New Guy Here, Would Like some encouragement

[Papa Don]

Man, if that is your desire, I say go for it.  Once the new look wears off, most people will accept you as you are.  I shaved about three months ago and most of the snide remarks have stopped. I still have the diehard idiots, but who cares about their idiotic shortcomings.  So, definately go for it.  The hair will grow back and you can shave or trim the beard.

[BaldMark]

Welcome to the group!  Got for it!!! Keep the beard, lose the hair.  I only wish i could grow a good looking beard or I'de have one.

[champ007]

so you guys really think me being 22 years old could pull off being bald with a 1.5-2inch long beard in a professional setting?My work is very cool (im a dental hygieniest) but I feel like its gonna be a radical change.I don't want to trim this beard down but at the same time I rally would like to try being bald to take my mind off my thinning hair

If they are cool with the beard now why wouldn't they be if you change your hair/head style? Should have no bearing as far I can see it.
Plus, the confidence you are going to gain will be felt by everyone you see, even your patients. I think they will look at you as trying to be even more professional, its a win win 

PS.. Welcome to SBG 

[BaldnBearded]

here's a picture of the crown of my head.Would you guys say I
m definitly going bald?I'll get a pic of myself up later on tonight.Thanks again for the advice so far, it's just gonna prolly take me some time to get the balls to go longer bearded and bald

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[champ007]

I would say yes. I was there, then the stage where I could have been jewish. (<--- Nothing against jewish people)
If your beard isn't grown out now, why wait to shave until it is?
The transition of a longer beard would go well with a shaved head. Then you could really see how thick/thin you would want the sides and where to end it at. etc.
I say buzz down to a 2 for a week, then a 1 for a week, then 0 for a week, and then shave Christmas morning. No better time to give yourself the ultimate present!! 

[SLYinKC]

You look like you've got a ways to go before you're even close to being called bald or balding.  So, don't sweat it.  It seems like you may be overly sensitive about this.  But if you'd like to try SLY, I say go ahead and give it a shot.  You might just like it better than hair just like alot of us here.

Best of luck,
Rick

[BaldnBearded]

champ I'm actualyl already bearded, i have a half inch worth of beard.im just scared of going bald and then it not looking right with the beard which will force me to go clean shaven or trim down, both of which i dont want to do.its not so much taking the plunge of being bald that scares me, its it not looking good with a longer beard and having to trim and or shave it.

[champ007]

Chill,
Just a thought but is your office going to close the week of Christmas or new years or maybe both?
I know some dentist offices do here.
If thats the case you can clipper down some and kinda weigh it out before shaving. Will give you some time to grow some hair back if so.
Just a thought.
Also, Chris Daughtry had a beard at one stage, I remember someone posted a pic of him in here. He wore eye liner that looked freaky, but the beard looked ok.
I had many fears when I was going to shave, taking the plunge was best thing I ever did but I can't say its for everyone.
I believe your head isn't bad yet. You may never have it fall out completely on the crown. But the one thing we hear on here, and I said it as well is why didn't I do it sooner. A man should never have to stress over his hair or lack of.
I have a pic in the gallery of my transformation if you want to see how I progressed in a few weeks to smooth.

[tow]

i think a full beard looks good with the sly look. i was really glad i shaved the horseshoe and kept my beard. i know my beard is longer than most but that may change soon .

[marshd1000]

As you can see, I am also another full bearded guy with a shaved head.  I think mine looks pretty good too.  With Tow, you got the longer look and with myself, you got the shorter beard.  So those might be some examples to go by.

By the way, Tow, why shave off that beard?  Ya look pretty cool with it in my opinion!  Unless a signifigant other wants you to.  I could see that pushing the envelope!

[OzPete]

Welcome Chris!

[buuckkweet]

Welcome to SBG Chris!

[time2shine]

Welcome man.  I tend to play around with facial hair styles a bit.  In my avatar I have a bit of an unorthodox half beard, half goat... the BOAT.  But if you take some time, you might find a random look you like.
Judging by your picture, your hairloss is minimal, and you could pull of a great look with a close buzz and a beard.  Like some others have said, start with the buzz and see how you like it.
Good luck.

[xnewyawka]

A late welcome to you. You've come to the right place for positive encouragement, as you have already found out.
I can only echo what the guys have said. Don't sweat the balding thing, it looks like you have a ways to go yet. But you may want to try shaving, give it a chance and you'll probably love it.
 
There are quite a few fellas with a beard or some form of facial hair. I am a big fan of the goatee myself, but you can experiment with different looks, like time2 said.

Keep us posted on your progress. 

[Cam]

Dude, a beard with a bald head is MY FAVORITE look!!! I think it looks so badass that way. You can't tell it from my pic (since I'm blonde) but I'm growing the beard out right now, without stache. I do that often, then shave it... I just change it up all the time. But I'm telling you, a beard with a bald head is such a damn good look. Don't hesitate-- embrace the look.