Sly Bald Guys Forum
New Member Section => Introductions => Topic started by: rob94 on January 18, 2020, 06:25:22 PM
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Hi, I'm 51 here. I've never shaved my head before, but thinking now I need a drastic change.
As most of my friends are either bald or shaved, I thought that's the way to go. I'm not sure if anyone has a view on whether to go for it, or I'm being stupid. I'm also not sure how much effort it would take to maintain the shaved look.
Attached is a present pic.
(https://i.postimg.cc/MpVmSLZk/0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mPZH38FV)
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Why not? If you want to, give it a try, it'll always grow back. I had a full head of hair, not quite as thick as yours, and shaved it all to see what it was like. I loved it immediately!
Yes, to be honest, it will take some work. I like to shave everyday, so a little time is required. I have learned to really enjoy my daily routine.
Ok, now some pluses. Without the grey hair, you will probably look much younger. And while I love the bald look, the feel of a smooth bald head is awesome! There are so many advantages to wearing a shaved head. If you search some older posts, there is lots of info here. Good luck, Rob.
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Thanks for your helpful comments.
The main point I was actually wondering was whether it would make me look older. I'm only about 50% grey (not sure if you can tell that).
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First of all, congrats on your thick, wavy hair.
If you are really serious about this, I recommend to take one step at a time.
Get a shorter haircut, are you happy? Still curious, go fo a buzz cut. How about now?
Still serious, it’s SLY TIME.
Good Luck and keep the brotherhood informed on your decision with photos.
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If I had your head of hair I would never shave it. Will it make you look older , probably not older , but certainly different. Some people look good shaved , but not all . As has been said try a crew cut first, then go from there. If the grey hair bothers you , try coloring it. The grey in your hair makes you look more distinguished, in my opinion. If it was all grey then maybe try coloring. With the amount of hair you have maintaince would be a consideration for shaving.
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This is helpful. Can I ask why you say you would never shave it if you were me?
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I’m 56 and still have petty much a full head of hair. It’s been grey for years. I have enough of a receding hairline that I keep mine buzzed to a number 2 in the winter and shave it bald in the summer. I think I look younger with a shaved head because the grey hair is gone. It takes some getting used to and to keep it bald requires daily shaving with a razor. I enjoy the routine and like the way my head feels when it’s shaved bald. Like some of the others have said, it’s a good idea to try a buzz cut first and then decide whether or not to shave the rest. Good luck with your decision.
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If you have the itch to try shaved, you just as well do it. It will take a daily shave to keep it smooth and stubble free. I started shaving with the first sign of thinning, so I was shaving a relatively thick full head of hair. Expect it to take you 20 minutes to shave at first, but with daily practice, the time it take will go way down. Usually aft a month or two, most guys can shave in 5 minutes. I do not know how long you spend styling your hair now, but in my case, shaving take me less time than the daily styling did prior to shaving, not to mention trips to the barber.
If after a trial (I suggest a 30 day trial) you do not like it, you can always grow back. I instantly loved it the first time I shaved, but it does take most guys dome time to adjust. So don't expect instant love of the sly look.
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This is helpful. Can I ask why you say you would never shave it if you were me?
The only reason I would not shave, is my preference if my hair looked that good not to be bald. But that’s me not you. You should follow your needs .
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Shaving off all that hair could be fun and drastic change. I’d say find a St Baldricks event near you and shave it for charity and take it from there. It will be a good reason to shave and make you feel good about it. Otherwise try a crew cut first. A crew cut is a little more stylized than a basic buzz cut. It’s though a bit shorter than Ivy League cut.
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I'll probably make the decision in the very near future, and I am thinking of taking the plunge (but weighing up all the comments and pros and cons).
One thing I was wondering, was if I repeatedly keep it sly for a fair amount of time, then want to turn the clock back, will it grow back exactly the same way as before, or does continual shaving mean it can change the texture/volume etc when it grows back?
Also, I wondered how long it would take to grow back, as I've never done a close shave or anything like that.
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Everyone is different. They say that hair grows at a rate of 1/2 inch per month. Mine grows at least that fast. I can feel heavy stubble one day after shaving. My hair always grows back exactly the same as before.
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I'll probably make the decision in the very near future, and I am thinking of taking the plunge (but weighing up all the comments and pros and cons).
One thing I was wondering, was if I repeatedly keep it sly for a fair amount of time, then want to turn the clock back, will it grow back exactly the same way as before, or does continual shaving mean it can change the texture/volume etc when it grows back?
Also, I wondered how long it would take to grow back, as I've never done a close shave or anything like that.
Shaving changes nothing other than the length of the hair. It will grow back exactly the same. Just the time to grow, and like said above, the average is 1/2 inch of growth per month. Some guys grow much faster, some grow slower.
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+1 on all the above , the only thing is after a longer period of time , your hair may become more thinner and more grey. This is the normal, and not due to shaving.
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+1 on all the above , the only thing is after a longer period of time , your hair may become more thinner and more grey. This is the normal, and not due to shaving.
Is there a reason why it becomes more thinner and grey? I thought some of the others were saying it grows back the same as before,lol
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Just the natural process of aging. If you shave for 10 years, expect more gray than now, and possibly thinner hair as well. If you immediately grow back, you will not see any difference.
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+1 on all the above , the only thing is after a longer period of time , your hair may become more thinner and more grey. This is the normal, and not due to shaving.
Is there a reason why it becomes more thinner and grey? I thought some of the others were saying it grows back the same as before,lol
I am not saying the shaving is causing this . But for example you shaved say 2 years, then grew it back you may see a change , because time passed, and you just might have gotten more grey and grew less hair as a natural occurrence of getting older . And this would have happened even if you never shaved. But because it was shaved you didn’t see this happening.
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You've all been really helpful in this, and given me all the necessary info in which to make an informed decision, which is much appreciated.
In a way, although its my personal choice, if I decide not to go ahead with the shave, it may seem a bit of a let down for you (bearing in mind the site celebrates shaved heads as the way to go) ?!
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Don’t think any members would be disappointed if you choose not to shave. Where here to try and help those who are balding and having a problem deciding what they should do about it. And those even if they have a full head of hair , that are interested in shaving. We only try to give you our experience.
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I'm not sure if I had this guy's amazing head of hair that I would shave it all off. It looks very thick and makes a statement.
Unfortunately I didn't have the choice as I lost most of mine at an early age (I'm now 60). Head shaving is part of my routine and I have grown to love it. Would I be happier if I had his hair though? Most definitely. ;D
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You've all been really helpful in this, and given me all the necessary info in which to make an informed decision, which is much appreciated.
In a way, although its my personal choice, if I decide not to go ahead with the shave, it may seem a bit of a let down for you (bearing in mind the site celebrates shaved heads as the way to go) ?!
It is totally your decision and whatever you decide will not disappoint us. We offer information and encouragement based on what we did. We my seem to push to shave for a guy that is balding and struggling, but that is because WE see shaving as an improvement. Shaving is just one of many hairstyle choices for guys that still have hair. But please don't leave us hanging, let us know what you decide.
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It's true, Rob, most of us here love sporting a shaved head, and we usually recommend shaving to guys that are on the fence. Yes, a bald head is not for everyone, but you will never know until you try it. If your not sure, don't do it!
Nearly 7 years ago, I was similar to you, curious about shaving my full head of hair. I made a deal with my then GF to buzz my head ONE time. I buzzed it so short I went ahead and shaved it bald. After the shock wore off later that day, she said she loved it, and wanted me to keep shaving it. She's long gone, but I continue to enjoy shaving my head smooth everyday.
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I've recently joined the site, and loving the advice and comments on the forum.
It's interesting though, that the question of whether Rob should shave his head seems to be the main topic of conversation at the moment! I do get it that it's a big decision and dilemma.
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I've recently joined the site, and loving the advice and comments on the forum.
It's interesting though, that the question of whether Rob should shave his head seems to be the main topic of conversation at the moment! I do get it that it's a big decision and dilemma.
It is a common question we get, sometimes from guys that are starting to thin, and sometimes guys with a full had of hair that are interested in giving it a try.
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I've decided to go for the full shave this weekend.
Here is a "before" pic from today, and I'll post an "after" pic in a few days!
(https://i.postimg.cc/mktY3B4z/unnamed.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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Good luck Rob, enjoy the experience.
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Good Luck! Are you planning to do it yourself, or do you plan to visit a barber?
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I have asked my friend who is training to be a barber to do it at his :) Not sure whether to video it or not,lol
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1. Why not?
2. Do it.
3. observe the 30 day rule.
4. Then decide.
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I wonder if Rob changed his mind. Although he mentioned he wanted a drastic change, shaving off that great head of hair might have been too drastic. He would probably look great with a killer short flattop.
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I agree that a short flat top would look great on him if he's become to shy to be sly. Or maybe a short buzz cut even?
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I've bottled it just for the moment, only because its so cold, and I thought this may not be the best time to do it after all.
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I've bottled it just for the moment, only because its so cold, and I thought this may not be the best time to do it after all.
A freshly shaved head is very cold. It take some time to adjust, so let us know when it warms up enough for you.
BTW, many guys with a choice alternate between a shaved head and hair, and often it is with hair for the winter.
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Winter is not the best time to shave your head. Most winters I tend to go back to a buzz cut . Hats come in real handy I even sleep in one.
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Its really not that bad, even in Scotland, but you have more hair than i did, so i suppose everything is relative and you have more insulation!
I've bottled it just for the moment, only because its so cold, and I thought this may not be the best time to do it after all.
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Hey, Magoo, I was wondering if anyone else got a cold head at night! I sleep in a hoodie sweatshirt, with the hood on in bed. Of course I'm in Minnesota and my bed is against a North wall.
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Hey, Magoo, I was wondering if anyone else got a cold head at night! I sleep in a hoodie sweatshirt, with the hood on in bed. Of course I'm in Minnesota and my bed is against a North wall.
Red Dog , that sounds like me . Part of the problem is I don’t keep the house temp. Up too high at night.I sleep better in a cool room.
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Welcome