New SBG Member (Current Hairclub member) Finally going to do it!

[NWTRNR]

As a previous long-time wearer of "systems" there's a bit more to the whole story of hair units/wigs/toupees -- not that any of you sly folks care  -- but just to put out a more complete picture

When I first started "wearing" hair, I too, went to one of these ripoff clubs. I got suckered into the whole high price, monthly maintenance routine and all the things that Drew mentioned are dead on. They try to get clients to get completely dependent on them for everything that has to do with the hair. And... only taking the system completely of once a month was horrible. It itches, it shifts, and it can smell too. Just awful. But the club-route is only one approach.

What I fortunately found out -- through other online sites, etc. is that someone can just order their hair systems themselves for a pittance of what the "clubs" charge (before going sly I was only paying $150 for a unit for top-notch product), get someone local to cut it in for them, and do all the attachments and cleanings themselves.  The learning curve wasn't that great and the good thing is that it gave me the freedom to take it on and off whenever I wanted or needed too. Some guys take their hair off every night. Some, every few days to a week or so. That's pretty much the routine I followed.

And, talking about the hair systems now themselves -- the touch detectability can vary dramatically. It depends upon the base material and method of attachment. You can order hair that uses a lace-type material as the base and a special adhesive. When I had hair that way, I could barely feel where my real hair stopped and the unit hair began.

And -- I went swimming in the ocean and pools aplenty without any fear of losing my hair or it coming loose. Showered with it on everyday, etc. -- When the units are done well and applied well -- they really do look well too.

The inherent downsides though remained. You have to constantly monitor how it looks -- especially the front area. The hair can oxidize and get a different hue than the rest of your hair -- a dead giveaway. And the units wear out (hair falls out, bases begin to rip, etc.) after months (depending upon how you care for them). Plus, the whole taking it on and off is a real pain in the butt , and cleaning them, etc. -- it could literally eat up hours in a week. It can still itch, it still feels like you are wearing a hat 24/7. You still can feel very conscious of it all the time. But a lot of guys just deal with all of these negatives -- cuz they want the look. Thank goodness I came to my senses and ditched the rug a few weeks ago. I actually went back through my books over the past ten years and was dumbfounded by how much money I spent (even ordering myself, etc.) on hair (units, haircuts, products, etc.)

Anyway, I've rambled on enough -- just wanted to provide a broader picture of the "industry" to any of you interested.

[DJ_Bald]

This is slowly becoming the most popular new guy post ever !

[schro]

Seriously, great post NWTRNR!!

Thanks for the education. 

[jhickman]

Great thread, you're gonna love the sly side.

I like hearing all the info on "systems".  I'm sorry you've had to go through that painstaking process to find out it's not what they make it out to be, but it makes me smile to think I made the right choice by going sly.      

[BALDANDRE]

Are you saying the rug industry is trying to sabotage SBG's?

Wouldnt doubt it, seems like nothing is morally below these folks.

Without a doubt...

bald guys being accepted...even embraced and LOVED for a slick bald head...

unheard of!

[marshd1000]

When I started to thin in my 30's, my stepmother said to me, "If you lose more hair, maybe you should get a toupee or a transplant".  Thankfully, I NEVER was tempted to do that.  Now that I have been reading these posts, I am REALLY glad that I went the Sly way! 

Drew, I have a idea, before you do the deed, now that we have seen you with the "system", why don't you take a pic of you with the MPB so we have a idea as to what you were covering up with that system.

[Tampadrew]

No Problem....will do. I am so excited to get get rid of the wig and start my new life as a Sly Bald Guy that I moved my Dermatologist appointment up.....the office day is next Thursday (one week away) On that day I will take lots of pics of me removing the system and shaving, that way if anyone is curious what it was about they can see. Plus, hopefully it will help motivate anyone that maybe on the fence or in my same situation! 

Andrew

[sarah]

That is what this site is all about.  Taking the support you need, and then returning the favor!  You guys are awesome.

[DJ_Bald]

Im checking in for a tampaDrew shaved pic !!
I just referred a buddy of mine here who has a "system". I know firsthand its really hard to get away from these systems once they are on your head. Hopefully I can tempt him over to the "sly" side ! He does look good with his system but I know he hates some of the constraints that other guys have mentioned.
I maintain this will be the most popular new guy thread ever !   

[marty22]

I had a friend who had a fancy system ($4k a year) and unfortunately he got into white collar crime trouble and was shipped off for a year or so. He came back with white hair instead of black and no wig but he had staple marks all over his head (at least 25) from the grafting that was done for his fancy system. YUCK

[GASlick]

That was very insightful NWT and Drew.  It really sounds like a pain.  Marz is right on though, it plays on men's insecurities.

Glad you discovered the SLY way!

[north]

This is a great thread. I'm really glad you're going to do it so quick. You're gonna love it.

I would like to see all kinds of pictures when you take the "system" off and start the shaving.

I saw a guy today who had almost no shadow, but if you STARED at his scalp, you could see the horseshoe. Anyone who wasn't sly or wasn't looking for the horseshoe wouldn't have seen it.

[Michael]

Sounds like you are making a life changing for the better choice.  I still have all my hair yet have chosen the sly lifestyle because of it's looks... and yes, that first shower is a religous experience.  Also, when driving down the road feel the wind in your....er....on your scalp.  Just dandy!  I am sorry that you and others like you have had to go through a bit of hair hell.  Welcome to Freedom!

[Timmay]

I check this post everyday....just waiting to see the pic of Tampa.  I know he mentions he wont do it until after his appt.  but ...just in case, with a little luck, maybe he will jump the fence and do it all early....what you think guys?

[DJ_Bald]

Im guessing hes thinking about it every day he has to look in the mirror at the system.
No pressure Drew !