Don't know what to do - thinning but buzzcut no good.

• Don't know what to do - thinning but buzzcut no good. by Fletcher on 19 Feb, 2015 13:05
• Hi,
  
  I have been thinning on top around the temples and in the centre of my head for around 2 years. It has only become slightly noticeable to my friends/family. Recently, I tried using Rogaine for around a week but it was bothersome and made me feel nauseous. I don't want to mess with any other medication or transplants, I've researched them all thoroughly and none sound attractive.
  
  So... that leaves buzzcut/shaving right? I buzzed my hair down to a #3 on top, #2 on sides last year. I hated it, it basically ruined my self confidence, I felt absolutely worthless and I had to wear a hat for around 4 months straight before my hair got long enough again.
  
  I like having 'volume' on my head, I always stick my hair up and am quite pleased with how it looks, but I know in very little time my thinning patches will become very obvious. However, I'm scared that having no hair will make my head look weird and small and change my whole appearance.
  
  I have one last hope that my head will look ok with a #0 buzzcut. I have been weightlifting for 9 months now, and my beard is getting a bit thicker; I think both of these things would help me pull off the look better.
  
  So what do you guys think? Should I give Rogaine another try or should I buzz it to a #0 when it starts to look terrible? I'm sorry for moaning a bit, I know I'm being vain but this issue has become a major part of my life, I think about it everyday and and I'm pretty upset about my situation.
  
  Any help would be appreciated,
  
  Thanks,
  
  Fletcher
• #1 by TheSlyBear on 19 Feb, 2015 15:14
• Buzz. Avoid the chemicals.
  
  A photo would help.
• #2 by Fletcher on 19 Feb, 2015 15:56
• http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/fgiles13/library/?view=recent&page=1
  
  The photos with my longer hair is my hairstyle now, just a bit thinner on top.
  
  You could see thinning patches when I had the #3 buzzcut, I took those photos in the dark so they aren't noticeable.
  
  Hope this helps.
• #3 by UVALee on 19 Feb, 2015 16:40
• I think you look fine with both cuts. I would avoid the drugs and the side effects that come with them. I also think you will look fine bald. Ultimately, the decision is and should be one that you will be comfortable with.
  
  Good luck!
• #4 by tobler1 on 19 Feb, 2015 17:31
• I agree that the drugs are bad.  You seem to have fairly decent coverage still, so try the 0 buzz or go shorter and shave.  If you really hate it, it will grow back.  But give yourself time to get used to it, whatever you do.
• #5 by Sir Harry on 19 Feb, 2015 17:53
• Welcome, Fletcher!
  
  I still see a solid amount of coverage. The pictures look ok to me....but you could always try the no-guard and grow some facial hair to offset it if you aren't ready to go all the way just yet. Good luck!
• #6 by Quiet_Dan on 19 Feb, 2015 23:21
• Hey mate, you really have some reasonable coverage at this point that currently growing back to that doesn't make you look like you are fighting a losing battle. But a shaved head always goes well with some facial hair, I keep my beard pretty full myself and the top of the sideburns where the arms of my glasses to the ears.  I think you have plenty of time before nature will choose for you.
• #7 by Fletcher on 20 Feb, 2015 03:49
• Thanks for the kind responses guys, I really appreciate it.
  
  Just want to mention that I don't have as much coverage as I did in those photos, they were taken over a year ago.
  
  I just took these now:
  
  http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/fgiles13/library/?view=recent&page=1
  
  Do your opinions change a bit after seeing these ones?
  
  Thanks
• #8 by tobler1 on 20 Feb, 2015 04:06
• My opinion does not change.
• #9 by mrzed on 20 Feb, 2015 05:08
• All of your posted photos look just fine.  Either style is acceptable. But if you think your hair is thinning or you expect to be naturally bald some day, do stick around.  Read the conversations.
  
  Shaving your head is a nice option which a number of us here on SBG do, just because we like it. Others because a fully shaved head looks better than obvious signs of balding. 
  
  Review the 30 day rule, if you want to try SLY.  If you don't feel ready, just keep reading. One of these days you'll be ready to try the sly look and you'll wonder why you waited so long.
  
  Mr. Zed
• #10 by Sir Harry on 20 Feb, 2015 06:13
• I still don't see any difference between the first and second set of photos...but if you want to go for the shave, give it a shot! It'll eventually grow back if you don't like it!
• #11 by SlyMike on 20 Feb, 2015 09:04
• Give it a try, if you don't like it it will grow back
• #12 by Semi-Sly on 20 Feb, 2015 22:02
• I think you still have plenty of coverage so you don't have to worry about anything for a while.  But I also think that the problem with your last finals buzz cut is that it wasn't short enough it was too long, it looked messy, it didn't have any style. You should go to a real barbershop and test fly a high and tight faded buzz cut.  And then follow the 30 day rule.  Anytime you make a major style change you have to stick with it for 30 days to give your brain a chance to except your new identity.  No matter what kind of style change you make well within 30 days you will start to feel comfortable with it and be able to make an object a determination as to whether or not it's something you want to stick with.
• #13 by Quiet_Dan on 21 Feb, 2015 02:24
• Quote from: Fletcher on 20 Feb, 2015 03:49

  Thanks for the kind responses guys, I really appreciate it.
  
  Just want to mention that I don't have as much coverage as I did in those photos, they were taken over a year ago.
  
  I just took these now:
  
  http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/fgiles13/library/?view=recent&page=1
  
  Do your opinions change a bit after seeing these ones?
  
  Thanks
  

  
  You still just have a slight widow's peak, doesn't look like you are losing it at any decent rate