All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)

[clindholm56]

Updated:

Before:



After:



Original message:

Hey! Came across this forum tonight after looking at about a thousand articles on balding and whether or not to shave head.

I'm 24, and for years have had severe bald spots, both in front and back, and though this is something I've thought about for quite some time,  I've just always worn a beanie or a hat... However I started a new semester last week and one of my professors has a no hat rule, and ya, I just felt extremely embarrassed... My head by itself (with hair but without a hat) looks awful, imo, but I've either been too scared to make or too comfortable postponing the jump.

Anyway, if I do this... I know a step a lotta people recommend is going down slowly, but I have a scar that goes all the way across my head that would look very weird unless I went all the way.

Questions/concerns...

1. I'm extremely pale, and don't tan well, at all... And I'm also pretty skinny... most sites I went to said that's exactly the type of person that might not wanna make the jump, or would potentially look the worst doing so. I'll likely keep a super light beard but ya... just my skin tone/weight has me kinda concerned I guess

2. I don't know anything about headshape at all, but between that, and my face itself, am I suited for a shave clean? I'm no Bruce willis, and nor do I expect to be, but I also don't wanna unknowingly make myself look worse than I might otherwise, if I found another option (medication etc), if that makes sense? I guess this is me asking if you think I should or not, and if it'd look okay... Just please be honest

Sorry for the super long post, you all just seem respectful and genuine, and as this would be a pretty big deal for me, I just wanted some input with those that have done it or would better know if I'd be suitted for it or not.

Thank you, I really do appreciate any responses to this and also just what y'all do as a whole. Made respect.

[tobler1]

I tend to think you'll look good bald.  I say go for it.  I definitely think something shorter, even if not a full shave, will suit you.

[Razor X]

Just go for it.  You'll look and feel a whole lot better.  If you don't you will always wonder.  If you try ait and don't like it, the hair grows back -- at least you will know.

[Cave Dweller]

Welcome to the board, sir.

Your lack of a tan actually can be an advantage when you first go smooth in that your exposed skin's tone is closer to that of the skin covered by your hair, so there will be less contrast between the two when you shave it off. I waited until mid winter to shave just so that would happen.

If you want to shave, stop worrying about it and grab the razor. I speak from experience when I tell you that almost all your anxiety over how it will look will go away when you take the first swipe.

[Razor X]

And, BTW I bet that scar won't be as noticeable as you think without hair surrounding it and providing contrast.

[Big Jon]

Go for it, dude! You'll love it. I promise.

[TheSlyBear]

Judging from the pics you posted, you will look great bald. Go for it. As Razor said, it grows back so there's nothing to lose in the unlikely event you don't think it's better.

P.S. You have a great smile. It'll go well with a shaved head!

[Sir Harry]

Welcome! You could always do it in stages like a shorter buzzcut at first and then go for the razor if you're not ready to jump "all in". Good luck!

[clipped]

You can always go in stages, from a#2 buzz, then #1, then #000 & so on. Once you do the first clipper cut and you (and others) adjust to that as your new haircut, no one will notice the shorter clipper cuts or the razor shave when you do that.  That's what I did. I alternate between a #0 buzz & razor shave as the mood strikes me and no one notices the difference.  My wife felt that I was shaving my head at #1 buzz.  You have a dark beard and I think that the shadow will look good on you.  Be bold...go for it, even if you ease into it. 

[clindholm56]

Thank you all for the responses! After giving it more thought and reading through them, decided I'm actually gonna either be buzzing or making the jump altogether later on today. I'll post a picture/update when I do. Thanks again. Definitely nervous but excited too

[nuts]

Very positive thoughts.  Go for it and keep the beard.

[AJ Q-Ball]

I understand the nervousness for sure.  I was that way too before I shaved it bald but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Your hair is to the point where it will no longer better your looks unfortunately with the amount of thinning involved. A buzz will look better but you will look awesome bald and with the beard. You won't regret it man!

[clindholm56]

Update: sly, bald, and proud

[zetaeffe]

Update: sly, bald, and proud

WOW!! Looking great!! Even better than expected!
Best compliments!

[Cave Dweller]

Major applause, sir!

The look definitely suits you.