE until you have tried just going Sly and you have done the 30 day rule.  You have nothing to lose, you can always go back to the FUE if you don't like it.  But most of us have found that long before the 30 days are over both our families and, more importantly, ourselves, have grown to accept - and actually like - the Sly and natural look.

[Sir Harry]

Welcome! The bald picture looked pretty good on you. The one thing in your favor is that at 44 years of age, it probably won't be that big of a deal. Here's another suggestion. Grow some facial hair to attract some attention away from your bald head.

[bennett11]

I would buzz it short and then short and then shave.  To as to others here the shaven look is better.

[SlyMike]

I think the bald picture looks so much better, but then I am slightly biased lol.

Try the 30 day rule and see how you get on.

Welcome to SBG

[DOC_OSMC]

Go with the bald, man.  Totally suits you.

[Johannes]

You look bald much better, keep it shaved

[TWR]

Thanks to everyone who to took the time to respond - it's great to get the insight of those who have already been down the road.

I've abandoned the idea of having the FUE procedure.  The issue of scarring and the need for subsequent procedures was certainly not something the surgeon highlighted for me.  I also found the fact that he requires payment in full a month prior to the procedure to be a bit overreaching, but maybe that's just the cosmetic surgery industry...

I'm definitely going to take the first step at the end of the month.  I'm not 100% what that will look like, but I will come back and post after the deed is done. 

Thanks again,

Tyler