Greetings from a new sly convert

[SlyStallone]

Hello from a longtime lurker!

I'll try to give some kind of background story of my plight. I started losing my hair at 17 (ouch). It's probably one of the worst things to happen to a young guy in terms of peer mockery, worse than illness. At least most kids have the decency not to mock guys with serious conditions, but apparently going bald is a green light to abuse. I wasn't unpopular, I was successful at school and had a lot of friends, but because of my easy-going nature people took advantage of it by teasing me about it (except my close friends). They thought I could take it but it hurt inside.

Anyway, I didn't have MPB, i had female pattern - in other words losing it evenly all over the top of the head. I'm not sure if that made it better ot worse. I tried going to these laser treatment places, which were a waste of time and money. I tried rogaine, also a HUGE waste of money. Eventually I started getting into hair systems. Started off going to an expensive salon who made terrible systems that looked ridiculous, with grumpy staff and conmen for managers. Got sick of being leashed to a salon every month so decided to go solo, as many system wearers do. I have to say, although my style wasn't great, It looked pretty realistic and you could only tell it was a system if you scraped at the edges or examined the back. The problem is that spending 2-3 hours every other day on cleaning it, and then having a sticky mess after a gym session wasn't really sustainable long-term.

This went on for 8 years (18-26). It caused me to do worse at my university studies than I should have done, and it gave me depression for a long time. I never had a problem with girls, but my self-confidence died and it's impossible to get any girls when you're a miserable wreck. What started my turnaround was bodybuilding. I started in January working out to gain muscle mass, and in the last 4 months I've been cutting down. I am very close to getting my 6 pack (3-4 weeks away), and it's been hugely motivating. However the system has always been at the back of my mind, holding me back. I wanted to start swimming - can't because of the system. Wanted to go on holiday for a long time - can't because of system maintenance. Wanted to ask a girlfriend to move in with me - can't because was scared about the system. It controls your life.

So I decided, with the help of this great forum, to make the jump. I already had the top of my head shaved for the system so I knew roughly what I would look like, but I was surprised at just how different I look fully shaved. The transformation was amazing, and I feel so free now.

I just need to get some tan on the head and it should start looking pretty decent I think The only problem I have encountered so far is that it just gets SO COLD here in england so I have to wear a wooly hat outside anyway or my head starts hurting .

[Stu]

Way better, man!  It has to seem like such a liberating experience for you.  I'm glad that this site was able to give you the push you needed.  Let us know how others have reacted to the 'new you,' and welcome.

[Tyler]

Welcome to Sly Bald Guys!  I'm glad we could help you find your freedom from the system.

[wpruitt]

Welcome SlyStallone

[time2shine]

Welcome Stallone and way to go!
As you know, we are naturally biased to the bald dome, but I must say you have the perfect head shape for being sly.  Maybe it's the glasses or guns, but you look so much TOUGHER with the sly look, dude.  Now you are free to be you!!  Enjoy it!

[BALDANDRE]

Oh, bro..

awesome and WAY better and tougher look on you!

Glad this place helped you out..

Welcome to your new life brutha!

[Brkeatr]

Welcome to SBG bro.....your looking good, hope you enjoy your newly found freedom  ...

[Maverick1970]

Welcome and as we say here in the ATL, "mo' betta".   Don't worry about the cold, once you get more used to it and your confidence in balance, you will never be short of a willing female to help keep you warm (speaking from very recent personal experience here . . . keep up with the workouts, walk tall, head high, shoulders back, even a little bit of a "strut", and you'll be just fine).     

[GASlick]

Welcome to the site.  System - bad; Sly - GOOD!

[sexybaldy]

Welcome brother,
I am glad you joined SBG, The forum did give me tremendous strength after i went for the sly look. Trust me you look better ,much tougher look. Your head shape is made for the sly look. Dont worry about the wool caps they are much in fashion now...

[OzPete]

Welcome to SBG!

[IRONHORSE]

Gotta go with the other guys on this one... The Sly look fits you well! Welcome to the forums! 

[Hook'Em]

What do people call fake hair "systems"  Its a RUG, TOUPEE, WIG, ETC. not a "system". Sorry but that word "system" bugs the crap outta me.

[warhawk]

slystallone:  welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  U look like a natural.  we hope that U become an active member of the best forum on the internet.

WARHAWK

[SlyStallone]

Thanks for the comments guys! Yeah I'm getting used to the look already after just 3 days. Reactions have been good from friends and family, but if I drew a big penis on my forehead they would still say it looked good so I don't put much weight on it. Strangers don't really give a reaction, which is a good thing I suppose since they are generally more honest.

Hookem: "System" is just part of the lingo they make you use when you go to those salons, and after a while it just sticks. But it does have a point because rugs/wigs imply obvious detectability, but as they say in that community - you have never seen a good system.