Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: dalecooper on February 07, 2007, 10:48:50 PM
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Hey all, I'm 21, and a senior in college. My dad and my mom's dad are both bald... so I basically knew I was screwed haha, just didn't know when it would happen. I started thinning junior or senior year of high school. I started taking Propecia my freshman year of college (18yrs old). I'm currently still taking it, and I would say it has definitely slowed down my hair loss. I'm confident in saying that if I wasn't on it, I'd definitely be bald on top by now. As you can imagine, having thin hair at my age is horrible. I don't think most people realize how annoying and worrysome it is to have really bad thinning hair unless you actually experience it. I have a receding hair line (but still have decent hair up front in the middle and towards the sides), not horrible, but I have very diffused hair loss on top. However, after getting out of the shower and styling my hair, and using certain "concealers", I can hide it pretty well. In fact I just bought the concealers a couple weeks ago, and was flat out amazed by how well they worked, I couldn't believe how thick my hair looked with them. But, its still a pain to worry about my hair and what not... so lately I've really contemplated going the way of the headblade (see it advertised it all the time since i'm a big MMA fan and alot of the fighters are sponsored). I'm not going to shave my head while still in college, that woudl be way too big of a change to people I know and in my classes. However, when I graduate in May, and start whatever new job I get, I'm REALLY thinking about it. The problem is that I look pretty young for being 21, and am not a big guy (5'10 160). Although, I think with a tanned head I might be able to pull it off. I know for sure that if I shaved it and it looked good, it'd probably be the most liberating thing I've ever done in my entire life. No more worrying, no more propecia, etc, just FREEDOM. 8)
Who are the youngest people on this forum that have gone sly? Or were faced in a similar position.
Thanks alot
-Joe
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well as i said before in another thread i first shave my head ( stubble ) when i was 19 when i joined the army reserves....i thought it was great then....and now i do it right to the skin...sly all the way.. All i have to say it i love it and we all do here I am sure you will love the FREEDOM when you do....give it a shot...if you don't like it you can let it grow back...but i am sure you will
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After writing the post, I've pretty much decided my fate. Its funny too, because before my senior year, I really never thought about shaving (not buzzing) my head completely... I wouldn't have done it. Lately though, I'm just tired of worrying about my hair, and since I'm going to be entering a new world, I may as well go for the glory and do it once and for all. I also think that having the sly look will actually make me look older. I'll definitely show you guys the pictures come this May because its coming off!
Keep posting your thoughts though, thanks!
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Well I didn't have the receding hairline, but i'm 23 years old and bald by choice(today was 3 months/13 weeks).
As far as the height/weight. I'm about 5'8-5'9 180-190. And while it may be "easier" to pull it off if you are taller it looks good on pretty much anyone. And as far as looking younger than 21, I can relate. With hair I looked like I could still be in high school(think sophomoric). As a bald guy, I can tell you, your look runs the gamut of age ranges. With one smile it may look younger, with another really older, with another young but mature.
Here's a link of the pic I was referencing with hair(I was 21 at the time, looked like I could be 15). http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=392.0
Honestly if I was in your shoes, knowing what I know now, I'd shave asap if I were you. Your friends/family will get used to it one way or the other. Different people like different things and the best way to handle any ribbing is to joke back/laugh at yourself.
Really, it has nothing to do with the "look" aspect of it either(because trust me at the beginning there are many ups/downs). It has to do with stuff like enjoying shaving my head, the feel of rubbing my shaved head, no messed up hair from sleep/hats, the fact if I get a random last minute phone call from a friend/family member saying want to hang out I don't have to rush to the restroom, find a brush and gel and take unnecessary time fixing it.
Then add on top of that I don't have to mess with haircuts ever again and the money associated with them.
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Joe, welcome to Sly Bald Guys buddy! This site was created for guys like you - I just let the other guys hang out. Just kidding guys!
Anyways, I'm glad you are going to shave your head for one main reason - propecia. I'm not sure if you are aware of the possible side effects of that drug and they may not be affecting you now, but they have really bad potential. The most being that you have the possiblity of losing your sex drive, having your penis shrink, not being able to get a woody, and having your balls hurt all the time. This means that you can basically lose your manhood for some hair on your head, when in reality you could shave your head and have some of the most positive side effects that change could ever bring.
If you don't believe me, check out this goup on Yahoo for Propecia Side Effects and the people that are dealing with them: http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?action=links;sa=visit;id=18
So, with that said - shave it ASAP! I promise you it will give you more confidence and that people will respond in a positive manner. Like you said, it will provide you FREEDOM. Not to mention, you can use the money that you spend on Propecia for beer and wining and dining the ladies.
Even if I didn't inspire you to shave immediately, stick around and hang. We can also provide you some guidance when it comes to looking for jobs and the truth to what happens come June and you're no longer in College.
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:) Dear Joe/dalecooper. Tyler and David have given you some really sound advice. The side effects of propecia are irreversible; think about that. I have been shaving since November 4th 2007 and can say that sooner is much better than later. People who do not know you will immediately accept your sly bald identity. Those who have known you all your life may give you the greatest difficulty. But it's time to move on. Having spent a small fortune on supplements, etc., shampoos, and hairspray myself, I can say shaved-to-the-bone not only saves you money but allows you freedom of movement and self-honesty. Send us the before and after pics. All best, Professor Melon
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Side effects from Propecia are NOT irreversible. There are alot of people, in fact the majority, have no problems at all taking the drug. Other people get some bad side effects. I also think its a psychological thing, their own mind is bringing on alot of it. There is alot of misconception about finasteride, side effects disappear within a couple weeks of use (like many drugs). However, it isn't something I'd like to take as time goes on, and plus, I'm gonna be completely bald anyways, so I may as well face the facts and get on with my life. I've come to the realization the past couple months that prolonging my hair loss will only keep anxiety around instead of being liberated by my future sly look. Not to mention that I really think a bald head shows confidence and respect, which can be very important in the "business/corporate" world. I am gonna wait till May though, plus its REALLY cold out lately, I think I'd freeze if I did it now haha.
By the way, try not to turn this thread into a lets bash finasteride or talk about it lol. I am definitely the type of person that doesn't like to be on drugs, realize it is not something I want to take longterm. In fact stopping it, and never worrying about my hair is one of the primary reasons to go sly. The faster I accept the inevitable, the more comfortable and confident I will be. If it looks bad, oh well, cause the hair isn't gonna be there to grow!
Sidenote - I told my mom news of my choice, and she loves the decision. Then again, she likes bald guys and has always wanted me to have a buzz cut. She completely agrees with all my reasons though and can't wait to see it happen.
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Yeah, we don't need a bashing session. We'll keep it positive on the fact that you're determined to go Sly in May. We'll look forward to seeing the results then. In the meantime, sit back, have fun, and learn what you can from SBG for the day that you do shave. Don't forget to give pburke a bad time either...he tends to feel the love that way.
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Starting thinning after high school graduation. I'm 22 now and am damn thin on the top. I decided to rid myself of the constant worry about how bald I looked in certain lighting. I shaved it down and truth be told, I regreted it immediately. One week later as the stuble was growing back, I looked at myself in the mirror one day, and suddenly the bald look grasped me. I've loved it since and haven't looked back. Don't get me wrong, I miss my hair sometimes, but given the worries and frustration, being bald is hands down the way to go. I love the way it looks now- it def "grows on you" :*))
If your worried about being too skinny I would recogmend you start working out with those weights. The wider your shoulders the more your body will come into profile. At the same time though there are plenty of skinny dudes who pull it off just fine.
Good luck with it man- just don't let some dead skin cells ruin your self esteem and cloud your mind with worries. Def post some pics. The whole lot of these guys are a great asset to have around- def helped me out along the way....even Paul :*))
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Thanks for the reply spaceape, I think you look real good with the sly look (from your avatar), and would actually like to see before and after pics. Its funny, once you start thinking about shaving, you look constantly for bald guys, and imagine how others would look bald.
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Don't forget to give pburke a bad time either...he tends to feel the love that way.
gee thenks buddy. at least let him figure that part out on his own. >:D :x!
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Welcome Joe, I will echo what the others have told you already. Like David, I'm also BBC and loving it. Can't imagine myself with hair again, and doubt I would ever grow it back. Unless it was for St Baldricks or some other charitable cause. It's good to see that you're accepting your fate already and are positive about going sly. Look forward to seeing you around some more, and getting to know you.
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Thanks for the reply spaceape, I think you look real good with the sly look (from your avatar), and would actually like to see before and after pics.
I'll see what I can do about finding something this weekend. Currently grinding away hours at work.
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I have a full head of hair... but Slick is the new comb over, I'm 26 and a bouncer at a bar which appeals to the population age levels 19-26 or so... and the ladies love slick... try it, i'm sure you'll be able to pull it off and get the confidence the expensive pills are doing for you.
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Wob Dalecooper!
I can understand your worries ... especially at your age and that I would lokk kind of different when you shave your head.
But also think about that it is gonna solve several problems for you and if you have the self-conficence you won't regret your decision at all.
I shaved my head the first time when I was about 23. From time to time I have let it grown again and shaved it regulary. Now I am 28 ... had hair for about one year and decided to be bald again! And this time I am pretty sure I am gonna stick to it. bald is my choice and I really like it!
Try it and I guess you like it ... especially when you are already thinking about it.
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I stared to loose my hair to a widows peak as they call it..at the age of 17-18 and cut it off for A adventure at Sea..lol but been bald since and it was the best thing for me i ever did..IMO i respect the fact you wanna wait still school ends and everything...hair or no hair doesn't change the person just the way you look and people who dislike it need not effect you ..opinions or like A$$holes everyone has one....P>S> Pburke is a good guy ...He showed me the way here..
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thanks brother. i wouldn't steer you wrong.
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I'm a young guy (22), and of course I think you should go slick now! If you're worried about your friends or getting used to the look, go and get a #2 or #1 cut. It won't be as drastic, and it's sort of like sticking your toe in the water. It will also get your friends used to it. And besides, if you're worried about it affecting the relationship you have with your friends now, why are you willing to do it after graduation? They'll be your friends then as well.
Give it a go!
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Dude, I am a Man of 22 Years, and all I have to say is that the reactions have ALL been positive. Not only is it the fact that people take me more serious when I want them to (I look sly, instead of just a Jolly Giant), Its been a month, but for the past few weeks my friends have gotten use to it. It took about two weeks. Dude, I am telling you that the reactions are Money, Women coming up to you at random asking "what did you do?" and stating "Damn you look Great" or "It Works on you". The Adjustment period is Money. Its after the first month where you can no longer imagine yourself with hair, and I will tell you that you will be the toughest Critic. Trust me though, It is one of the Greatest decisions that I have ever made. Peace
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I have to agree, most all of the reactions that I have gotten have been entirely positive, except for my physics teacher. She thinks it makes me look intimidating, which i have to agree, but i like that. I guess its because I'm such a nice guy that she doesn't think that it fits. Pretty much everyone else has taken well to it, i mean i have the random nicknames (mr clean, cueball, shiny, etc), but besides that it has been great.
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I have to agree, most all of the reactions that I have gotten have been entirely positive, except for my physics teacher. She thinks it makes me look intimidating, which i have to agree, but i like that. I guess its because I'm such a nice guy that she doesn't think that it fits. Pretty much everyone else has taken well to it, i mean i have the random nicknames (mr clean, cueball, shiny, etc), but besides that it has been great.
The Nicknames are only temporary... and to tell you, the reaction that it makes you look "Intimidating" I see as a Plus. For the first time, people are taking me serious. Women are showing me a little more love, because the truth is out there that Women love a man that is Tough. Appearances are deceiving sometimes though... God's honest truth, I am nothing more than a Huggy Bear ^^at!x.
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Started getting thin at 24... after the usual techniques to hide it...
1. wearing a baseball hat everywhere, including indoors at restaurants
2. avoiding overhead lighting at all costs
3. scheduling dates for night in order to avoid the overhead sunlight exposing the recession
4. combing the hair forward towards the forhead to cover it up
... I finally said 'f- it' and shaved it all off.
Now people say I look better with a shaved head, and since it's in style most people think I do it as a fashion statement anyway.
Not to be negative, but I know some guys (my older brother) who have gone through so much in an effort to deny the truth (spending money on drugs every month, getting painful and expensive surgery for hair plugs, wearing a ridiculous rug on their head) and it's sad to me. Reminds me of women who get breast implants or older people who get face lifts or Michael Jackson. People who don't like themselves.
As a man, I prefer to roll with what God gave me and if people don't like my sly baldy, they know where they can go...
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Welcome, dalecooper. I think I'm one of the younger dudes in here... started balding at around 20-21 and I'm pretty damn thin on top now at 24. It has hit me hard since I never thought that I could go bald, definitely not this soon anyways. The only baldies in my family are my mother's father and one of my uncles from my mother's side... and of course I had to inherit their hair type. I buzzed my hair down to 1 mm in last October, did it again this January and am now planning to buy clippers to buzz it down myself, and really keep it that way. The only hickup is that I really hate my head shape, it's way too feminine IMO. My face ain't too masculine either, I have my "mother's face", so to speak. Good luck to you anyways, I know it's hard balding at such a young age but I'm sure you'll get through this shite.
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Hi Dalecooper,
I would do it, im now 31, ive been shaving my head on a daily basis since April 2nd 2004, i started receding in 2003, i really enjoyed having my hair, and i prfered it long, i once had a mullet from 1994 to 2002, i was born in canada, and Corn rows from 2002 to April 2nd of 2004, i now prefer the shaved head look because iam receding slowly, and ive gotten tons of positive feedback about i look better with the shaved head
. iam balding because most of my mother male relatives are bald, i have an uncle in germany who wears a tupee, my mother was born in Germany and her brother in germany wears a tupee, and i didnt want to have one, originally i didnt think i would go bald because my father has a full head of hair. but as they say, you get the baldness from your mothers father, my mother's father was bald, but he wasnt completely bald until 50.
After April 2nd 2004, i made the decidiosn that i would be bald for life
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Go for it bro!!! I was about 16 when I first started shaving my head with clippers down to about a 1/4 inch. I eventually got down without a guard on the clippers about 5 years ago. I went for the "whole thang" about a year ago. I would never go back. Give it a shot!!! See what you think and if you don't like it let grow back in. Like some others have said though, I doubt you will go back. Good luck.
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Something to be said about being a Bold, Bald, BADA#S! Fear is weakness leaving the Body... IF you are made weak by your fear that you don't look attractive due to thinning hair or a receeding hair line, let that weakness leave your body. Release it, and there is nothing left to fear. Welcome my Brother O0
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Fear is the biggest f***n lyer there is, man...
Period :x!
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P>S> Pburke is a good guy ...He showed me the way here..
Like I've said several times here....
Me like Paulie :@` :@`
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Right on
Something to be said about being a Bold, Bald, BADA#S! Fear is weakness leaving the Body... IF you are made weak by your fear that you don't look attractive due to thinning hair or a receeding hair line, let that weakness leave your body. Release it, and there is nothing left to fear. Welcome my Brother O0
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I took propecia for a while back in 2003, but I didn't like the side effects when I drank so I stopped. I like my beer way too much ( :@` :@` :@` :@` :@`) to sacrifice it for hair. It turned out my hair wasn't really falling out as fast as I thought, but I still didn't like my extreme widows peak. I'm still a senior in college (25, been taking my time) and I thought it would be a drastic change, but its college and a great time to shave it. I say go for it, I haven't had any negative reactions yet and I'm loving being bald more and more every day.
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I took propecia for a while back in 2003, but I didn't like the side effects when I drank so I stopped. I like my beer way too much ( :@` :@` :@` :@` :@`) to sacrifice it for hair. It turned out my hair wasn't really falling out as fast as I thought, but I still didn't like my extreme widows peak. I'm still a senior in college (25, been taking my time) and I thought it would be a drastic change, but its college and a great time to shave it. I say go for it, I haven't had any negative reactions yet and I'm loving being bald more and more every day.
Dude, I feel you there, I mean who would rather have a OK head of hair (giving more credit to the affects of propecia than I think might be due, but I have never used it so) instead of the ability to drink a cold one one occasion?
I mean, take the hair away from the guy and he is still a Man, take the Beer away from the Guy, now that is a crime against humanity [No man should have to live without beer if the decision is not his own] B33r