New person considering the slyness...

[Razaki]

Howdy everyone,

My name's Mike and I've been a visitor of this site for about a week now, and let me tell you all one thing - thanks.

See, I'm only 17, but I'm about 95% certain that I have a receding hairline and that it will only get worse as I start college in the fall. I'll attach some pictures of me - mind you, I don't have a camera, so it's just what I could pull off the ol' myspace - but I have a pretty good amount of hair.

Thing is, I've been sporting the same haircut for the past 2.5 years or so, and I'm tired of it, haha. I LONG for short hair, as weird as that sounds, and I've always loved the look of buzz cuts/shaved heads on a person. Since it's summer and I want to try something new, I'm going to be doing one of two things soon: getting a buzz or just going for the total shaved look. Which do you guys suggest? I'm leaning right now towards the buzz, so I can see what I look like in short, short hair, but I'm up for suggestions.

Oh, and for the reason that I was thanking you? Well, I've always been worried about what would happen if - and more probable, when - I do go bald and how lousy I would feel. This site has shown me that it really is absolutely nothing to dread at all.

Still, that's not to say that there isn't a ton of trepidation and timidity about me even getting it buzzed, but who really cares, right? I'm young, it's summer, and I need a change. Hopefully it looks good and I'll be able to keep it - god knows it'd be easier to take care of, haha.

Anyway, though, anyone here been through a similar scenario where they weren't sure whether to buzz or just go all the way with the shave?

[Razor X]

Hi, Mike.

Welcome to SBG.  As you said, you're young and you want a change, so why not go for it?  It's only hair and it will grow back.  As for whether you should buzz or shave, well you have to buzz your hair as short as possible before you shave it anyway, so start with that.  Once the buzz is done, you may decide to keep it or you may be intrigued enough to continue on to a full shave.  Or you can stay buzzed for a while and shave later.  Just do the buzz cut and see what you feel like doing next.  I'd encourage you to try the full shave at some point; it's an awesome feeling and you owe it to yourself to try, when you feel you're ready.

[Timmay]

like Razor said...its only hair.  You know what...Hair does grow back....at least for most.  If you dont like the shaved look...let it grow back to a stubble.  If the stubble look doesnt work then keep on growing. You will find a look that fits you.  Just give it a try.  With the shaved head being so popular now....I doubt it if much will go noticed.  THe people who know you will prolly say something but the general public...they wont give it a second thought.  Good luck keep us posted
Timmay

[wpruitt]

Try the buzz (a 0 or 1).  It's been the stepping stone for many going sly.

[Mike]

I say shave it all off, it will grow to a buzz cut length in a few days.

[BALDANDRE]

I agree with Mike...just shave it smooth bro, if you don't like it, but it sounds like you dig the idea (just wait dude, you'll love it smooth)you'll have a buzz in two three days...

go for the shaved head bro...it's not like anyone else isn't bald in the world..it is a style that's around today and ultimately hair grows back!!

Good luck and let us know if you go for it!

[BlackJamesRackham]

What's up man? Welcome.

I would try shaving it down to a 1 or 0 and see how you like the look. If you're feeling that, take it smooth. You seem to have plenty of hair, so it'll grow back quicker than you think.

[J Digory]

You will stand out style-wise amongst your peers. So many teens worry about their hair and wear it just so...it's actually kind of funny if you stop and take a look around you, Mike. You'll see a whole lot of VERY similar hairstyles. It's always been that way. When I was your age it was the ridiculous long hair up top with the short hair all the way around, and now it's hair pushed forward in your face or a faux-hawk.
It'll feel good to have a silky smooth head that women wanna touch. It'll feel good to stand out amongst your peers and your friends.

Try it out, man. But make sure you get some sun on that head before too many people see it. Otherwise you won't feel so sly with that ghost white head of yours.

[MagmaBabe]

Hiya Mike, welcome to the forum 

[Sly Red]

Welcome to SBG, Razaki.  No time like summer to go Sly.  Just buzz it off and give it a try.

Red

[Mikekoz13]

Welcome to the Forum Mike! Good advice from the other brothers.

[hammerdrill376]

Only 17?? Man would I love to see those days again. Anyway, go for it. Not only does it feel good, is fashionable but since going sly I discovered ladies really like the look!

[Razaki]

Thanks for the incredibly quick replies, everyone.

I think I'm probably going to buzz it at first, like people have suggested, then see how it goes from there.

Do you guys recommend that I get the first buzz done at something like a barber's shop or that I should go buy clippers and do it myself? And if I should do it myself, what would be the best gear to use? (The cheaper the better, haha.)

[BlackJamesRackham]

I'd get a barber to do it, since its your first time and you're not sure whether or not you'd like it. No sense in buying clippers you may only use once 

[Rafter]

I'd get a barber to do it, since its your first time and you're not sure whether or not you'd like it. No sense in buying clippers you may only use once 

Excellent suggestion, James. No need buying something you'll only use once.

Razaki,my bet is that after your initial buzz, you'll opt for the razor and never go back to hair. The most inexpensive headshave is a Gillette Mach3 disposable with some Gillette Foamy Shave Cream followed with a cold water rinse and aloe vera gell to prevent razor burn.