Hello everybody

• Hello everybody by privateryan.ryan on 02 May, 2009 04:29
• Hi all,
  
  Actualy I joined this forum yesterday and have already received some great support from fellow members after my first post (Emotional Distress in Reactions to being Bald topic area)
  
  I am an Indian based in Singapore for the last 8 years. I work as a Global Marketing Manager.
  
  I started balding when I was 19 but never bothered or even noticed it until the year 2006..it was really a turning point in my life..I am the kind of person who wants to be in the middle of action and take charge. I dont know why, but this hair problem started to drain me of my confidence level.I found difficulty interacting with people confidently and worst started to stay away from girls..not a good sign...but all side effects of the emotional distress I was going through over the last 2-3 years. I decided to open up through this forum as none of my friends/family were able to understand my situation and help me out..some made fun of me and even demotivated me by saying no girl would marry you! I was naive..
  
  I have been trying various methods to save the hair, but the situation doesnt seem to improve. I have reached a point where I have to come to terms with it, get back on track and achieve my goals. My biggest problem is accepting this situation gracefully and this is causing me do funny things like combing forward to hide the recede and checking my hair in the mirror or any reflection to see if it is in place.When its windy its game over for me..
  
  The emotional distress has surely affected my performance in the other areas of my life.
  
  I need to get back folks and will need your support here. Its a tough next few weeks for me and I am deciding on a buzz cut or going sly!  This will be image change for me and I am sure my friends, colleagues and family will be close to shocked.
  
  Wish me luck!
  
  
• #1 by Paul on 02 May, 2009 05:44
• Welcome Ryan.  As the others may have already told you, for some people, going in small steps is the way to achieve slyness.  Buzz it down to a 2 or so, then a 1 and when you reach 0 you are only showing about 3 days growth out from a full razor shave.  Smaller steps may be the key to the confidence you seek.
• #2 by boiler1bald on 02 May, 2009 06:46
• We are here for your support in whatever you decide...I chose to clipper short before shaving and therefore not a total culture shock....it will take sometime to get used to...but it was the best thing for me...no regrets...Sly for Life.
• #3 by DCdome on 02 May, 2009 08:35
• I been shaving my head for years and am now permanently sly and happy about it. 
  However, it took me a while to get to where I am now.  I started out with a #2 buzz which is where you are planning to start.  I went progressively tighter until it really made sense just to shave. 
  
  So starting out with a buzz cut is sensible and the route of many.  Just know that there is nothing else like that great feel of a freshly shaved dome.
  
  Hang in there, buddy, the journey is just beginning.
• #4 by Wil87 on 02 May, 2009 11:26
• Welcome dude!!
  
  I am talking honestly when I say you will be amazed the power that shaving your head carries!! Your instant
  ly recognisable, you stand out at work and your boss rememebers you, you are completely adaptible to styles (smart, casual, rock, rave) and most importantly you don't have to worry about your hair loss!! I am about the same age you are (i am 21) and I would highly recomend it.........but then I would say that!!
• #5 by Tyler on 02 May, 2009 11:37
• Welcome!  Just remember that shaving your head is usually leads to less of a shock in other peoples' eyes than your own.
• #6 by tomgallagher on 02 May, 2009 12:04
• Welcome abvoard Pvt. Ryan
• #7 by OzPete on 02 May, 2009 20:38
• Welcome to SBG!
• #8 by wpruitt on 02 May, 2009 21:53
• Welcome Private Ryan
• #9 by Kratos on 02 May, 2009 23:07
• Welcome Ryan. Going sly was my personal best choice of haircut. I started with a 2, 1, eventually a 0, then finally shaved it. Once I did, I was hooked, I feel great!
• #10 by Papa Don on 03 May, 2009 08:35
• Welcome Ryan, glad your here with us.  I have the full head of hair but decided to become BBC. Best move I ever made.  No more worries about how this curly hair lays on the scalp.  These are great men here and will do all in their power to lead you on the right path.  Therefore, come often and visit.  We are behind you 100%
• #11 by xnewyawka on 04 May, 2009 08:32
• Welcome to SBG's Ryan, glad you joined us and it seems like you are ready to change.
  We can help you with any encouragement you may need.
  
  I would say go with the gradual buzz route, it's the best way to allow yourself to become accustomed to a new look. You can have your barber clipper it down to a #2 with fading to a #1 around the sides and back. Then if you feel comfortable with it, you can go closer next tme.
  I can bet you will want to keep going shorter and shorter until you finally do shave it. That's how many of us cut our hair prior to going fully smooth.
  
  Let us know how you progress, and post a pic when you have one. 
  
  Enjoy the forum.