Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: Tricon7 on April 05, 2012, 06:50:39 AM

Title: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Tricon7 on April 05, 2012, 06:50:39 AM
I've decided to take the plunge and do the deed today after work.  :D My hair has been thinning to a distressing degree on top for about three years now. I went to the beach last week and my wife insisted that she put some lotion on top of my head, since so much of my scalp showed through, and I saw that as the writing on the wall. I knew I had MPB, but I didn't think to this degree. I don't want to be one of those pitiful types who carefully and pathetically nurtures and grooms that last bit of hair on top until there's only a few strands left.

So after work I'm going to go to my barber who's an older foreign gentleman and have him shave my head. I think he'll probably use foam and a straight razor (though I'm not sure), since I see him using that a lot on necks and faces. Would that be a problem for the first time? I don't want my new head all nicked up. And I heard that my head needs to be shaved with the grain, not against.

I haven't told a soul about this yet; I want it to be a surprise. My parents are coming in to visit from out-of-state today, and they'll see the New Me along with my wife and three children - 7, 6, and 3. Fun time coming later today. I can't wait to see the shocked looks on their faces when I show up at the front door.  :/O

Interestingly enough,as I was pondering this this week, my neighbor across the street (a woman) shaved *her* head - for some kind of cancer awareness fundraiser. So she of all people kind of paved the way for me to get my courage up.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on April 05, 2012, 06:59:19 AM
 O0
You're going to like this--and you can put aside the questions about getting a construction permit for the very elaborate combover!  Now begins your 30 days.  On the serious side once sly you can begin regular use of sunscreen and hopefully minimize sun damaged areas that are the favorite growing areas for skin cancers.  One of my first was in my scalp--oh how I wish I'd done this sooner, that that's going to be one of your wishes too I would be willing to bet!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 05, 2012, 07:01:37 AM
I've decided to take the plunge and do the deed today after work.  :D My hair has been thinning to a distressing degree on top for about three years now. I went to the beach last week and my wife insisted that she put some lotion on top of my head, since so much of my scalp showed through, and I saw that as the writing on the wall. I knew I had MPB, but I didn't think to this degree. I don't want to be one of those pitiful types who carefully and pathetically nurtures and grooms that last bit of hair on top until there's only a few strands left.

So after work I'm going to go to my barber who's an older foreign gentleman and have him shave my head. I think he'll probably use foam and a straight razor (though I'm not sure), since I see him using that a lot on necks and faces. Would that be a problem for the first time? I don't want my new head all nicked up. And I heard that my head needs to be shaved with the grain, not against.

I haven't told a soul about this yet; I want it to be a surprise. My parents are coming in to visit from out-of-state today, and they'll see the New Me along with my wife and three children - 7, 6, and 3. Fun time coming later today. I can't wait to see the shocked looks on their faces when I show up at the front door.  :/O

Interestingly enough,as I was pondering this this week, my neighbor across the street (a woman) shaved *her* head - for some kind of cancer awareness fundraiser. So she of all people kind of paved the way for me to get my courage up.

GO FOR IT SIR! Do you need any tips or advice?
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Paul the Headblader on April 05, 2012, 07:31:09 AM
hey.
the barber will know what to do.
I used a straight razor for the very first time.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Tricon7 on April 05, 2012, 07:33:43 AM
I've decided to take the plunge and do the deed today after work.  :D My hair has been thinning to a distressing degree on top for about three years now. I went to the beach last week and my wife insisted that she put some lotion on top of my head, since so much of my scalp showed through, and I saw that as the writing on the wall. I knew I had MPB, but I didn't think to this degree. I don't want to be one of those pitiful types who carefully and pathetically nurtures and grooms that last bit of hair on top until there's only a few strands left.

So after work I'm going to go to my barber who's an older foreign gentleman and have him shave my head. I think he'll probably use foam and a straight razor (though I'm not sure), since I see him using that a lot on necks and faces. Would that be a problem for the first time? I don't want my new head all nicked up. And I heard that my head needs to be shaved with the grain, not against.

I haven't told a soul about this yet; I want it to be a surprise. My parents are coming in to visit from out-of-state today, and they'll see the New Me along with my wife and three children - 7, 6, and 3. Fun time coming later today. I can't wait to see the shocked looks on their faces when I show up at the front door.  :/O

Interestingly enough,as I was pondering this this week, my neighbor across the street (a woman) shaved *her* head - for some kind of cancer awareness fundraiser. So she of all people kind of paved the way for me to get my courage up.

GO FOR IT SIR! Do you need any tips or advice?

Afterward I'm thinking of using a Headblade to keep the hair down. I hear some like it, some don't. I guess I'll have to find out for myself.

I'm also going to the beach Saturday and I'm looking forward to seeing how the water feels on my bald head!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 05, 2012, 07:42:46 AM
Tricon did you get my PM? It had the razors you need to use after you shave it bald today!!! Don't use the HeadBlade yet!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: mrzed on April 05, 2012, 08:38:04 AM
I'd say give it a week or two before plunging into the head blade.  And when you do, take it easy the first few days.  There's a learning curve, but well worth it.

I used my headblade just a few hours ago and all is smooth.

Welcome to SBG and being sly.  You'll really like it.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 05, 2012, 08:39:48 AM
I'd say give it a week or two before plunging into the head blade.  And when you do, take it easy the first few days.  There's a learning curve, but well worth it.

I used my headblade just a few hours ago and all is smooth.

Welcome to SBG and being sly.  You'll really like it.


nice tip! Take note Tricon sir!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 05, 2012, 08:51:44 AM
hey Tricon sir do you have any question you want me to answer about shaving your head bald for the first time? Ask them and I'll answer! lol
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Baldstu on April 05, 2012, 10:01:56 AM
It looks good Derris  ;) ;)
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 05, 2012, 10:05:27 AM
what looks good Chav?
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Baldstu on April 05, 2012, 10:07:37 AM
your bald sly head
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 05, 2012, 10:24:23 AM
thanks sir! Back at you! lol
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: BaldHDbiker on April 05, 2012, 10:33:22 AM
Welcome and have fun with it.  8)
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Itall on April 05, 2012, 10:43:53 AM
Welcome.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Slyfive on April 05, 2012, 02:05:44 PM
Welcome, not to 'go against the grain' so to speak, but I completely disagree with using another razor and then moving to the headblade, using the headblade is completely different to using a standard razor, so it is better to get used to using it from the start, you just have to be very gentle pressure wise until you're used to it.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Tricon7 on April 05, 2012, 02:37:15 PM
Getting a few butterflies as my workday nears an end. I know it's going to feel *so weird* at first. I got a real buzz cut once in boot camp, so this won't be totally alien, but this time it's going to be slick.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 05, 2012, 02:42:13 PM
Tricon sir so what are you gonna do? are you gonna shave it yourself or pay and have the barber do it? You can get your head shaved closer and smoother if you do it!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: xnewyawka on April 05, 2012, 02:43:23 PM
Just hang in there, stick to your plan. You're gonna love it and wish you had done it sooner. Guaranteed!  O0
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Tricon7 on April 05, 2012, 02:51:01 PM
Tricon sir so what are you gonna do? are you gonna shave it yourself or pay and have the barber do it? You can get your head shaved closer and smoother if you do it!

Barber.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 05, 2012, 02:55:47 PM
Tricon sir so what are you gonna do? are you gonna shave it yourself or pay and have the barber do it? You can get your head shaved closer and smoother if you do it!

Barber.

why are you gonna go to the barber when you can shave it at home sir? I told you I have a GREAT idea on how you can shave your head when you get home without raining in the parade! can i tell you?
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: IllinoisBaldy on April 05, 2012, 04:16:06 PM
Welcome
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Tricon7 on April 05, 2012, 05:13:21 PM
Unfortunate change of plans. The barber I went to after work wanted $40.00 to shave my head! $25 for the haircut and $15 for the shave. I said no thanks. Bummer. So - no surprise when I got home. I'm going to have to work it in sometime tonight perhaps. My house is full of people, so I hope I get the chance since I'm busy being a proper host. Oh well.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 05, 2012, 05:38:13 PM
umm Tricon sir do you wanna take that offer now and shave your own head? Do you have some clippers and a razor!? I'm gonna tell you how to shave your head right now if your home without messing up the surprise!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Tricon7 on April 05, 2012, 06:46:35 PM
Done.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: xnewyawka on April 05, 2012, 07:09:23 PM
Great Tricon, bet it feels great. Post a pic when you can.   8)
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: warhawk on April 05, 2012, 07:46:43 PM
hey tricon:  welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  glad that ya joined us officially with your head shaved.  keep us posted on all the reactions. 

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Razor X on April 05, 2012, 08:00:24 PM
Done.

And??   :D
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: BaldHDbiker on April 05, 2012, 08:10:19 PM
Congratulations. Inquiring minds want to know how it went.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Bluebriz on April 05, 2012, 08:15:18 PM
Done.

And you just leave everyone hanging like this??  :(

What was the reaction to it then?
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: warhawk on April 05, 2012, 08:29:03 PM
off topic... hey bluebriz:  that is an awesome looking straight razor.  dude.... i don't think we have a member here that shaves their dome with a straight razor.  how do u like head-shaving with the straights?

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on April 05, 2012, 08:30:04 PM
Unfortunate change of plans. The barber I went to after work wanted $40.00 to shave my head! $25 for the haircut and $15 for the shave. I said no thanks. Bummer. So - no surprise when I got home. I'm going to have to work it in sometime tonight perhaps. My house is full of people, so I hope I get the chance since I'm busy being a proper host. Oh well.
Suggest--tomorrow morning go to Wal-Mart, buy cheap hair clipper, about $10-15.  Apply to head without guard.  Hot shower, apply shaving gel--it's the best at this point.  Then a Hydro-5 razor--very forgiving--and slowly, and I do mean slowly--remove the rest.  Rinse, wipe down with some witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide, and apply a non-oil based after shave balm.    Take it slow--relax--this is about enjoyment, not tension.  Oh, and the cost, less than $20 maximum.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Sir Harry on April 05, 2012, 09:22:07 PM
Welcome and congratulations.....just remind your family that at the end of the day, it's just a haircut!!! Warhawk, I use a straight razor if I shave within three to four days....
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: warhawk on April 05, 2012, 09:45:59 PM
Warhawk, I use a straight razor if I shave within three to four days....

hey harry:  u  are one brave man. O0   

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Bluebriz on April 05, 2012, 10:12:07 PM
off topic... hey bluebriz:  that is an awesome looking straight razor.  dude.... i don't think we have a member here that shaves their dome with a straight razor.  how do u like head-shaving with the straights?

WARHAWK O0

Hey Warhawk!
That razor in that pic isn't really a straight, it's my first shavette from last year.  Not sure if you know, but a shavette just takes half pieces of double-edged razor blades to shave with, and I only used that one on my face.  I do have proper straights, but I've not learned how to hone them well enough yet to risk them on my dome.  I have used one of these a couple of times though.  They use specially made disposable blades, and are widely believed to be sharper than normal straight razors. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq9Y_3uQR0c
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Tricon7 on April 06, 2012, 05:49:41 AM
Done.

And you just leave everyone hanging like this??  :(

What was the reaction to it then?

My wife freaked out and acted like I had now decided to wear dresses or something. I got the silent treatment for my troubles. Trying to figure out how much damage control to do at this point.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 06, 2012, 06:42:07 AM
Quote
My wife freaked out and acted like I had now decided to wear dresses or something. I got the silent treatment for my troubles. Trying to figure out how much damage control to do at this point.

Hey Tricon sir do you wanna know how you can get your wife to stop the silent treatment? I have a GREAT idea! Both of you will love it!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Bluebriz on April 06, 2012, 06:44:33 AM
Done.

And you just leave everyone hanging like this??  :(

What was the reaction to it then?

My wife freaked out and acted like I had now decided to wear dresses or something. I got the silent treatment for my troubles. Trying to figure out how much damage control to do at this point.

Looks good to me man.

If you have to explain how your confidence was being affected before, then do that.  She'll get used to it quickly enough i'm sure!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Laser Man on April 06, 2012, 06:50:04 AM
First, it looks good.  Second, you did surprise your wife and from my experience, women don't really like surprises (unless it's a really nice piece of jewelry!)  I suggest you tell her why you decided to make the change and how you like it.  If she's reasonable, she'll accept that.  It may take some time to warm up to the new you, but if it's what you want, she should be accomodating.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Tricon7 on April 06, 2012, 07:24:49 AM
I tried the headblade, and to be honest it only shaved my head to a peach fuzz level and no more (maybe I'm doing something wrong). I guess I need to get a good "regular" blade for head-shaving. Any suggestions?

Also, how do you shave the backside of your head when you can't see it? It's hard to know if you've gotten it all.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: zetaeffe on April 06, 2012, 07:32:41 AM
first of all you look good.

As for your wife's reaction: don't know how you looked before, but from your pic I can tell that you already had advanced mpb, so shaving the fringe can't be so big a change in your appearance...
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: mrzed on April 06, 2012, 07:57:12 AM
I tried the headblade, and to be honest it only shaved my head to a peach fuzz level and no more (maybe I'm doing something wrong). I guess I need to be a good "regular" blade for head-shaving. Any suggestions?
I don't recommend starting out with the head blade.  Come back to it in several weeks. The see how it works.
Quote
Also, how do you shave the backside of your head when you can't see it? It's hard to know if you've gotten it all.
Just go by feel.  One hand with the razor. The other, wet, to feel around.  Note where the 'sandpaper' feel is, and shave there. Top to bottom first, then bottom to top.  And then all different angles to deal with the cowlick effects.

My wife took awhile to get used to my shaved head, but she's getting used to it.  I was buzzing to 'no guard' for a while prior to shaving, so it was not that drastic a change in LOOK.  She mostly does not like the sandpaper feel after 8 hours.  So I encourage her to rub my head during the first hour or so after a shave.  She's liking that. But at first, she would not touch it.

And, by the way, look at the head shine. You look great.  Nice job.  Welcome to the sly community.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Derris The Barber on April 06, 2012, 08:01:01 AM
I tried the headblade, and to be honest it only shaved my head to a peach fuzz level and no more (maybe I'm doing something wrong). I guess I need to be a good "regular" blade for head-shaving. Any suggestions?

Also, how do you shave the backside of your head when you can't see it? It's hard to know if you've gotten it all.

umm Tricon sir I HIGHLY suggest you read this post I added the other day! Also sir just saying but that's why yesterday I suggested you not to use the HeadBlade on your first day! Try A Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power or A Gillette Fusion Power!

Read This Post Please!
http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=16803.0
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: RoWilJr on April 06, 2012, 08:42:55 AM
Looks GREAT Tricon!!! Welcome to SLYdom  O:O
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: Razor X on April 06, 2012, 09:04:59 AM
Done.

And you just leave everyone hanging like this??  :(

What was the reaction to it then?

My wife freaked out and acted like I had now decided to wear dresses or something. I got the silent treatment for my troubles. Trying to figure out how much damage control to do at this point.

Take her out for a nice dinner, buy her a nice piece of  jewelry, do whatever you have to do as a means of extending the olive branch.  But stand your ground and keep that head shaved.  It looks great!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: andrew on April 06, 2012, 12:15:33 PM
Tricon,

It looks great. You made the right decision.  She'll learn to like it with time ....

Andrew
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on April 06, 2012, 12:53:13 PM
My wife freaked out and acted like I had now decided to wear dresses or something. I got the silent treatment for my troubles. Trying to figure out how much damage control to do at this point.

Oh the memories, the memories that brings back.  It's been often said on this forum, although not recently, that women think they can go to the beauty parlor, change the color and style of their hair, on their on terms and conditions without consulting you etc., but let a man change his hair style--and that's all you've done--they think they have a right to complain.  It's a change, yes, obviously yes.  But, you had mpb going on--for you the 24/7 guy that's not pleasant, the guys here know that feeling well.  It's not nice when the spouse really pitches a fit in response to sly, but she will come around, if not to like it, at least to live with it, that's where my wife is.  What still gets under her skin is when we're out and I get compliments about the "hair" style from her friends, especially the ladies.  That will happen to you too.  Wives, like mothers and family in general, have a persistence of vision issue for lack of a better term.  They persist in seeing the you they remember, they really don't see the balding on you, on others, yes, but not on you.  So, since you didn't like "going bald" and like being bald/sly, you have a bit of a tough patch ahead.  You are the 24/7 guy.  Unless she consults you on changing her hairstyle, makeup, etc.--or is willing to consent to your right to veto any such changes in the future she's out of step. 
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on April 06, 2012, 12:59:30 PM
I tried the headblade, and to be honest it only shaved my head to a peach fuzz level and no more (maybe I'm doing something wrong). I guess I need to get a good "regular" blade for head-shaving. Any suggestions?

Also, how do you shave the backside of your head when you can't see it? It's hard to know if you've gotten it all.
Although a lot of guys swear by the HB, there are others such as myself that just never really got a satisfactory and easy shave from it.  Personally I started with Fusion, moved to the M5, then lately to the Hydro 5.  The traditional stick razor is a tool I'm familiar with, and they're very forgiving of pressure issues--a particular problem with the HB. 
On how to get a really smooth shave--it's the same answer you'd get if you asked a New Yorker how to get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice >:D.  Every day will get better.  Read the threads in the routine section, there are innumerable methods guys try.  You will get there, baby butt smooth every time.
Oh, BTW, that's one nice shiney dome O0, but don't forget your sunscreen!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: marshd1000 on April 06, 2012, 01:11:07 PM
Tricon,

I agree with the others...you have a great head for the sly look.  And that is not because we are all sly!  I started shaving my head about 15 years ago when I started seeing the hair on the font of my head fall out.  I am not married, but I got all sort of grief from my folks over it.  My dad told me it looked like hell!  And he was a guy who had very thinning hair!  Eventually the comments stopped.  My dad is no longer around but my stepmom is.  When I had surgery about a year ago, I quit shaving for about 2 weeks and she finally saw that my MPB is getting to the advanced stage, so she no longer says anything.  So I suspect that your wife will eventually come to terms!
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: DCdome on April 06, 2012, 04:05:25 PM
Tricon,

That dome looks great.  Welcome to the sly fraternity.
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: xnewyawka on April 06, 2012, 08:09:10 PM
Excellent job Tricon, it looks great to me. Hang in there with the wife issue, stick to your guns.
Like saintc said, you're the 24/7 guy who has chosen to take the stronger route.
 
As far as the HeadBlade, you have to stick with it. Follow the instructions and take it slow. You'll soon master it. I use a variety of razor's, yet I feel the HB has the best feel over the dome. Long, smooth and steady strokes with no pressure on the blade end. It will come to you. Hang in there.  O0
Title: Re: It's all coming off after work
Post by: warhawk on April 06, 2012, 08:13:43 PM
hey tricon:  u look like a natural.  enjoy your new look.

WARHAWK O0