Dear Nick: I've read your posts several times, with care. Some main concerns are clear. You have to move on. The Brits say, when you've had the goodness of a thing, let it go. Long locks were good in adolescence, but long locks attempting to cover up what you unambiguously admit is hapening on your head (receding hairline, thinning, and now the loss of hair on the crown) is just desperate--and it will get worse. The girlfriend's opinion is important, so you should try to explain to her--as Razor X commented--that you and your hairstyle are not the same. You have good bone structure, chin, and cheekbones, all suggesting that the bald look would flatter you. It does take some getting used to. If you act now, before Mother Nature forces you to, you'll be ahead of the curve. And this is the era for adopting the look. It requires a bit of bold realism, and you CAN regrow the locks if you're not happy with the shaved look. Let us know your decision. Professor Melon